This month's feature: Mobile Electronics

After speaking with the experts from JL Audio, Kenwood USA, Stinger AAMP, and Crutchfield, it is obvious that bigger advancements are in store for the mobile electronics industry. Due to recent technological breakthroughs, now more than ever, consumers can look forward to additional perks in OEM and aftermarket systems — from HD quality video and sound to integration of hand-held devices.

From the effects of releasing Satellite radio, to shifts in trends and demographics, here is what these professionals have to say:

Q: What trends do you see in the mobile electronics industry?

"The most important issue facing us is OEM integration. I'm seeing some excellent work being done in our industry to overcome the challenges being put in front of installers by the automakers. Car audio specialist shops will have to become integration specialists to succeed in the coming years. The traditional head unit swap is going the way of the dodo bird." - Manville Smith, JL Audio

"Big box guys pulling back in 12 Volt! Specialists wary…trends video and satellite radio big growth - HD Radio would be good!!" - Micah Ansley, Stinger AAMP of America

"Continued growth of the video and satellite radio categories. These are relatively new categories and have not penetrated the consumer base as much as in-dash CD players, amplifiers and speakers. We are also seeing an increase in the use of handheld music delivery devices (e.g. iPod) and we believe the industry will include interfaces that will allow consumers to incorporate these devices into their audio systems." - Keith Lehmann, Kenwood USA Corp

"In-car video is a growing business. Factory audio systems are gradually becoming more difficult to replace because of integrated vehicle electronics such as warning chimes or mechanical functions such as climate controls." - Carl Mathews - Sr. Director, Mobile Merchandising, Crutchfield Corp

Q: What have you found are the typical demographics of the industry?

"The typical demographic for car audio is still young males 16-24. However, the industry is reaching out for older customers with rear seat entertainment, satellite radio, vehicle specific subwoofer systems and other products. The biggest growth opportunity for the industry lies with the 24+ demographic. These are people who are willing to spend premium dollars if presented a compelling product that integrates seamlessly into the vehicle." - Manville Smith, JL Audio

"16-24 year old male primarily." - Micah Ansley, Stinger AAMP of America

"The traditional profile is that of a 16-to-24-year old male, however the age spread is moving up to 16-to-35 years old because of the demand for rear-seat video (babysitting devices!) and navigation systems." - Keith Lehmann, Kenwood USA Corp

"16-24 year old males." - Carl Mathews, Crutchfield Corp

Q: What do you see as the biggest breakthrough in technology in the past two years?

"The successful launch of satellite radio stands out for me. It is clearly a technology that puts the focus back on listening to good sounding music in the car." - Manville Smith, JL Audio

"Mini HD TV, Satellite Radio; XM-WX etc." - Micah Ansley, Stinger AAMP of America

"Two items: Better navigation mapping and HD Radio. The navigation market was stalled for awhile due to mapping software that was unable to find destinations accurately; however, today's mapping software is very advanced and accurate. HD Radio (high definition) is a breakthrough in broadcast fidelity of both AM and FM bands. HD Radio also allows for data transmission from radio stations such as song and album title, plus there is great news information potential." - Keith Lehmann, Kenwood USA Corp

"Satellite radio was a breakthrough. Users often make statements, such as 'I'll never listen to regular radio again,' after they get satellite radio." - Carl Mathews, Crutchfield Corp

Q: How significant of a role does your website play?

"I consider our website to be our most important marketing asset. We were one of the first car audio companies to launch a website (in 1995) and we quickly realized how valuable it was. JL Audio customers and dealers are able to find everything from product information to tutorials to technical data online at any time." - Manville Smith, JL Audio

"An extremely significant role, used for consumers to educate themselves on our brand." - Micah Ansley, Stinger AAMP of America

"For informational and promo purposes, it is vital. Consumers view all product features and technology in a manner that is educational and entertaining. It is a tool that we use to differentiate our brand. We don't sell our core products on our Website." - Keith Lehmann, Kenwood USA Corp

"It's an integral part of the way we communicate with our customers. We use it to share all kinds of information about the products we sell and to offer customers yet one more convenient way to place an order with us." - Carl Mathews, Crutchfield Corp