Grundig Multimedia Ag

[Curtis Cassel]

Thecurrency reform brings about a stable economic situation. The demand for consumer goods is enormous. Grundig makes its first complete radio, the Weltklang. Four tubes and six circuits ensure excellent reception.

A new product is manufactured: the 186 B/GW. This was the nondescript name for one of the first portable cabinet radios, which is a radio inside a case. One year later the radio, now called Grundig Boy, becomes a hit on the market.

The Heinzelmann was a success and Grundig was soon able to open a factory. This was soon followed by the first Grundig TV, developed for the first German television channel launched in 1952. In that same year Grundig developed the first portable tape recorder.

Although television is the focus of attention, most TV sets are much too expensive.. The Grundig Television Receiver 210, however, is affordable. Features of the set: a table television with 14-inch screen.

The implementation of very short frequency (VHF) radio opens the field for new sound quality and dynamic side speakers create a 3-D sound. The top appliance from this time is the 5050W/3 D with five speakers, eleven AM and FM circuits, which can receive VHF as well as short, medium and long wave.

During the next decade the portable transistor Grundig radio, portable tape recorders, dictation machines and music players with stereo sound were all exciting new Grundig products at the cutting edge of consumer electronics.

In the Audio sector Grundig introduced a modular system with separate components (radio, stereo amplifiers, record player, tape recorder, separate speaker units and even a 3-D sound device). Customers could build their own hi-fi system and incorporate it into their living room design.

In 1969 Grundig offered its customers Europe's first hi-fi amplifier with built-in equaliser, which became one of the best performers on the market. In the early 70s dramatic improvements were achieved in speaker sound, including quadrophonic playback of stereo channels.

The other major development of these years was home video recorders. Grundig also launched radio alarm clocks with digital rather than analogue display and a new Grundig radio for the car with an automatic station search.

The second half of the 1970s saw car radio technology advance rapidly. Grundig introduced a stereo system with medium wave and VHF receiver, cassette recorder, electronic station search function and a traffic announcement decoder.

In 1978 Grundig started production at a new video recorder factory in Nuremberg-Langwasser. Grundig set a new standard for home video recorders with a two-sided cassette that quickly made conventional VCRs obsolete.

In 1985 Grundig's new generation of video recorders had an innovative system for real-time display of the tape position. Grundig also presented a satellite TV receiver for the first time at the International Radio and Television Exhibition.

In 1986 Grundig introduced the first mass-produced colour television with 100 Hertz technology to market. Flickering on large screens was now a thing of the past and screens became much larger. This Grundig TV became a best-seller with long waiting times for delivery.

In 1995 and 1996 Grundig introduced revolutionary new products: from 3-D sound systems to TVs with interactive user guidance, to the smallest satellite receiver in the world. The Planatron Flat Screen TV could be hung on the wall like a picture and used for multimedia applications with outstanding picture and sound quality. Soon after came an internet-accessible Grundig smart TV.

Grundig recognised the huge potential in MP3 technology at an early stage, becoming one of the market leaders. Grundig strode into the future of multi-media infotainment as it launched more than 40 new products at the World of Consumer Electronics exhibition (IFA) in 2001. Grundig TVs and DVD players set new standards in technology, sophisticated design, interaction and modularity in home cinema entertainment.

These years saw Grundig continue to unveil outstanding hi-fi and television products, with state-of-the-art sound, outstanding picture quality, and wireless transmission throughout the house, making Grundig TV viewing an extraordinary experience.

Grundig has focused on innovation, quality, extending the product range, and new investments. For example, its new HomeWhiz connectivity solution will be launched in 2016, using a smart app to connect with Grundig kitchen and bathroom appliances to make housework easier.

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