Analysis [Briefing in Depth]

The consumer electronics business is still facing tough times, but there are some glimmers of light. The US Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) aims to set the tone for the show a couple of days before its official opening by having its analysts offer an overview of trends and a global forecast. Not surprisingly, it is their job to accentuate the positive. At the same time, however, these are sober men. Their enthusiasm concentrated on star products more than what is happening at the macro level. CES 2010 thus marked the beginning of a real 3D display market, although everyone immediately warned that it may take several years to reach serious volumes. In the shorter term, it also saw more 'apps' and Ethernet connectivity being integrated into mass-market displays, allowing them to directly access online movie rentals and other Web-based content. The consumer electronics business is still facing tough times, but there are some glimmers of light. The US Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) aims to set the tone for the show a couple of days before its official opening by having its analysts offer an overview of trends and a global forecast. Not surprisingly, it is their job to accentuate the positive. At the same time, however, these are sober men. Their enthusiasm concentrated on star products more than what is happening at the macro level. CES 2010 thus marked the beginning of a real 3D display market, although everyone immediately warned that it may take several years to reach serious volumes. In the shorter term, it also saw more 'apps' and Ethernet connectivity being integrated into mass-market displays, allowing them to directly access online movie rentals and other Web-based content.