This IDC study presents the worldwide compressed audio and portable media player semiconductor forecast for 2004-2010. Data is presented by the major subcategories of flash-based, HDD-based, and MP3/CD players. BOM analysis and total revenue is presented for each subsegment. A close look is paid to flash memory trends in the flash-based subsegment. Industry trends and competitive landscape are also discussed.

"The compressed audio and portable media player semiconductor market saw explosive growth in 2005, caused by a confluence of unique factors, skyrocketing the segment to the largest in the consumer semiconductor forecast. With great success also comes great change, as well as the ultimate reality that such phenomenal growth is unsustainable. Regardless, this market represents substantial opportunity for the chip vendors playing in it, if they play the right tune." - IdaRose Sylvester, senior research analyst, IDC's Consumer Semiconductor program