Vegas Popular

To say the Consumer Electronics Show is huge is an understatement. There is aisle after aisle (building after building, even) of the latest gadgets and services that will help make life better, or at least more enjoyable. Even with an all-access pass and four days, I still couldn't see everything.

Luckily, UnCut Video created an online hub where you can take a video tour of the convention including commentary from NPR's Mario Armstrong.

Whilst patrolling the gigantic displays of hoopla from the biggest tech companies displays throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center and Sands Expo Center, I noted emerging booth trends -- not the products themselves, but how the products are presented.

Here are some of the more notable trends:

Speed Sells -- While the maxim "sex sells' is almost always true, at CES it is speed that sells. Gadgets and computers must go faster and faster. Many exhibitors roll in race cars to drive the point home. Not to say that sex can't sell (watch last 10 seconds), it's just that speed is the DJ that rocks this party.

Cirque du Everything -- With five shows and counting, Cirque du Soleil is so heavily associated with Vegas, many booths featured a "Cirque du This" or "Cirque du That" to promote their company's products.

I heard the cast from 'LOVE' was performing at the Gibson tent, but a Gibson tent attendant said that would be impossible. Of the remaining CES Cirques, one worth watching is the somewhat sexy Cirque du Superior.

- Vegas Theme Runner-Up: The Heart is a Lonely Elvis

It's a Show About Nothing -- So many booths and so little time drove some exhibitors to attempt to cut through the clutter by going outside of their product's benefits and features and just create a Seinfeldian "show about nothing."

I'm sure sure there are meanings in the booths like convenience, but if it's not easy for the crowd to connect, or you're not throwing out a lot of swag, it might. This beach scene is supposed to give enough light textures to showcase digital photography while the fish with the guy playing solitaire is a post-modern depiction of technology enabling commonalities within our emotional ecosystems. The excavation booth was just a cool display of old technology. In the opening shot of the video, we hope they are dissing 8-track technology and not Barry Manilow.

Even our own mass-market AOL Dome went esoteric and in the process, became an unintentional chill out room. The dome featured all of the cool tech features in a new, free AOL, but the electronic music, dim lights and comfortable furniture put people to sleep, literally.

Jambox Heroes -- Obviously portable music devices are a big part of consumer electronics. While everything is getting iSmall, it was good to see a couple of booths bringing back the jamboxes of ye days of olde, even if only for display purposes. That led me to the idea that Jay-Z or Run DMC should create a classically massive, limited edition iGhettoBlaster for Apple to sell. That would be huge.

Weapons of Mass Harmonization -- plenty of musical instruments laying around with plenty of non-musical people attempting to play them. Here is Fat Tony, who is slightly musical, playing Ion electronic drums.

Groin Busters -- out of all the exercise machines I saw, this bucking one intrigued me the most. It was very "Urban Cowboy" except I hurt my groinal area. As you can see from the video, obviously I didn't use it properly. You're supposed to go against the motion and that works your core.

Game Shows and Parodies -- There weren't any Yankovic-worthy parodies (or if there were, it went over my head) but parodied game shows were everywhere. Deal or No Deal became Mobile or No Mobile for Toshiba and Rhapsody had some sort of Jeopardy! featuring contestants accessorized to resembled Elvis, Britney and Michael Jackson.

Other parodies included product placements like the Blu-Ray Brothers, on "mission from LG."

Now, I have to go work on my African Anteater Dance.

3 Doors Down performed a mini concert at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Vegas.They actually performed inside the convention at the ESPN Stage.

Here is a clip of "Here Without You"

I was having a bad case of TV envy as I roamed through Consumer Electronics Show, checking out the hottest new TVs, from plasmas to LCDs, all either dwarfing my old school 27", or putting its picture quality to shame. Then, as I finally calmed down, realizing that size isn't everything, I saw it; the world's largest LCD TV.

Sharp Electronics unveiled the 108" LCD TV at CES, although the company is still mum on the price. Of course, you can't have a TV without a good DVD player, so Sharp also announced plans to launch its first Blue-ray Disc player in the U.S. market. The company plans to ship the player in the second quarter at a $1,199 suggested retail price. All of a sudden I'm feeling bad about my VHS/DVD combo player from Sam's Club.

Extends AOL Video beyond the PC to the "10-Foot" Living Room Experience

2007 International CES
Booth #CP10
Booth #14200

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AOL and Sony Electronics, Inc. announced today that the companies will work together to make content from AOL Video (http://video.aol.com) available through Sony's new BRAVIA™ Internet Video Link, which was unveiled this afternoon at the CES Show. This first-of-its-kind Sony feature, which will be available this summer on a majority of 2007 Sony televisions, enables consumers to access video content from the Internet via an optional module without requiring a PC.

"Working together with Sony, consumers will be able to enjoy much of the AOL Video content that they view online and watch it anytime, anywhere beyond the PC," said Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President, AOL. "Sony's new BRAVIA Internet Video Link provides a rich entertainment experience and gives consumers the best of both worlds: the vast programming available through broadcast TV, plus the broad range of unique and entertaining video content that can often only be found on the Web through sites like AOL Video."

"Content is the key to any entertainment experience and it was essential for Sony work with companies like AOL to make Internet video experience compelling," said Randy Waynick, Senior Vice President of the Home Products Division at Sony Electronics. "Consumers now have the ability to bring the best videos of the internet to their living room to share with everyone in the family."

Using the TV's remote control and optional module, consumers can access the Internet and simply navigate through a series of menus to browse and play free videos from AOL® Video. Consumers can also easily pause, fast forward and rewind a video using the TV's remote control. AOL Video (http://video.aol.com) offers a wide variety of licensed content and original programming including music videos, full-length television shows, user-generated videos, movie trailers, news clips, and more.

AOL and Sony will be demonstrating prototypes of AOL Video content running on the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link at this week's CES Show in the Sony Electronics booth (#14200 in the Central Hall) and in the AOL booth (#CP10 in the Central Plaza).

Legendary musicians, showbiz and sports superstars will join Captains of Industry when the world's largest technology tradeshow kicks off today in Vegas at not one, but two sprawling convention centers with nearly 150,000 registered delegates from all around the world.

Welcome to the 40th anniversary, 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show to experience the hottest new gadgets and gizmos in the industry. It's become a $140-billion global business and still growing in leaps and bounds. Call this year's expo electronics a go-go because mobility is the key theme.

And AOL is center stage with round-the-clock, real-time coverage with seven of my great Total Vegas TV camera crews and a slew of producers and editors. Check out Uncut Video to watch everything from Microsoft head honcho Bill Gates' opening speech last night to SONY supremo Sir Howard Stringer and DELL computer chief, Michael Dell.


But Luxe Life focuses on the entertainment world's headliners: Multi-platinum rockers 3 Doors Down will perform twice tomorrow in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center, on the ESPN stage. The group is promoting Consumer Electronics' Great Audio Experience and you can see exclusive video interviews with them at www.greataudio.com. Gene Simmons of KISS will be at the Coby Electronics booth on Wednesday, and knockout model Teresa Noreen, will represent PowerBass USA, every day.

Monster Cable will host a concert at The Venetian tomorrow evening with the timeless and ever-popular recording stars George Benson and Al Jarreau. Gibson Guitar will rock all week with a long list of talent including the performers from Cirque de Soleil's Beatles 'LOVE, who will be there tomorrow, followed by Latin superstar Arthur Hanlon and then a wrap-up-the-day concert from Joan Jett. Wednesday is also packed with superstars at the Gibson booth: Billy Bob Thornton will visit and the legendary Beach Boy Brian Wilson will perform.

A different NBA legend will visit Haier America each day with 4-time league scoring champion George "Iceman" Gervin kicking it off today; perennial All-Star and 1992 Olympic Dream Team member Clyde "The Glide" Drexler tomorrow and "The Human Highlight Film" Dominique Wilkens, on Wednesday. Vegas' own Kyle Busch, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Driver #5 will wheel into the Delphi booth today and drivers Tanner Foust and Stephan Papadakis will attend every show day supporting Memphis Car Audio. Luxe Life will update the stars' CES visits each day as we learn the booking news.


The first CES show was held back in New York in 1967, four years before the first ever cell phone call and the introduction of a U-Matic videocassette recorder, the forerunner of the Beta system! In 1978 CES moved to Vegas as the Hilton added its north tower three-years before the first ever demo of HDTV and the introduction of the CD in 1981. It took seven years before CD's surpassed the old vinyl records in 1988. Hard to believe it was back in 1993 that Personal Digital Assts were first launched and in 1996 we saw the first movie-length DVD's. At the turn of the century the average US household had 17 consumer electronic items but today it's grown to 26! We'll be there each day and bring you a wrap up report of all the gadgets and gizmos we found most fascinating plus a special look at how Vegas itself is becoming its own TV channel on the new Social TV network from Media Zone.

PETRIFIED PAMELA

Sex-goddess Pamela Anderson (seen here with Chuck Zito) has revealed her private anguish for the first time in dealing with threats by her newly-separated husband Kid Rock. The divorcing couple were literally across the Strip from each other a week ago when Pamela hosted at TAO in the Venetian and Kid Rock hosted at JET in the Mirage with competing New Year's Eve parties. There were reliable reports that Kid Rock along with his bodyguards kicked in the door of a guests' room at the Hard Rock where he believed love-rival Tommy Lee, once married to Pamela, was staying, but he had the wrong suite! In her own words Pamela explained

CES Debuts the Latest Content-on-the-Go Products and Wireless Innovations

The latest content-shifting products and emerging technologies in the wireless industry will connect once again at the 2007 International CES^®, with the latest advancements in mobile phones, PDAs, wireless notebooks, wireless distribution systems and more on display. Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA^®), the 2007 International CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, returns to Las Vegas, January 8-11 to celebrate the show's 40^th anniversary.

"As wireless technology continues to expand and consumers strive for greater connectivity, attendees at the 2007 International CES will experience the world's largest display of portable content devices and the hottest wireless technologies coming to market," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. "With more than 360 wireless exhibitors, as well as wireless-specific conference sessions and TechZones, such as Bluetooth and Connected Home Entertainment, that feature the latest in wireless technologies and content-on-the-go products, the International CES is a one-stop shop for the hottest products and trends emerging on the wireless market."

The 2007 International CES represents all facets of the wireless ecosystem including mobile content creators, wireless device manufacturers and wireless accessories. Some of the major wireless players that will be exhibiting at the 2007 International CES include AT&T, Audiovox, CellStar, LG Electronics, Logitech Inc., Motorola, NetGear, Nokia and Samsung. For a complete list of wireless exhibitors visit the CES Exhibitor Directory at www.CESweb.org/attendees/directory/.

Top executives from leading wireless companies will be featured speakers at the 2007 show. Ed Zander, chairman of the board and CEO of Motorola, will discuss growth opportunities in the wireless industry during his CES keynote address slated for 9 a.m. Monday, January 8 at The Venetian's Palazzo Ballroom. Additionally, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, president and CEO, Nokia Corp., will deliver an Industry Insider address at 11 a.m. Monday, January 8 in the Las Vegas Hilton Theater.

This year's International CES will house more than 175 conference sessions, including more than 55 sessions focused on the wireless industry. CES attendees will hear from top industry professionals on key technologies and trends focused on the latest emerging developments in the wireless market.

Conference sessions with a focus on wireless technology include:

• Mobile Broadband and Content: learn about the latest product ideas, market analysis, sales strategies, partnership opportunities and manufacturing alliances in this exciting new consumer market.
• Profit Opportunities in Accessories: hear from savvy retailers on highly profitable and often-overlooked add-on opportunities in TV/video, portable media and other popular CE categories.
• Using Your Wireless Device on an Airplane: join leaders from the CE and airline industries as they discuss the future of electronic devices on airplanes, and the technology that will make these in-flight devices feasible.

The 2007 International CES features more than 20 TechZones focused on emerging developments and ground-breaking achievements, including the latest in wireless technology. The Anytime, Anywhere TechArena, located at the Sands/Venetian, focuses on content-shifting devices and technology and features several market-specific TechZones, including The Download, ExpressCard, IPTV and Podcasting TechZones. The Consumer VoIP TechZone showcases the latest in voice-over-broadband services, and CES attendees interested in state-of-the-art mobile devices will want to visit the Discover Wireless Mobility TechZone, sponsored by QUALCOMM and located in South Hall 3 of the LVCC.

These exhibits and events will ensure that CES attendees are the first to experience the hottest innovations in wireless technology from industry manufacturers, developers and retailers.

For more news on the 2007 International CES before, during and after the show, including individual conference sessions and TechZones, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES information.

ABOUT CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

Source: CES

While most attendees at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES^®) will be exploring the latest innovations in consumer technology on the show floor - a small but elite cadre of business executives will be studying the inner workings of the global machine that gets goods, on time, clear across the planet to retail and into the hands and hearts of the consumer.

This part of the consumer electronics business is known as supply chain and it will be the topic of this year's CES spotlight business event, Consumer Electronics Supply Chain Academy (www.CESupplyChain.com), two days of conference sessions held in conjunction with the 2007 CES on January 10-11.

The Academy (CESCA) features executives from Best Buy, Circuit City, Dell, Sony, UPS, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, TradeCard, I2, OATSystems, Sterling Commerce and numerous others exploring the issues of RFID, returns, forecasting, inventory management, retail event promotion, freight and transportation, and global logistics. The session will also explore news-breaking issues such as recycling (as presented by Hewlett-Packard) and recalls (as presented by Dell).

Todd Thibodeaux, senior vice president, industry relations, Consumer Electronics Association, believes that the time has come for such a conference to be focused entirely on supply chain issues. "Supply chain efficiency has never been more crucial to the success of consumer electronics companies. This program is a wonderful addition to the conference lineup at the 2007 International CES and offers a valuable experience to CES attendees."

IBM's general manager for the Electronics Industry, George Bailey will discuss supply chain implications for the CE industry in his keynote presentation: "Consumer electronics companies live or die by their supply chains," he says. "The lifecycle of CE products has shortened so significantly that products are often out of fashion within months of their release. Part of what makes this industry fun is that volatility, but it's also the industry's greatest challenge"

Best Buy, for example, has taken a leadership position in oiling the consumer electronics supply chain. CEO of Best Buy International & CIO of Best Buy, Robert Willett, plans to focus his CESCA address on how the real benefit of an agile international supply chain is that it can satisfy changing customer expectations and demands. "It starts and ends with the customer," said Willett of Best Buy's strategy to maximize the customer experience efficiently, using advanced supply chain management systems.

Ron Cuthbertson, senior vice president of supply chain and inventory management at Circuit City Stores, Inc., which includes more than 630 Superstores in the U.S., adds that, "as consumer electronics purchases have moved towards larger products, such as plasma screen televisions, the supply chain has become more challenging," especially since, "Circuit City now also needs to arrange all the various accessories that are needed to get the system installed and operating to peak performance, typically requiring product sourcing from various suppliers."

Much like the CE products themselves, technology deployment throughout the consumer electronics supply chain is transforming the way products are tracked and monitored - particularly with the introduction of radio frequency chips known as RFID. Wal-Mart has mandated an RFID compliance program for its vendors and Best Buy is deep into pilot studies with the technology.

Dr. Bill Hardgrave, founder and director of the RFID Research Center at the University of Arkansas, will present his findings at CESCA that RFID technology was responsible for up to a 30% reduction for Wal-Mart in out-of-stocks for certain products. Meanwhile, MIT scientist Sanjay Sarma of OATSystems, will also illustrate how supply chain management has become a science rather than a black art due to the increased product visibility of RFID.

Since 2003, Hewlett-Packard has been integrating RFID into its supply chain and it has been witnessing steady improvements in sales ever since. "Everyone knows that there is stuff in the retail back room that should be out on the shelf." says Didier Chenneveau, vice president and general manager of operations for HP's Imaging and Printing Business, adding bluntly: "The margins in the consumer electronic industry are so small that everything counts."

For additional information about the 2007 International CES, please visit www.CESweb.org.

For information on the CESCA, please visit www.CESupplyChain.com.

SOURCE: CES

World's Largest Consumer Technology Tradeshow Features More Than 240 Exhibitors and 40 Conference Sessions on Mobile and In-Vehicle Electronics

The 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES^®), the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, will showcase the latest in mobile and in-vehicle technology January 8-11, 2007. As CES returns to Las Vegas to celebrate its 40^™ anniversary, the mobile technologies on display will include the latest advancements in automotive security, GPS technology, wireless technology for vehicles and in-car video. CEA estimates that U.S. factory-to-dealer sales of in-vehicle technologies will reach $8.5 billion in 2006 and predicts that sales will rise to $9.6 billion in 2007.

"The 2007 International CES will have more than 240 mobile electronics exhibitors, making it one of the largest showcases for in-car technologies in the world," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences at the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA^®), the producer of the International CES. "The mobile technology market is an extremely important one to CES and to the global attendees who flock to our show to see the latest and greatest in-car technologies. For this reason, we also feature mobile technology related TechZones, partner programs and conferences devoted to showcasing this category to CES attendees."

Some of the major mobile electronics exhibitors that will be at the 2007 International CES include Alpine Electronics, Clarion Corp. of America, Delphi, Directed Electronics Inc., Johnson Controls, JVC, Mitek Corp., Monster, Rockford Fosgate and XM Satellite Radio. As in the past, the Las Vegas Convention Center's (LVCC) North Hall will house the majority of mobile electronics exhibitors.

The 2007 International CES will include more than 20 TechZones. Automotive retailers, distributors or manufacturers interested in the latest products in the automotive aftermarket industry will want to attend the Automotive Aftermarket TechZone. The Digital Car/Telematics TechZone features the most innovative digital car products from audio/visual entertainment to navigation devices and intelligent transportation systems. Attendees can watch live demos of automotive warning systems at the Vehicle Communication & Safety TechZone, sponsored by ITS America.

With more than 40 of the 175 conference sessions focused on mobile electronics, the 2007 International CES is the perfect event for keeping abreast of the latest industry developments and advancements. Top industry names will participate in and educate attendees on mobile and personal broadband conferences, mobile entertainment, market trends and memory solutions.

Conference sessions with a mobile electronics focus include:

• The Driver Performance Issues: Addresses the issues of driver interaction due to advanced electronic installation and the safety issues associated with the development of this technology.
• Taking Entertainment on the Road: Learn about the newest factory and aftermarket entertainment options for your vehicle.
• Aftermarket Integration of Radio and Safety Equipment for Vehicles: Hear experts address what role the aftermarket will play in the growth of wirelessly connected vehicle products and services.

The Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) Installation Training Track will be returning for the 2007 International CES. This is a great opportunity to learn the top technical knowledge, installation techniques and fabrication trends. It will be held at the LVCC, North Hall on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 and the three sessions will start at 10:30a.m., 12:00p.m., and 1:30p.m.

For more news on the 2007 International CES before, during and after the show, including information on CES exhibitors, conference sessions and TechZones, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES information.

ABOUT CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

Source: CES

When I was first deciding how we're going to cover CES, I had to meditate for a couple of days and go on a hunger strike to clear my head. There's so much, so much, so much going on, I needed a clean slate. The meditation only lasted an hour as I was jacked up on Red Bull and the hunger strike ended after 15 minutes when I saw an advert for Krispy Kreme, but the taurine and sugar kept me focused so creativity prevailed.

By day, it's all tech and gadgets, AOL is going to have a huge booth inside the convention where we will be bringing you on-the-floor coverage like they do on the Wall Street news shows. We'll also have footage from all of the other booths at CES, well as many as we can. The convention is super-massive so we'll pre-apologize if we miss a couple of booths out of the 100s of exhibitors. You'll ne able to watch that footage on UnCut Video. I know Fat Tony is looking forward to parking it at the the Gaming TechZone and taking on winners from the World Series of Video Games.

By night, it's all Vegas. We'll be bringing you the excitement that is "Fabulous Las Vegas." So far on the list is the Pure party, but we're going to see what else we can get into, surely there's some karaoke somewhere in town.

Somewhere in between day and night are the juicy press cofnerences, like Bill Gates and our own resident celeb man-about-town, Robin Leach, has a chat set up with Sir Howard Stringer of Sony. We're also vaguely excited about a pre-CES view of the big product launches at the official press event known as "CES Unveiled." We just hope there's not too many British documentary filmmakers crowding the place.

Stay tuned for more CES as we get closer or just go ahead and add our CES or general Vegas Pop feeds to your RSS reader.

Pipelines Power Panel to Address Content Delivery Challenges

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA^®) today announced that leading executives from major satellite, broadcast, cable and telco companies will share their insights as part of the Industry Insider Series at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES^®) with a Pipelines Power Panel. Produced by CEA, the 2007 International CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, will return to Las Vegas January 8-11, to celebrate its 40^th anniversary.

Focused on the future of content delivery, the Pipelines Power Panel is slated for 2:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, January 8 at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater, home to the 2007 Industry Insider Series. Moderated by CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro, the panel will include David Barrett, president and CEO, Hearst-Argyle Television; Glenn Britt, CEO, Time Warner Cable; Chase Carey, president and CEO, DIRECTV; Charlie Ergen, founder, chairman and CEO, EchoStar Communications Corp.; Pat Esser, president, Cox Communications Inc. and Virginia Ruesterholz, president, Verizon Telecom.

Shapiro and the Pipelines Power panelists will hold a candid discussion on the state of content delivery to American consumers, the growing opportunities for service providers and the potential for new industry partnerships.

"The visionaries slated for the 2007 CES Industry Insider Series are among an elite group of top leaders changing the shape of the consumer electronics industry," said Shapiro. "As more options for content delivery become available to consumers, we look forward to a dynamic and insightful discussion from the executives on the Pipelines Power Panel on the growing opportunities for content services."

The executives on the Pipelines Power Panel join FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, Cisco President and CEO John Chambers and Nokia President and CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo as top-level participants in the 2007 International CES Industry Insider Series.

The 2007 International CES will feature the hottest products from 2,700 exhibitors, covering more than 30 product categories including the latest in wireless, digital imaging, mobile electronics, home networking and more. For more news on the 2007 International CES including the latest TechZones, conference sessions and registration information, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for all International CES information.

Note to Journalists:
Press and analyst registration and show news is available at www.CESweb.org. Journalists are encouraged to arrive in Las Vegas by Saturday, January 6 to take advantage of all the CES press events.

ABOUT CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

SOURCE: CES

CES Gaming TechZone Features the Latest in Electronic Gaming and Digital Entertainment

The hottest gaming products and technologies including new gaming software and hardware, consoles, whole-house video systems and controllers will be on display at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES^®). Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA^®), the 2007 International CES, the world's largest technology tradeshow, returns to Las Vegas January 8-11 to celebrate the show's 40^th anniversary.

"With revenues projected to jump another 16 percent next year, the gaming market is booming. New gaming technologies continue to 'wow' the industry, and attendees at the 2007 International CES will be among the first to experience the hottest products changing the shape of the gaming market," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. "With the CES Gaming TechZone featuring top gaming companies across the globe, conference sessions and other special gaming events, the 2007 International CES is the global hub for the latest trends emerging on the gaming market."

New to the 2007 International CES show floor will be the Gaming TechZone, sponsored by GameDaily, located in the Sands Expo and Convention Center/The Venetian. The new Gaming TechZone will feature some of the hottest gaming companies changing the electronic gaming and digital entertainment landscape including Majesco, Gameloft, PC Gamer, Maximum PC, Game Quest, Wolfking, Ultimate Game Chair, Novint Technologies, 3D Innovations, Tritton Technologies, Frepar Networks, Front Electronics, LumiSource, Bluegears, QMotions, Jack of All Games, Ace Bayou, Blaze Games, Sandio Technology and JFJ Disc Repair.

Also new for the 2007 show will be The World Series of Video Games All-Star Festival, presented by Intel, which will be housed in the CES Central Plaza. This interactive entertainment area will feature hands-on gaming on all the newest gaming technologies from Intel, Xbox 360 and Fatal1ty Brands led by Creative, ATI, Dell and The Planet. The Festival also will give CES attendees the chance to play against the winners of the 2006 World Series of Video Games, as well as hear from top level gaming executives.

Additionally, this year's International CES will house more than 175 conference and SuperSessions, enabling attendees to hear from top industry professionals on key technologies and trends, including the latest developments in the gaming industry. More than 50 gaming-specific conference sessions are scheduled including "Ultimate Gaming," which will delve into the hottest accessories, peripherals and surround sound components used to create the ultimate gaming experience for console and PC gaming, and "Understanding the Female Gamer," exploring the latest CEA study results, which found a significant rise in female gamers.

The 2007 International CES will feature the hottest product debuts from 2,700 exhibitors, covering more than 30 product areas, including the latest in gaming, wireless, digital imaging, mobile electronics, home networking and audio. For more news on the 2007 International CES before, during and after the show, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES information.

ABOUT CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

Source: CES