GLOBAL AUDIO CODEC MARKET ANALYSIS

Audio Codec is a device or a computer program that encodes or decodes an audio signal. A software-based Audio Codec implements an algorithm, which is designed to compress and decompress digital data streams. The purpose of this operation is minimizing the number of bits, of the given audio file, while retaining its accuracy and quality and helps in reducing the demand for storage space and bandwidth for transmission. Audio Codec ICs are used in portable media devices or consumer applications such as mobile phones, tablets, automotive, home theatre, PCs, and gaming systems.

Increasing number of smartphones is one of the major driving factors for growth of global audio codec market

Recent past has witnessed a substantial growth in the smartphone market and is expected to exhibit this high growth in the near future as well. According Consumers International Organization, the number of smartphone users in the world reached to 2.1 Billion in 2016 and is expected to be pegged at 2.9 Billion by 2019 end. Audio Codecs are one of the primary elements used in the manufacturing of mobiles. Audio Codecs affects listening experience of the consumers whether using headphones, earbuds or Bluetooth speakers. Thus, growth of smartphone market will also lead to increasing demand for Audio Codecs.

In addition to this, Audio Codecs is extensively used in various applications such as television systems for enhanced audio experience. Demand for televisions is increasing significantly and at a faster pace. Manufacturers are focusing on offering advanced televisions with functionality such as Wi-Fi enabled, internet connectivity, and also have cameras, which enables facial recognition technology and recording options. This is expected to aid in demand for such advanced products. Audio is one of the major components of television systems. Hence, as the demand and supply for television system changes, it will also affect the Audio Codec market. For instance, according to India Brand Equity Foundation, the television market in India is expected to grow to US$ 11.78 Billion in 2018, from US$ 9.23 Billion in 2016, which accounts for an increase of 12.97% in 2016–2018.

Global Audio Codec Market: Taxonomy

By Component Type:

• Hardware-Based Audio Codec
• Mono Codec
• Stereo Codec
• Multi-Channel Codec
• Software Based Audio Codec
• Non-Compression
• Lossy Compression
• Lossless Compression

By Application:

• Automobile
• Television Sets
• Smartphones and tablets
• Desktop and laptops
• Headphone, Head Sets and Wearable devices
• Music & Media Devices and Home Theatres
• Gaming consoles
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• The Middle East
• Africa

Global Audio Codec Market: Regional Insight

The global audio codec market can be segmented into six regions namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, The Middle East, and Africa.

Asia Pacific held the dominant position in the market in 2017 and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Asia Pacific has emerged as a major manufacturing hub for the consumer electronics, which use audio codec. Some emerging economies such as China, India, and Japan are few of the major mobile phone manufacturing countries in the region. For instance, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India was world’s third-largest market for smartphones in 2017. This is expected to aid in growth of the market in the region.

Furthermore, North America held the second-largest position in the market, in terms of revenue share. The U.S. and Canada are major growth engines in the market in this region. High presence of mobile companies and in the U.S. such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft is a major factor aiding in growth of the market in this region. In addition to this, the increasing smart phone users in the United States have also accelerated the market in this region. According to Coherent Market Insights, in 2016, the smart phone users in the United States were 241.0 million and is projected to reach 343.9 million by 2021. Audio Codecs being an integral part of a smart phone device, the increase in demand for smart phones has led to rise in demand for Audio Codec.

Global Audio Codec Market: Key Players

Key players operating in the global audio codec market include Cirrus Logic, Inc., Qualcomm Inc., Realtek Semiconductor Corp., Analog Devices, Inc., Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Stmicroelectronics N.V., Texas Instruments Inc., DSP Group, Inc., Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Technicolor SA

Global Audio Codec Market: Key Developments

• In May 2019, Dialog Semiconductor Plc, a highly integrated power management, audio, AC/DC power conversion, charging, and Bluetooth low energy technology provider, announced the launch of its “DA740x”, a family of highly-integrated audio codec chips which deliver active noise cancellation (ANC), by providing optimal audio performance in any environment to the rapidly-growing wireless headphones market.
• In September 2019, Samsung, one of the consumer electronics and mobile phone brand, announced the launch of its premium audio brand "AKG" in India, which includes four new wireless headphones and earphones – Y100, Y500, N200 and N700NC M2. These product delivers clear sound experience with Apt-x technology and AAC codec support to ensure outstanding audio quality.
• In August 2018, Qualcomm announced a launch of its audio codec, “Qualcomm aptX Adaptive” a next-generation audio codec, for dynamic next-gen premium wireless audio experiences. This audio codec combines the features of low-latency aptX, aptX, or aptX HD, depending on the content and the connectivity.
• In June 2015, Conexant Systems, Inc., an American-based software developer and fabless semiconductor company, announces launch of its new high-end HD audio codec “CX8200”, for notebooks, ultra-books and tablets. The CX8200 is featured with fully-integrated Class-D smart amplifier with real-time speaker sensing and protection.