CES 2010

Massive flat panel displays are usually the center piece of most major manufacturer's and there were some very impressive one's this year. However, Sharp's Aquos display was incredible, with their 108" LCD anchored at the bottom.

HDMI cables are advanced conduits capable of carrying high-definition audio and video signals, but HDMI connectors seem less robust. My experience with HDMI cables includes intermittent connections and connectors that don't solidly lock in place. So, when I received an email from Accell Cables regarding their new locking HDMI cable connector I decided to visit their CES exhibit.

Pioneer Electronics introduced its first in-wall speakers at CEDIA, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Since that time they have expanded the line to include Elite branded models. I met with Andrew Jones, Pioneer's chief speaker designer and he explained that the new Elite in-walls are designed to optimize the sound quality of new lossless audio formats and to minimize the inevitable problems associated with installing a speaker in a typical residential wall. In general the performance of an in-wall speaker can be compromised due to the wall cavity in which it is installed, but with the right construction materials an in-wall speaker can provide excellent performance. Pioneer uses titanium tweeters, woven fabric speaker cones and cast aluminum frames to maximize the audio performance of its new models. Pioneer also developed Coherent Source Technology to improve off-axis performance with smoother overall frequency response. To fine tune the sound, the new in-walls include bass and treble controls. I look forward to reviewing the new models when they become available in spring, 2009. Prices were not available.

Why is that man wearing sun glasses indoors? They aren't sunglasses, those are 3D goggles. While none of the companies demonstrating 3D-capable TVs were prepared to make any projections as to when product might actually hit the retail shelves, it was a common attraction at a good number of exhibits.

While only designed for entertainment purposes at the show, this tabletop using Microsoft Surface, allows multiple windows to be open (like a browser). Windows can be moved around with one finger. Place them where ever you like, then pinch or expand them to change the window size. Video can be played on each window individually or all at once, just touch the play/pause key. The forward thinking technology of the movies (remember Minority Report?) may be a reality soon.

Other than integrating the Rhapsody music service into the Escient Vision media center, the company had little news for CES. However, they said they were awaiting Sony's announcement of a Blu-ray changer with the capacity of 400 discs. The Escient system will be capable of integrating four changers, for access to 1,600 Blu-rays. At present, there probably aren't that many BD discs on the market, so the system can grow along with your library.

LG's wireless TV system includes the 55LH85 Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV and an AV media box. The only cable to the TV is the power cord. All components are plugged into the media box which connect to the TV wirelessly, and transfers uncompressed 1080p signals up to 30 feet away, at a bit rate of 3Gbps.