SVI Magazine

Well, if the positive comments coming out of Berlin after the show closed on September 8th are anything to go by, the answer has to be a resounding yes. In terms of the raw statistics, attendance at this year’s event exceeded 228,000 (up 8% on 2008); trade visitor numbers increased by some 14%, reaching 119,000, of which around 25,500 were from outside Germany; and more than €3-billion of orders were generated, surpassing the record set last year – and all this despite the challenging economic conditions.

There was also impressive exhibitor turnout: a total of 1164 companies occupied the 121,000-sq. metres of floor space, and many used the event to launch their latest wares. Product innovations included cutting edge flatscreen TVs, the latest 3D technology and wireless systems designed to carry media around the home – but more on the products later.

As you’d expect, the show’s organisers were in buoyant mood: “The IFA’s concept proved a complete success this year – and was reflected in a more international dimension, increased numbers of visitors and the response in the media,” said Dr. Rainer Hecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the organisers, Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu). “Ordering is becoming an almost continuous process at IFA, providing dealers and manufacturers with a more reliable basis for their planning and better opportunities for successful business.”

Commenting on the increase in trade visitors, Dr. Christian Göke, COO of Messe Berlin, added: “Once again we received confirmation that we occupy an outstanding position in the world for the various industries involved. As the trade fair with the most product premieres we have been able to strengthen the international position of IFA even further.”

rave reviews
As we know all too well times have been tough in the Consumer Electronics market, but a successful IFA is at least a positive sign that things might be getting better. Hans Joachim Kamp of the ZVEI (the German and Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association) agrees, saying after the show: “On a European level we are expecting the [Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances] markets to recover, with corresponding improved results for the whole of 2009. IFA has given a significant impetus to international markets.”

There were positive comments too from many of the major players in the Consumer Electronics market who turned out to IFA in force. Frank Bolten, General Manager Sharp Electronics Germany/ Austria, offered: “Sharp can look back on a thoroughly successful IFA 2009. In fact our ambitious expectations regarding sales and distribution were even surpassed. The focus of attention was on our AQUOS LED LCD TV series, and dealers as well as the general public at IFA responded very well to these sets.” (You’ll find more on these impressive products in the flatscreen feature in SVI issue 66.)

Jürgen Wilkin, General Manager Marketing & Communications, JVC Deutschland GmbH, was equally enthusiastic: “We are very satisfied with the results at this year’s IFA. This applies both to the keen interest shown by consumers as well as to the positive volume of orders from dealers. We are delighted to have improved on the 2008 figures.”

And Thijs Linthorst, General Manager Harman International EMEA, Russia and India, summed up the overall mood perfectly with: “With a completely new presentation, IFA was really a complete success for us this year. After four days we recorded a 15% increase in the number of trade visitors compared with last year. Sales also exceeded our expectations, being between 10 and 15% up on last year. All this indicates that prospects are excellent for seasonal business in 2009, for which IFA is a really important factor.”

the new and improved
A wide variety of new products were unveiled to the trade and consumer audiences present in Berlin. Sony in particular pulled out all the stops, making a number of announcements at its IFA press conference. Most noteworthy was the news that the Japanese manufacturer would be fully embracing 3D technology – both through the launch in 2010 of a 3D-compatible Bravia LCD TV and in its role as member of the Blu-ray Disc Association. Further Sony developments include a new line of HD triple tuner Bravia TVs, Bravia Internet video functionality and the arrival of a number of wireless Blu-ray players.

LG was another company with Blu-ray-related news. As well as introducing visitors to its stand to its LU7000 series of small screen TVs with built in DVD-players and its stunning minimalist SL8000, SL9000 and LED-backlit LH9000 flatscreens, the firm was also showing off a new Blu-ray player, the BD390, with advanced DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and integrated Wi-Fi, plus its HLB54S – a super slim Blu-ray Soundbar with wireless subwoofer.

Not to be outdone, Loewe was also in attendance with its Reference 52 flatscreen and Reference Sound Standspeaker; JVC demonstrated the impressive capabilities of its LT32-WX50 – a Full HD thin LCD monitor with Clear Motion Drive III; and DAB specialists Pure unveiled the first commercially available DMB-R radio – a set fully compatible with the first European Digital Radio Receiver Profile, to which the UK amongst many other European nations, is committed.

At the smaller end of the CE product spectrum, Audio-Technica attracted considerable attention with the launch of its attractive FC700 and CKM Series headphones, whilst iPod accessory manufacturer Gear4 showed off an array of Apple-compatible alarm clock radios, portable speakers and micro Hi-Fi systems.

This is, of course, only scratching the surface of what there was to see at the Messe Berlin and an undeniably successful IFA, which can only bode well for 2010. We’ll endeavour to bring you full details of the most important launches in future issues of SVI.

For further information visit:
www.ifa-berlin.com