I have recently returned from Las Vegas and the 2009 CES. Not surprisingly, televisions continue to be the main attraction at this show as has been the case for many years. The four outstanding initiatives this year were:

• Ultra-thin TVs
• Wireless TVs (that will communicate with games consoles and DVD players from up to nine metres away)
• Internet-enabled TVs
• 3D TVs

3D was the theme of the show and appears to be the next TV wars agenda between the manufacturers. Approximately 40 3D films will be produced in the next two years, with the likes of Pixar leading the way. In the U.S., some sporting events have been broadcast in 3D and will become more common in the coming years. It remains to be seen whether the dear old consumer will be happy wearing 3D spectacles and coping with the nausea that they produce. The developers are working on polarized glasses and flicker- free film, which will apparently make the whole thing more comfortable.

Internet-enabled TVs were also on show at CES. Manufacturers presented the benefits in a functional way with the likes of GPS traffic reports, social networking, video calling and video on demand. As always, the technology guys eventually realize its all about content if its going to sell, but hmmm...lets see shall we.