Audiovox Steps Into Personal Sound Amplifier Market and Announce Collision-Avoidance System
Personal Sound Amplifier
Audiovox announced that it will be entering the Personal Sound Amplifier (PSA) market with 2 models for consumers who want/need to hear better. They plan on providing a highly affordable solution for consumers with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
As we get older hearing loss is very common and is just a natural part of life. Although, it is steadily increasing due to exposure to noisy environments, loud concerts, city traffic, power tools, and lawn mowers; and it is taking its toll on several different age groups (basically everyone you see walking around with their headphones on all day). That’s why most people are resorting to devices that provide them with some kind of hearing protection.
“About 33 million Americans experience impaired hearing. And 75% of these people, who could benefit from some form of hearing device, do not have one,” stated David Geise, President of Audiovox Accessories Corporation. “We believe that an enhanced Personal Sound Amplifier can provide a convenient and highly affordable solution for all of those potential first-time hearing device users. This is an excellent solution for people who want to amplify their hearing in certain situations like a crowded restaurant, church, watching TV or, at the movies,” said Geise.
RCA “Symphonix”, model RPSA10 is a Personal Sound Amplifier which offers digital technology, clean amplification. Symphonix is a one-size fits all hearing device that is ideal for people no matter gender or age.
RCA Symphonix provides smooth amplification and background noise reduction over a wide range of frequencies. One really nice thing is that consumers can use Symphonix at the same time that they are using their Smartphone or cell phone.
With a simple storage and charging base, Symphonix takes the hassle out for the consumer of needing to purchase batteries. Consumers will find a power indicator in the base unit that shows when the earpiece is charging, and once the battery is fully charged it delivers 15 hours of battery life.
Retail price for the RCA Symphonix is $299.00, and it will be available in April 2011.
Their higher end model APSA15 placed under their Acoustic Research brand will also be offered. It offers enhanced noise reduction performance and will automatically read and adjust to background noise. Similar to the RPSA10, Acoustic Research will provide a compact storage and charging base. The APSA15 will last for 15 hours of active use. The cradle housing is powered by a mini-USB power cable and there are no batteries to buy or replace.
Collision-avoidance Backup System
Unlike other back-up systems, it combines a camera system with audible alerts of stationary and moving objects, including pedestrians, behind a vehicle. With other systems, Audiovox said, consumers had to buy separate camera and sensor systems.
The CAM430MV camera system will be available around July at a suggested $299
One really nice thing about this system is that the camera can be connected to any LCD screen, including a factory-installed navigation screen. Once connected the system displays a color box around a moving or stationary object or person while also emitting an audible alert. The onscreen boxes change color as the vehicle gets closer to the object, and the beep tone grows more urgent as the vehicle gets closer.
With the average cost of hearing aids ranging from $1200-$6000, I believe it is very smart for Audiovox to be taking a step into this market. Giving the ability to hear clearly to virtually anyone at their price points.
