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Product Magazines: Product Trends |
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Aug 2000
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PRODUCT FEATURES Solid Sound Advice Beating The Burglars Hold That Thought Fingertip Management |
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NEW
developments in audio-visual and entertainment equipment -- from karaoke systems
to MP3 players -- are boosting sales of headphones and earphones. That is according
to Sira Chun, promotions manager for newly listed Fujikon Industrial Co Ltd,
which carries an extensive range of electro-acoustic products.
Fujikon is one of several manufacturers providing global markets with innovative headphones. One model has an active noise-cancelling function for in-flight entertainment. It was chosen as a top-10 finalist in the Hong Kong Electronics Industries Association's 1999 Award for Outstanding Innovation and Technology Products.
"We have a strong R&D team, stringent quality controls and excellent quality," says Chun, citing Fujikon's ISO 9001 accreditation. "We have many different kinds of headphones, including models that vibrate with the rhythm of music, surround-sound chip, infrared, foldable, super bass, lightweight, detachable and middle-ear models."
The headphones are made of plastic and metallic parts, leatherette, cushions and sponge. Fujikon has numerous well-known OEM customers such as Fujitsu, NEC, TEAC and Sharp. The company supplies retail giants, including Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Carrefour, as well as airlines Delta, Northwest and Air Canada. It also carries its own brands.
Due to the wide range of designs, prices are available on request. "For our standard models, minimum order is 1,000 pieces," says Chun. "Any colours are available, including translucent shades. However, non-standard colours may require a larger quantity." Lead time is 30 days.
"We have a worldwide customer base, mainly in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Japan," says Chun. "We will increase exposure to those markets we have not yet reached. We shall particularly make more efforts in the Japanese market, which requires trendy, hi-tech and quality products."
The major selling points of headphone sets from Zonik Industrial Co Ltd are value for money, good quality and prompt delivery, says assistant general manager Carrie Wong. The products appear under the Koss, JVC, Casio and Sanyo brands.
"Raw materials for our headphones and earphones come from Japan and Taiwan," says Wong. "The main materials are plastic, PVC and self-bonding wires."
Among Zonik's products is the DX-990 digital headphone with volume control, 6.3mm gold-plated adaptor and 4m cable. It has a frequency range of 18-20KHz and maximum power of 200MW, features an adjustable headband with soft ear cushions and folds for easy carrying. It is priced at US$3.50 FOB Hong Kong per piece. The LX-800 (US$1.70 per piece) is also a digital model with volume control and 6.3mm gold-plated adaptor. Its frequency range is 20-20KHz and maximum power is 150MW.
"Our major markets are the US and Europe," says Wong. "The products sent to the US are for assembly purposes and without blister packing -- they will be sold after assembly with a Walkman or Discman. Those sent to Europe are always with blister packing, to be sold as finished goods. The price for Europe is a little higher than for the US. We are targeting South America and the Middle East."
Minimum order is 3,000 pieces, and delivery time is 30 days.
Uni-Art Precise Products Ltd, with an ISO 9001 certification, produces headphones under its Arkon brand. Among the highlights, according to marketing manager Simon Chan, are an 863MHz, UHF, foldable, wireless headphone system and an 863MHz, UHF, stereo, wireless, rechargeable headphone, both priced at US$19 FOB Hong Kong per piece. Frequency response is 20Hz-15KHz for both.
Components are sourced in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. All headphones come in black only. They are exported to North America and Japan. "Minimum order is 1,000 units, and delivery time is six weeks," says Chan.
Telean Technology Ltd produces 100,000 infrared (IR) and 50,000 radio frequency (RF) headphones each month, according to operations director Anita Chan. "We have made headphones for nearly 10 years, so our quality is very stable." The company has ISO 9001 certification, and most of the products have BZT approval.
Cases are mainly ABS and come in black or metallic silver for a hi-tech look. "We seldom do fancy colours," says Chan.
The most important detail for buyers is the frequency, she says, adding that this is 2.3-2.8MHz for the most common IR models and 863MHz or 433MHz for RF models.
"Most are battery-rechargeable and feature comfortable ear cushions and inner bands," Chan adds.
Europe, particularly Germany, is Telean's major market. The headphones appear under the Intech and Infraphonic brands. Among the models is a 433MHz FM wireless system, priced at US$25 per piece, and an IR system at US$13.50. Prices are FOB Hong Kong. Minimum order is 1,000 pieces, and delivery is 45-60 days.
Atom Industrial Ltd produces 25,000-30,000 wireless audio products, including RF headphones, per month. "Our headphones capture innovative design, value-added features, competitive price and good customer service," says sales manager Snowie Chan, adding that the company is ISO 9001-certified.
The ABS housing of the headphones' stand is sourced from Taiwan. "Colour depends on customers' requirements," says Chan. "We recommend customers provide us with the Pantone colour or a reference sample." The items come under the company's Atomic brand.
Outstanding features include auto-tuning and surround sound, while frequency range is 434-863MHz. A highlighted model is the 863MHz, sound retrieval system, wireless, RF stereo headphone.
"Our market is worldwide, but particularly Europe, the US and Southeast Asia," says Chan. "Different safety regulations or approvals are provided for different markets." Minimum order is 2,000 pieces, and delivery time is 45 days.
WRITTEN BY ANN WILLIAMS
THE
market for security products is growing. Though an unhappy reality for some
people, this fact generates vigorous demand for a plethora of ingenious and
useful security products from Hong Kong's fertile consumer electronics manufacturers.
AEI Advanced Electronics Industry Ltd offers the HA-982 alarm control panel with communicator and auto-dialer at US$65 FOB Hong Kong. With eight programmable zones, this 3.2kg, metal box-mounted system can be programmed from -- and can report to -- telephones, mobile phones, keypads and PCs, while offering optional sirens and strobes.
Formed in 1979, AEI Advanced Electronics makes alarm control panels, communicators and dialers, access keypads and PIR motion detectors. A minimum order value is US$6,000, with deliveries taking 30-45 days.
Sometimes branded AEI, these products appear in markets around the world. The sourcing of raw materials focuses on Hong Kong, South Korea, the US and Taiwan, and the company employs 250 workers in mainland China.
Company director Chiu Kwok-ho says the HA-982 model is "a sophisticated alarm system for self-instalment, mainly for small businesses and office premises. We aim at a market between the expensive contractor-installed-and-maintained professional systems (which carry large monthly monitoring station charges) and simpler, less versatile systems. Our team of eight engineering designers ensures maximum product performance and that our technology is right up-to-date."
Eyston Co Ltd, founded in 1989, makes smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and night-lights for the consumer market. Examples include a mini smoke detector with an optional silence feature, a photoelectric smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm. Prices and minimum orders are subject to negotiation, and deliveries take 45-60 days upon receipt of an L/C.
Branded Eyston, these products appear in the US, Australia and Europe. The company has 500 workers in Dongguan, mainland China.
Sales and marketing manager Angela Chan describes Eyston's range as outstanding. "This is because we have our own injection house and tooling shop, which gives us flexibility and quality control. It also delivers price advantages over most of our competition. We have 14 in-house engineers in research and development, and because these are consumer products, we also commission outside design agencies for the cosmetic appearance."
Leeds Electronic Engineering Ltd manufactures the LS2500 wireless alarm system control console, powered by mains or batteries, equipped with instant or delay operational modes, and featuring a built-in, 10-decibel alarm siren. It costs US$46 FOB Hong Kong.
Optional accessories can be purchased as a separate kit (the LS2000) at US$42. This includes a wireless PIR motion detector, a wireless magnetic switch for doors or windows, a wireless smoke detector, an external siren and a remote emergency button.
Each month, Leeds produces one million electronic security items and components, sirens and strobes. A minimum order is 500-1,000 pieces and delivery takes 4-8 weeks. Major markets are the UK, Australia, France, the US, Italy, Germany, Singapore and Malaysia.
The company sources electronic components and piezo elements, plastics and ICs from Japan, Taiwan, mainland China, the UK, Germany and the US. It has 300 workers in Dongguan, mainland China.
"We've been in business for 27 years and in security products for 10, so we are experienced," says Leeds general manager Michael Lui. "We control our processes by manufacturing everything ourselves, right down to wireless transmitters and receivers, rather than just buying in modules for final assembly. Only by having total product control can we offer our customers a total service. We back this up with engineering, R&D and design services, but our strongest point is the user-friendliness of our products designed for the DIY market."
Meyer Electronics Ltd supplies the key-operated Door Guard 3 alarm at US$5.60 per piece FOB Hong Kong and the keypad-operated Door Guard 4 at US$7.90. A personal traveller's alarm costs US$4.50. The Door Guard 7 model, with a siren, magnetic sensor and panic button, costs US$9.45.
Established in 1977 and incorporated in 1985 to manufacture home security alarms, Meyer enforces a minimum order of 500 pieces per model. The delivery cycle is 30-45 days, with the US, Germany, France and Canada as main markets.
The products are made from Taiwanese resistors, Japanese transistors and capacitors, ICs from the US and Japan, piezo-ceramic buzzers from mainland China and PCBA and plastic casings from Hong Kong.
Meyer, which employs 200 workers in mainland China, is ISO 9000-compliant and its products carry the CE mark. Its factory has an ISO 9002 quality-standards certificate.
"These are consumer products, and we have a mix of customers, principally importers," says Meyer marketing executive Pamela Yuen. "We also do OEM assembly for other manufacturers. Our research and development is enhanced by the much larger group engineering and design services we can access. Design is important, but so is the concept of user-friendliness. In particular, we believe simple installation is a must for DIY customers."
WRITTEN BY JOHN NEWSON
Voice Memos/Recorders
FUMBLING
for a scrap of paper to jot down a thought is no longer necessary with the new
generation of handy voice memos/recorders. Functional and dependable, these
compact units have the added attraction of imaginative designs.
Children from three to 10 years will enjoy a LCD watch-cum-voice memo/recorder from Genius Link Int'l Ltd. The watch can record a 10-second message and play it back at a designated time. Each new message is recorded over the previous one.
Both the strap and case are plastic. The unit comes in green and yellow or black, red and white colour combinations. "But we can do any colours or designs a customer wants," says marketing executive Daniel Ho.
The unisex watch (US$4 FOB Hong Kong) has a Japanese-made IC and runs on two button-cell magnesium batteries, which are included. Minimum order is 2,000 watches, with delivery 45 days after order confirmation.
"We are thinking about adding more functions, such as changing the sound of the voice when a message is played back," Ho adds.
The two-year-old firm manufactures 20,000 voice memos/ recorders per month, mainly as premiums for markets in Japan, Europe and the US.
Value-added design is a strong theme of Harvest Way Ltd's voice memos/recorders. "Everything in an office is plain and boring, so we wanted to make our products interesting and attractive," says marketing manager Tony Tse.
A desktop model, which resembles a hi-fi speaker, comes in two message capacities. A 10-second version records a single message, while a 20-second unit handles multiple messages. Another model, the page-stand recorder, does double duty. Apart from its 20-second, multiple message capability, the item can hold a sheet of A4 paper.
Both models operate on four AAA batteries (not included).
A voice memo/recorder shaped like a pair of lips has a magnet attached "so people can put it on their refrigerators and leave a message about dinner or remind themselves what groceries to buy", says Tse. The model runs on four, 1.5V, G-13 button-cell batteries, which are included.
Standard colours are silver and black, but any colour may be ordered. Prices range from US$2 to $3 FOB Hong Kong apiece. Minimum order is 2,000 pieces per model, with delivery in 35 working days.
Uni-Lockey Mfg Co Ltd offers a voice memo/recorder that is also a key-ring with a light. The 3x5-6cm item is available in two shapes (rectangular and bean) and two colours (silver and blue). The US$2.20 FOB Hong Kong plastic unit can store a single 10-second message.
"People can use it to remind themselves where they parked, or they might want to remember a phone number," says business co-ordinator George Chan.
The 20-year-old firm, known for its key-chains and mirrors, produces about 200,000 voice memos/recorders per month. These are exported mainly to the UK and US. Minimum order value is US$5,000, while delivery is 40 days after confirmation. Two button-cell lithium batteries are included.
Goodfit Products Co Ltd offers a credit card-sized voice memo/recorder (85x61x9mm). The card (US$3.65 FOB Hong Kong) weighs 20 grams, runs on two lithium button batteries (included) and can store one message of up to 20 seconds.
"People like it because it's so thin," says marketing executive Oscar Lau. The card can be made in any colour and designed to suit customer specifications.
Another model is a slim key-chain recorder (US$2.95 FOB Hong Kong). It uses two button-cell lithium batteries, which are included.
Both models retain messages even after batteries are removed.
Minimum order is 3,000 pieces. The firm delivers six to seven weeks after a deposit is paid. Europe and the US are the main export markets for the 100,000 units produced each month, but expansion is also planned. "We would like to develop a market in Asia," says Lau.
Union Electronic (HK) Ltd's model RM-15M (92x48.5x23mm) can hold 15 minutes' worth of messages. Length of each message appears on the LCD window.
"It can rewind to specific messages and erase certain ones so new words can be recorded," says manager Lee Sai-sun.
The US$17 per piece FOB Hong Kong unit has five volume settings and runs on three AAA batteries (not included).
The company also has a line of pen recorders in 10-second, 20-second and 40-second versions. Priced from US$4.80 to $7.80 FOB Hong Kong, the pens operate on four button-cell magnesium batteries, which are included.
Minimum order value is US$10,000 per shipment, with deliveries 35-40 days after confirmation. Major export markets are the US, Europe and Australia.
WRITTEN BY ANDREA PAWLYNA
Universal Remote Controls
HOME
lives for many people are becoming increasingly automated. Fortunately, a new
generation of remote controls is appearing to help harness all the advanced
technology. New remote controls can operate air conditioners, televisions, lighting,
audiovisual and entertainment systems. One popular trend is to rely on a single
remote to perform numerous tasks.
The wireless remote controls with dimmer functions manufactured by UPM Unique Products Mfg Ltd feature a four-channel transmitter (model TR-402D), on/off receiver (model RC-402) and dimmer receiver (model RC-402D). All models use RF technology to fine-tune room lighting and can simultaneously trigger the on/off receiver to control other plugged-in home appliances with maximum loading of up to 3,680W.
"These are extremely easy to use," says UPM assistant marketing manager Shirley Chan. "A built-in, self-learn coding system means the channels can be set after only a simple procedure."
The products have gained the German RF licence approval, BZT, and conform to GS and SEMKO safety standards. The company, while making a range of remotes with on/off and dimmer functions, plans to launch a series of universal remote controls.
Pricing depends on order quantities, delivery times and requirements relating to plug and socket systems. The company welcomes OEM orders for wireless remote controls and other RF technology goods. Production is at the company's 700-worker factory in Dongguan, mainland China. Minimum orders are for 3,000 pieces, with delivery guaranteed 30-45 days after order confirmation.
Remotec Technology Ltd makes some of the most futuristic remote controls. The Home Theatre Remote Deluxe (model BW0680) is for hi-tech users. This desktop model can replace up to eight different remote controls. It features pre-programme and learning functions, plus four macro programmes to facilitate different settings.
"The shape, colour and high-quality finishing combine to make this model very attractive to the home-theatre market," says Remotec senior sales executive Andy Lam. It also has key-name editing functions, which add names to the remote and create personalized panels.
Despite this dazzling array of functions, the product is user-friendly. "We have an interactive LCD display providing step-by-step instructions for set-up," Lam says. He believes the industry trends are toward low-range and high-range products. "The high-range market is beginning to grow quite fast," he adds.
Remotec, one of Asia's largest remote-control manufacturers, has its sales evenly distributed to the US, Europe and Japan. The company's 800-worker, joint-venture factory for remote controls in mainland China operates eight production lines with capacity to expand as necessary. Minimum orders are for 1,000 pieces when Remotec's logo appears on the packaging, and 3,000 when a customer's logo is featured. Delivery takes 30 days.
Brightron Wireless Electronics (FE) Ltd is a specialist in RF wireless controls. The company's CE-standard Remote On/Off Control (model BC 8300) has built-in radio and TV interference filters to ensure precise control over a range of up to 15 metres. Maximum resistance load is 1,800W. It sells for US$8.70 FOB Hong Kong.
"This model has four channels and can control up to 100 lights," says Brightron marketing manager Franky Fu. "We also produce many other types of remote controls, such as those to operate ceiling fans or burglar alarms on entrance doors."
The minimum order is 1,000 sets, with delivery four weeks after order confirmation.
Sophisticated, sleek and smart -- these are hallmark features of remotes from Nicetex Electronics Ltd.
The company's Universal Learning Remote Control (model NE-362) can replace 10 devices and process the necessary information with help from 47 storage buttons. It operates lights, air-conditioners, most audiovisual products and the latest VCD or DVD technology. Other features include 20 programmable macros and multi-language editing on the LCD display. It sells for US$24.90 FOB Hong Kong. A sister model (NE-365), which replaces five devices and has 32 storage buttons, is US$12.90 FOB Hong Kong.
"The main market is the US where home-theatre systems are well established," says Nicetex marketing director Ricky Chan.
End-users are increasingly concerned by product appearance, so the design focuses on creating an upmarket, classy feel. "Some function keys are hidden by a cover so the model looks less complicated," says Chan.
Nicetex uses innovative technology to produce a range of electrical products, including CD systems, weather stations and learning remote controls.
There is a minimum order of 1,000 pieces per item, and delivery takes 40 days. Fourteen production lines at the company's 800-worker factory in mainland China have a monthly capacity of 100,000 pieces.
WRITTEN BY MAGGIE HOLMES
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