Etón’s CEO Explains Future
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.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:46 PM
If they plan to continue both models, why are they excluded from the online 2008 Etón/Grundig product catalog? I think the top management is still not coming ‘clean’ as to the E1.
Ed.: Only the E1 is excluded from the current-products webpages, of course, not the E1XM, but we’ve already emailed them about this and possibly others have, too. In principle it should get cleared up on Monday, but we’ll see. [Update, Wednesday, January 23: Etón's webpages continue to show the E1 as having been discontinued.]
Update, January 25th: The website’s E1 entries were corrected late today, but the E1’s price ($500, same as E1XM) appears to be incorrect. Stay tuned.
Update, January 26th: Turns out the E1’s higher price is correct!
January 19th, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Other brand name still used by Etón in Europe: Lextronix.
Ed.: Ray, does any other vendor besides ThieCom (Germany) use “Lextronix”?
January 19th, 2008 at 8:53 PM
I just checked on Internet. “Lextronix” is still widely used in German, not only at Thiecom’s. Just Google for “Lextronix E5″ and see…
“Lextronix” was also used in France last year (not everywhere), but I have just found the name is now being changed to “Etón”, with explanations about that (so buyers for a Lextronix may actually get the same product under the Etón brand name).
Ed.: Thanks, Ray.
January 20th, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Etón is currently out of stock on both models. Any word on when the next batch of units will be arriving in the US?
Ed.: One reader apparently was told “February” at the CES, but bird in hand and all that.
January 20th, 2008 at 7:30 PM
With the amazing history of how the Etón E1XM was resurrected from a few plans and a model, after ten years in moth balls, this radio should be given a chance to prove itself! It takes a lot more than a run of 10,000 radios before all the bugs are straightened out.
Hopefully, the people at Etón are following all the blogs related to this radio, and are making the necessary changes and corrections. It would be nice if Etón would come up with a carrying case for this radio, as well as a ferrite core accessory antenna. Etón should also have a FAQ sheet for all questions related to this radio.
Ed.: Whatever the time frame for a given product’s “shakedown cruise,” the big plus with the E1/E1XM is that repairs are made by the R.L. Drake Company in Ohio. Few electronics firms have that caliber of high-powered talent for making repairs.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Called yesterday about new stock, told 1 to 2 months for new stock. They were not definite about which model that would be either.
Ed.: Thanks, Marty.
January 24th, 2008 at 3:30 PM
I see that in their near future, Etón is planning to introduce three new receivers. One of them looks particularly interesting to me: the proposed new Grundig G6 Aviator. As it, like all other smaller Etón/Grundig radios, appears to have no synchronous detection circuit, it is less interesting to me as a shortwave receiver, but may be quite useful as an aircraft band receiver, especially as it appears as though it will scan the air band. I hope the price will be commensurate with its performance.
We’ll also have to see if it is, in fact, actually introduced and is not just another piece of Etón/Grundig vaporware.
I do have one complaint with this radio as well as other radios of its ilk. WHO designed tuning knobs with raised “pips” in place of a speed dimple? In my opinion the designer(s) should be forced to actually use these knobs eight hours per day!
Ed.: Etón’s public communication has recently fallen flatter than yesterday’s soufflé, but offhand we can’t recall any “vaporware” from them. The Satellit 900, which was the brainchild of Grundig of Germany, came close but, even with its design and production having shifted entirely over to Etón in North America and Asia, it eventually resulted in today’s E1 series.
No idea who originated knob pips, which as you suggest are a pain for dedicated bandscanners. However, they make sense for other users—the vast majority of the market—as they don’t have to land their finger on a speed dimple. For some years, now, various manufacturers have incorporated this feature on models that appear to have been designed in Japan, Taiwan and China.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Oh, come on! Is it REALLY hard to find a speed dimple on a knob!?! If they MUST have those pips. why not ALSO have a speed dimple for those of us who are not “landing finger on speed dimple” challenged? Believe it or not, I can actually find a speed dimple on a knob with my eyes shut (I can even find the KNOB with my eyes shut!) and I’ll bet you can too!
Frankly, I cannot imagine that “the vast majority of the market” of shortwave radio buyers find these pips useful nor do I believe they actually make any sense for anyone. I have never seen anyone PRAISE raised pips on a knob!
When I mentioned “vaporware,” I had in mind the Grundig Satellit 1000 (a.k.a. G1) which is so heavily advertised in the 2008 PASSPORT.
January 25th, 2008 at 8:47 PM
About the “Grundig” brand name: It is still used in Europe for products not from Etón. Passport 2008 cites the Grundig Yacht Boy 80, but there’s also the Grundig Yacht Boy 50 (= Sangean PT-50) for about 70€, and many other small radios (clock radios, etc.) and small new audio products. So, if any new radio from Etón is under the Grundig brand name, when will they be available elsewhere than in America?
Ed.: Ray, as you indicate the two Sangean-made Grundig portables, which have been sold in Europe for some time, are not associated with Etón but rather, it appears, with today’s vestigial incarnation of Germany’s original Grundig. As to Etón’s plans for marketing outside North America, CEO Esmail Hozour recently mentioned that Etón is continuing to take steps to enhance its presence in Europe, then establish itself in the Middle East and possibly beyond.
The general thrust of these plans has been known for some time, now. But specifics, including what brand name is to be used under which circumstances, appear to be a work in progress. At the very least these tactics are not being discussed publicly.
January 30th, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Well, they are getting closer. They moved E1 and E1XM back to the current product page, but have them both priced at $500.00. I just can’t believe any company can fumble things so badly.
Ed.: See details here.