It is difficult to say when the term ‘consumer electronics’ was first used, but the first of such items were likely the electric phonographs and radios of the 1920s, and the next two decades were basically devoted to the continued development of these two items. In fact the consumer electronics industry was dominated for decades by sound reproduction, radios, television and telephones.

In the 1930s much of the American radio development was in the portable market, which was well timed with the war about to begin and the market getting ready to explode.  Although television was invented in the 1920s, it did not become a consumer electronic product until the 1940s, again probably prompted by the second World War, although sales in the UK boomed in 1952 just before the Coronation that was to be televised.  Everybody that could afford it rushed to buy one, and every electrical retailer and dealer stocked them. Until then most development had been in so called hi-fi and sound recording and play back technology.

However, it was the development of the transistor in the 1950s that was to bring about the real electronics explosion, most of it due to the investment of the Japanese in time and money in researching commercial uses for this new invention that could replace bulky thermionic valves. This was to be the start of miniaturisation and true portability. Battery development was also an important factor since home radios were powered by Leclanche cells, resembling car batteries that were anything but portable!

Semiconductor development in the 1970s and 1980s was largely driven by the large Japanese electronics companies, who were able to drive prices down through improved manufacturing techniques and innovative production and quality systems. The ‘right first time’ ethos and reduction in waste allowed maximum output at minimum cost. They were so successful that only one US manufacturer of colour television sets remained by the beginning of the 1990s.

The 1950s, then, saw transistors radios and consumer tape recorders coming onto the market, and more and more retailers stocking consumer electronics as their main product line.  The Swinging Sixties saw the introduction of audio cassette players and recorders, and the beginnings of colour television, though that did not become truly affordable until after the decade was over.  The major technical innovation that was to lead to further miniaturization, and the electronics industry as we know it now, was the integrated circuit.

The integrated circuit allowed miniaturization as we now understand it, and they are contained in just about every current consumer electronic product.  It was developed almost simultaneously by Fairchild Semiconductors of California, and by Texas Instruments, and led to pocket calculators, video games, CB radios and ultimately to the laptops that we use today (with something called PCs in between!).  The great innovator in home computers was Clive Sinclair, although eventually most manufacture was transferred to the Far Fast where minimal labour coasts and modern production methods enabled consumer electronic products to be produced at very low prices. Companies such as Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi became market leaders, although most electronic products start off at high prices that generally get increasingly lower, and also have a degree of designed obsolescence.

Now we have electronic books, satellite navigation systems, iPhones, high definition digital TV and wireless systems. All of these consumer electronics were born from the transistor, semiconductor and integrated circuit research and development.  Now they are commonplace, and practically the whole consumer electronics industry is provided by the Far East. In the UK, you can buy anything you want from your nearest dealer or retailer, but ShopSuperMarket makes it easier for you by giving you choice, and the ability to compare products and prices online.

A Buying Guide to Consumer Electronics:  Ten Tips on Choosing and Buying

This buying guide to consumer electronics relates to electronic products in general rather than individual items.  Goods such as TVs and radio systems can generally be purchased from any UK retailer specializing in general electronic equipment.  UK stores such as Comet will stock the most popular items such as TVs, audio systems, computers and the like, while more specialist dealers such as Dixons will stock a wider range of consumer electronics.

However, there is wide range of different brands and designs, and just as many different prices, and it can very challenging to the average Joe when they come across this vast array of styles and makes, and there are frequent difficulties in choosing the correct specification for your needs.