Kenwood 2000 Annual Report Download - page 15

KENWOOD Corporation Annual Report 2000
13
applications include, but are not limited to, cellular
phones, car navigation systems, audio-visual equipment,
computers, broadcast equipment, and hearing aids.
On the other hand, Kenwood TMI develops and
produces measuring instruments such as oscilloscopes,
DC electric loads, regulated DC power supplies, AV test
equipment and sophisticated digital test instruments.
These are essential for R&D activities for manufacturing
equipment, quality control, research for new AV
technologies, etc. The highly efficient electronic load with
a built-in sequence controller, and the IEEE1394 bus
tester, are examples of high performance measuring
instruments produced by the company, which enjoys a
high reputation throughout the world.
Strategies and Prospects
Product development aimed at digital broadcasting in
Japan and the US is also a key to invigorating the
broadcast business, in addition to the expansion of IRD
sales in Europe. Already in March 2000, Kenwood signed
a contract with Sirius Satellite Radio in the US to develop
a car receiver for the BS digital radio broadcasts they plan
to start in March 2001. Also on the agenda is the
development of receivers for surface wave (AM/FM)
digital broadcasts in the US.
The optical microphone is undergoing repeated tests
under the severe conditions of car racing. Besides being
incorporated into Kenwood products, the microphone will
be sold to various electronics suppliers in order to expand
its applications and make it the new standard for
microphones.