A wide-ranging field of electronics for the general public that includes TVs, radios, walkie-talkies, hi-fi stereo, home theater, handheld games, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and Internet-connected appliances.
People purchase consumer electronics for casual use and entertainment rather than professional use. However, each year, consumer devices become as sophisticated as yesteryear's professional gear. In addition, smartphones, tablets and smartwatches fit into both consumer and business categories.
RMA, RTMA, RETMA, EIA, CEMA, CEA, CTA
The number of names assigned to this industry can make your head spin. In 1924, the Radio Manufacturers Association (RMA) embraced the amazing wireless phenomenon called radio, but with the arrival of TV changed its name to Radio-Television Manufacturers Association (RTMA) in 1950.
In 1953, RTMA embraced more electronics to become the Radio-Electronics-Television Manufacturers Association (RETMA). In 1957, RETMA changed to Electronic Industries Association (EIA), and EIA's Consumer Electronics Group became the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA) in 1995. CEMA became the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in 1999, and in 2015 was renamed Consumer Technology Association (CTA). See
CE quality,
CES and
consumer.