On Wednesday, Gary Kinsman reported to us that he had heard from Walter Hess that both the Etón E1 and Etón E1XM (photo, D. Zantow) were to be be continued and “updated.” Lawrence Bulk also forwarded Gary’s comments.
Rather than tread deeper into this maze by posting the reports immediately, we conferred at length with Esmail Hozour, Etón’s CEO. Also present was Etón’s second-in-command, Walter Hess.
Prognosis for E1XM and E1
One implication of the conversation was that the last musing of January 13th—that Etón has had varying thoughts about how best to market this receiver—may explain inconsistencies emanating from Etón concerning this model’s outlook.
Specifically, Etón suggests that it has been mulling over model designations for various geographical markets worldwide. The point thus appears to be not to discontinue the receiver as such, but rather to weigh the possibly of replacing one model designation in favor of another.
For example, they have a choice between Etón and Grundig brand names, as well as a roster of possible models: E1XM, E1, G1, Satellit 1000 and so forth. For the moment, at any rate, the official word, as conveyed for public release, is that the Etón E1 and Etón E1XM are to be continued (see below).
So, even if the E1 and/or E1XM were to disappear, it apparently would be replaced by the same receiver under a different model designation and perhaps a changed cabinet coating (silver or rubberized-black).
We asked for a summary written explanation for readers. It has arrived, written by Walter Hess and approved by Esmail Hozour:
“As for the E1 and E1-XM, I’d like to confirm that these two models continue to be in the Eton Product line and we have a very long term plan for this platform. This statement should clarify any confusion that may have existed.”
However, as of late Friday the Etón website continues to contradict this, the same as was pointed out in Lee Badman’s comment of January 14th. This hardly inspires confidence, but presumably it will be corrected in due course.
As to the E1 series being updated, Esmail Hozour explained that no design changes are being contemplated. Rather, with each production run the manufacturer makes use of the latest available parts, which tend to be improved over those used in earlier production. This, Hozour states, has applied to the E1XM’s LCD, among other components that in the past have been sources of consumer complaint.
New Receivers
E1 issues aside, 2008 is the 100th anniversary of Max Grundig’s birthday, so Etón plans to step up new-product introductions. Too, the company is weighing whether to include DRM capability in one or more models, although for now this is very much up in the air. As to the Satellit 750, it nominally will be “one-third of the size” of the former Satellit 800.
Finally, they expect to place greater emphasis on wind-up “preparedness” portables throughout the year. And long-contemplated high-end Porsche world band receivers are scheduled to debut before long; featuring analog frequency readout, these have been designed with visual wow to tempt folks that lust for such goodies as the Apple iPhone.
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