Editing Boombox (section)

==Compressed digital audio and the future of boomboxes==
[[File:Sony ZS-PS50 CD player and FM radio.jpg|thumb|A modern boombox, the Sony ZS-PS50 with MP3 file support via USB drive or CD]]
Although many boomboxes had dual cassette decks and included dubbing, line, and radio recording capabilities, the rise of recordable CDs, the decline of audio cassette technology, and the popularity of high-density [[MP3 players]] and [[smartphone|smart phones]] have reduced the popularity of high-quality boomboxes to such an extent that it is difficult to find a new dual-decked stereo. Dubbing remains popular among audiophiles, [[bootleg recording|bootleggers]], and [[music piracy|pirates]], though most tasks are now accomplished through digital means or analog-to-digital conversion technology.

[[File:Durabrand CD-1095 (9386172839).jpg|thumb|A basic (low-end) boombox, the [[Durabrand]] CD-1095 with only track number display, lacking the time indicator]]
Most modern boomboxes include a CD player compatible with [[CD-R]] and [[CD-RW]], which allows the user to carry their own music compilations on a higher fidelity medium. Many also permit iPod and similar devices to be plugged into them through one or more auxiliary ports. Some also support formats such as [[MP3]] and [[Windows Media Audio|WMA]]. Some models, typically higher-end, are able to display [[metadata]] such as title, artist, album (known as "[[ID3 tag]]" on MP3 specifically), file name, and parent folder or file path, on the [[segment display]] itself or a separate character row.<ref name=EX30>{{cite web|url=http://resources.jvc.com/Resources/00/00/95/lvt1213-001b.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820112149if_/http://resources.jvc.com/Resources/00/00/95/lvt1213-001b.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-08-20 |language=mul |title=JVC RC-EX30 operation manual |date=2004 |page=11 |quote=When you press and hold DISPLAY for more than 1 second, the title, artist name and album name scroll through the display window once, and then the track number being played and elapsed playing time are displayed again.}}</ref><ref name=RR510>{{cite web |title=LCD-Display – Karcher Audio RR 510 anleitung |url=https://www.bedienungsanleitu.ng/karcher-audio/rr-510/anleitung?p=8 |website=www.bedienungsanleitu.ng |page=8 |language=de}}</ref>

The simplest way to connect an older boombox to an MP3 player is to use a [[Cassette tape adaptor|cassette adapter]], which interfaces an MP3 player's output directly to the cassette player's heads. The 'Line In' (also known as 'Aux In') can be used if the boombox has one.

Some modern boombox designs provide other connections for MP3 (and sometimes other digital formats) such as a [[USB]] connector for use with a removable [[USB flash drive|USB drive]], slots for various [[flash memory]] media such as [[Secure Digital card|SD]], [[MultiMediaCard|MMC]], [[SmartMedia]], and [[Memory Stick]], or even a CD drive capable of reading MP3s directly from a CD, thus allowing for a relatively cheap and large music storage to be carried and played back at full volume.

Starting in mid-2010, there are new lines of boomboxes that use [[Bluetooth]] technology known as Stereo Bluetooth, or A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). They use the wireless Bluetooth technology to "stream" audio to the boombox from a compatible Bluetooth device, such as a mobile phone or Bluetooth MP3 player. An example of this is the JAMBOX,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/jawbone-jambox-review/|title=Jawbone Jambox review|work=Engadget|date=December 3, 2010 }}</ref> which is marketed as a "Smart Speaker" as it can also function as a speakerphone for voice calls in addition to being an audio playback device.

Another modern variant is a DVD player/boombox with a top-loading CD/DVD drive and an [[LCD]] video screen in the position once occupied by a cassette deck.<ref>{{cite news 
| title =Go Video brings LCD to boombox| publisher = Ubergizmo.com | date = August 15, 2007 | url = http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2007/08/go_video_brings_lcd_to_boombox.html | access-date = June 22, 2010}}</ref> Many models of this type of boombox include inputs for external video (such as television broadcasts) and outputs to connect the DVD player to a full-sized television.

Some newer boomboxes, may also have DAB/DAB+ radio, internet radio, or network capabilities and various apps, like TuneIn, Spotify, MusicCast, DLNA, etc. Also they have Wi-Fi, Network RJ45 connection. However, this may limit their portability, as internet access is needed to use them at full potential. Without internet service, they can operate as standard, radio (both FM, AM and DAB), USB and CD player (if available), aux input, and bluetooth (if available).