Happy New Year

I love January. Not just because it kicks off the 2007 International CES, but it also signals a new beginning and a fresh start. 2007 promises to be a strong year for the consumer electronics industry with CEA forecasting growth to soar to $140 billion.

I am fortunate to be part of such a dynamic industry. At a recent CEA event, many of the industry's movers and shakers were in the same room. It is humbling to be included in such company. It also is very energizing to be around leaders who make their visions reality.

CE Vision looks at some of the issues that these executives are challenged by as well as some of the opportunities. 

No doubt on the show floor at CES, you'll see many products under the Blu-ray or HD-DVD umbrellas. In this issue, we take a fresh look at the Blu-ray/HD-DVD struggle being waged on retail store shelves. Time will tell which format ultimately will win in the market or if a new hybrid approach will emerge. And although many retailers are fearful that consumers will become confused and won't buy any products, writer Alan Breznick found there is some striking innovation taking place with the tri-layer player and the PlayStation 3. CEA forecasts roughly 800,000 consumers will buy a next-generation DVD player this year.

Flat screens also will blanket CES. What does this abundance of digital sets mean to consumers? Rob Calem has some tips on how to educate potential customers so that they are not overwhelmed by the many choices and acronyms when they enter a store. CE Vision also takes a peek at the work of the Plasma Display Coalition.

In this issue, also hear about how to do business in China. Writer Gary Arlen found that the learning curve is steep for companies in this unique market with multiple challenges, some of which include a vertically integrated supply chain, competing with state-run factories and dealing with intellectual property abuses. The rewards can be substantial but so can the risks. Get advice from some industry experts who know this market first-hand.

This year we celebrate 40 years of CES and honor the 2007 honorees of the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards. Also our special section on CES Unveiled looks at the companies that are showing their products and technology to the media before CES even opens.

The International CES continues to launch new technologies. Hit the show floor and discover which product, technology or service is most likely to impact your business. CES is the place to make those connections and business relationships to jumpstart your new year. What do you think is making the biggest impact? E-mail me at cstevens@CE.org. V

By Cindy Loffler Stevens
January/February 2007