Radio Headphone [Sony Walkman SRF-H4]
Maker and role
Sony Corporation, Manufacturer
Production date
Circa 2006-Circa 2007
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2007.53
Maker
Production period
Description
Black and silver coloured plastic headphone radio of Sony 'Walkman' brand. Tuning and volume dials, FM and AM functions, small green power switch which also activates MEGABASS function. Left side opens to add batteries (runs on single AAA battery). Adjustable head band, antenna with orange cap which is light reflective. Cardboard packaging, warranty, instructions, and warning card included. Plastic case destroyed
Brief History
The first affordable portable radios were available to consumers from the late 1950s and were made possible by the invention of the transistor, which allowed more durable and smaller radios. Sony’s Walkman, a portable personal radio and cassette player, was based on the technology used in the company’s Pressman; a portable cassette recorder marketed to journalists. Sony’s engineers, over a few design iterations, removed the record function and added stereophonic sound and small, lightweight headphones.
The Walkman was launched in 1979 and much of its success lay not in any technological advance but in its marketing. The name Walkman became a generic term for a personal stereo made by any manufacturer, and Sony has expanded its Walkman line to include CD, MiniDisc and MP3 based technologies. Portable radio remained popular alongside portable recorded music and these Sony Walkman SRF-H4 headphones were introduced in 2004 to provide this option for users including joggers and sports fans.
The Walkman was launched in 1979 and much of its success lay not in any technological advance but in its marketing. The name Walkman became a generic term for a personal stereo made by any manufacturer, and Sony has expanded its Walkman line to include CD, MiniDisc and MP3 based technologies. Portable radio remained popular alongside portable recorded music and these Sony Walkman SRF-H4 headphones were introduced in 2004 to provide this option for users including joggers and sports fans.
Marks
SONY / FM/AM WALKMAN / SRF-H4 / FM/AM Printed
SONY / WALKMAN / MEGA BASS Logo
SONY / WALKMAN / MEGA BASS Logo
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Sony Corporation. Circa 2006-Circa 2007. Radio Headphone [Sony Walkman SRF-H4], 2007.53. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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