3) Equipment obsolescence: By the end of the 1990s, the demise of discrete analogue electronics ensured the technological obsolescence of many of the traditional mainstays of the consumer audio/video service industry, such as cathode ray tube (CRT) television sets, videocassette recorders, LaserDisc players, as well as tape recorders/players, console stereos and component stereo systems. These items were being replaced in favor of much less costly and/or more portable, higher-technology devices with advanced features utilizing digital signal processing and computer technology prized by consumers. Unfortunately, the new products were either difficult-to-service, not economically feasible to repair, or designed with planned obsolescence. Today, the even more rapid pace of technological advancement often seems to make electronic equipment obsolete in a relatively short period of time after purchase.