Global sales of digital music players, including MP3 players and other devices, are expected to increase more than 200 percent by 2009, a key research firm said Thursday, as more consumers adapt to a world where CDs and cassette tapes appear to be going the way of the 8-track tape.

Sales of portable compressed audio players are expected to hit $145.4 billion in four years, a 211 percent jump over $46.7 billion in sales in 2004, according to IDC forecasts. Units shipped worldwide are seen rising 320 percent to 945.5 million in the same period.

“Demand for portable MP3 players is booming, as more and more consumers get acquainted with their stylish form factors and digital audio functionality,” said IDC analyst Susan Kevorkian, program manager for audio consumer markets.

Flash memory-based units will lead the growth, soaring 370 percent to 124 million units in 2009 from 26.4 million units shipped globally in 2004. Video support and the increase of video content will also drive demand.

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