By James Wells
LAS VEGAS: Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been described as the biggest ever with 1.8 million net square feet of exhibition space, over 140,000 attendees and 2,700 exhibitors.
According to the event’s organisers, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the show delivered over 20,000 new products as well as a plethora of partnerships which linked consumer electronics and information technology companies and emphasised their continuing convergence. The event also set an international attendance record with over 26,000 visitors.
The 2007 CES featured the first dedicated exhibition stand for Australian companies which was organised by the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (AEEMA) in conjunction with Australian Trade Commission regional director – Americas, Ian Wing, as well as Australian Trade Commission – US technology team leader, Michelle Pflaum.
The pavilion provided nine Australian consumer electronics manufacturers with access to export markets and international buyers.
According to AEEMA chief executive, Angus Robinson, the Australian Pavilion attracted a lot of interest from exhibition visitors as well as media organisations, including the American bureau of the local Nine Network and Fairfax newspapers.
Robinson told Current.com.au yesterday that he hopes to offer more Australian manufacturers with another exhibition stand.
The pavilion is designed to provide the nine Australian companies with export opportunities, and to highlight the reasons that US businesses should consider Australian consumer electronics companies as partners.
"The 2007 International CES succeeded beyond our expectations," said CEA CEO and president, Gary Shapiro.
"It had buzz and optimism and attracted the world leaders of the content, technology and services, communications and automobile industries."
According to Shapiro, a series of announcements attached to high definition display technology was one of the highlights of the event as well as digital imaging, in-vehicle entertainment, content shifting devices and video gaming.
The 2008 International CES is scheduled for January 7-10, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The nine Australian companies involved in the Australian Pavilion at CES were:
— Digital Frames (Sydney, NSW) — supplier of digital photo frames that allow the download of images into digital frames, including the world’s first digital frame to include wireless technology. www.digitalframes.com.au
— 3ivx Technologies (Sydney, NSW) — core product is a high quality MPEG-4 codec that allows content creators to effectively deliver audio and video at all levels of the video spectrum from High Definition Television (HDTV) down to video for mobile phones and embedded devices. www.3ivx.com
— Atdec (Sydney, NSW) — designs and manufactures visual mounting solutions for flat panel displays and supplies products to a range of client groups including banking and finance, commercial furniture suppliers, corporate business, government departments, hospitality, information technology, medical and health care, retail and tourism on a global basis. www.atdec.com
— Bluebox Devices (Melbourne, Vic) — new technologies for the emerging digital lifestyle market such as its wireless touchscreen technology product. www.blueboxtech.net
— Cylo Technology (Sydney. NSW) — research and design company that aims to humanise technology through software and hardware, such as its 3style Mouse which enhances realism and control in video, audio and 3D environments. www.cylo.com.au
— Deltacom (Melbourne, Vic) — specialist manufacturer of audio and video intercom systems. www.intercoms.com.au
— Kableflags (Adelaide, SA) — manufacturer of labels for plugs and cables for consumer and trade applications. www.kableflags.com.au
— OZiQ (Perth,WA) — developer of next generation ‘all-in-one’ PC technology. www.oziq.com.au
— Novita / Skunkworks (Perth, WA) – supplier of wall brackets and arms for LCD screens, projectors and computer screens. www.skunkworks.com.au