Panasonic’s booth was long and filled with 3D. They also announced that they have partnered with Skype and Directv. Skype will allow users Panasonic to Panasonic and Computer to Panasonic internet based communication with video. Directv will have a dedicated HD 3D channel. Panasonic and Directv have also partnered with the winter Olympics to broadcast them in HD 3D on that channel.

Samsung’s booth was awe inspiring. It had video monitor flowers twenty plus feet tall reaching up to its mirrored ceiling that covered the whole booth. Samsung chose to show, what looked to be everything that they make. From HDTVs to HTIBs, from cell phones to copies and printers it was all there.

Sony’s booth, not to be out done, had hard wood floors throughout. They, too, showed just about everything that they make. Their Playstation display was enormous, 8 plus full racecar cockpits for playing the latest Grand Theft Auto installment.

LG had a very classy booth. All white carpet, walls and DJ. They had an impressive display of OLED TVs.

Mitsubishi had some of the largest 3D TVs to show in their Mitsubishi truck. They were also touting that their TVs have been ready for 3D for 2 years.

All of the 3D displays looked great. Having 3D gave the picture so much depth and life, it was like being part of the action.

Chris DP.

Huppin’s Retail Sales Manager

Rachel Plut

Here are some of the show highlights:

HDTV’s – Thin is in
A number of companies are showing ultra thin LCD televisions. LG and Samsung actually had TV’s that are less than an inch thick.

3-D was everywhere
Almost every TV manufacturer had a 3-D display. The demonstrations were excellent and really added another level of entertainment to TV viewing. There was much talk of standardization to avoid confusion for consumers and getting the content providers to participate. I’m looking forward to this next step in TV evolution.

HDTVs and Internet content
Although we’ve already set-up internet TV in the Huppin’s retail store (we are currently finishing a “rewire” to display all the internet options available) I was impressed with the scope and quantity of manufacturers that are making this a priority. There are more ways to get internet content to the TV (both wired and wireless) than I could imagine. There were also a number of companies showing simplified ways of getting your computer hooked up to your HDTV to make full use of the internet. My favorite was the Boxee Box by D-Link, it’s designed for simple hook-up and the remote actually has a small built-in keyboard making it easy to use. What a great way to free up your laptop.

Home Automation
Controlling the operation of your home (or business) continues to see improvement. Not only are we seeing many more control options but the pricing becomes more reasonable as well. I spent a couple hours at the Control4 display and was impressed with upcoming upgrades to the system, such as an improved interface, better media management and an app store for internet content. There are a number of companies that are partnering with Control4 and they are offering even more options to the already long list of control and monitoring enhancements. Energy management was also very prevalent at this show and home automation companies are concentrating on making that control and monitoring part of their systems as well.

Furniture and TV mounting brackets
I saw some great looking furniture, it’s stylish and it address’s equipment cabling and heat issues. Wall mount TV brackets continue to improve in looks and installation simplification. Sanus showed new articulated brackets that allow the cables to be completely hidden.

Overall, the show was upbeat and exciting. I can hardly wait to experience some of our new “finds” as product becomes available.

Scott R.
Custom Installation Manager

Matt P

Home audio/video enthusiast and merchandising specialist at OneCall.com

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Rachel Plut