Usually, people will pay attention to the price, function, and capacity when they are choosing an MP4. Obviously, the capacity of MP4 plays an important role. It has a direct impact on the video quality and the storage files which they can directly see. In 2007, flash memory has the same fame as hard drive MP4. What about in 2008? Now, we will simply analyze and forecast the developing trend of MP4 in 2008.
Concept Explanation
MP4 are now divided into two kinds: one is the traditional use of FLASH memory as a storage medium, and it has limitation because of its small storage capacity, it can not be larger than 4 GB memory. This we called flash memory MP4. Another one is use hard drive as a storage medium, and it can be as a handheld MP4 player theater, digital photo mate, recording equipment, mobile hard drives and other digital devices functions. Furthermore, storage capacity can be up to 8 GB. This we called hard drive
MP4.
The flash MP4 has unique advantage in vibration protection, but it has small capacity. If we increase the capacity, the basic cost will be increased and consumers can not accept it. Normally, we use expansion cards to increase capacity. Hard drive MP4 are developing rapidly. When it just appeared, 20GB capacity was widely adopted in mainstream product in standard configuration. Then 30 GB, 40GB, 60GB and larger capacity emerged in some MP4 products. At present, the biggest hard drive MP4 has already reached 120 GB.
Concerned about the situation
In order to forecast the develop trend of MP4 storage capacity, some investigation in to the most common 10 types of MP4 storage capacity. Results are as follows:
(Pic) 10 types of MP4 storage capacity analysis in April
The data shows that the top three categories ranked are flash MP4 with a market share of 70.2 %
Ranked at number 1 is the 1 GB MP4 with 35.3%, with clear advantages over other similar products, Second is 2GB with 17.2 % of the market, only half of 1 GB MP4 players, Placed at number three is 4 GB flash MP4 at 9.7%, which is only a quarter of the 1 GB MP4.
By contrast, hard drive MP4 has only 10% of the market share, 20 GB is almost the same as the 30GB MP4 currently at 8.7 % and 7.8 % respectively, ranked in the forefront of the hard drive MP4 the 60GB and 80GB were 4.4% and 5.5% respectively. The 40GB and 120 GB (currently the largest hard drive MP4) was almost 1.0% and 2.5% respectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, the flash MP4 still has the advantage in the market, generally accepted by consumers. 1 GB of which is the most attractive one. We have more options on hard drive MP4. 20GB and 30GB were the favorites. Other types of current MP4, are not so popular but still has the potential.
Reason analysis
The main reason is the price. Flash MP4 is cheaper, normally about $100, can be accepted by most consumers. But 4GB capacity just can store two movies and it is not so easy to use. By contrast, hard drive MP4 with large capacity cost about $230, more than double of flash MP4.
Forecast
Because of this situation, 2 GB flash memory and 60 GB hard drive MP4 will become the new favorite. But for long term consideration, because of low quality of flash MP4 components (small capacity, short lifespan, low-resolution), the high cost of expansion is very likely to gradually disappear in the market. The hard drive MP4 has great development potential as long as good control of prices and improved cost-effective methods are used, it will be easy to capture the market.
Although the MP4-flash still has the larger market share currently, the hard drive MP4 development prospects is very bright. We forecast hard drive MP4 will become the development mainstream in 2008.
