What's new at CES 2002

The 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held at the newly expanded Las Vegas Convention Center and adjacent hotels, attracted nearly 110,000 people from the United States, Canada, Mexico and more than 110 other countries. They all came for the same reason: to see the latest in electronics technology for 2002. This year's show, produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), boasted more than 2,000 companies displaying their wares, so there was plenty to see.

"Digital" was the buzzword this year in "mobile" products, with everything in audio, video and communications products going digital to allow consumers to travel with all of the quality lifestyle and workstyle conveniences that they have at home. Head units for you car with hard drives for storing/playing hundreds of hours of music, MP3/Memory Stick players, DVD (digital versatile disc) mobile theater systems for front and rear passengers, bigger amps, new speaker designs--and shapes--and hands free phones were highlights. XM satellite radio receivers from Sony, Pioneer, Audiovox and Alpine debuted and Sirius satellite radio systems from Kenwood, Coustic, Audiovox and Jensen were also shown.

Mobile PDA (personal digital assistant) docking stations and wireless networks for your personal devices to keep you productive during your commute were also featured, along with voice recognition products that obey spoken commands. "Telematics" systems that automatically summon help in an emergency and navigation systems that provide directions while you drive, extending your safety on the road were displayed as well.

Naturally, mobile audio and video entertainment products were the focus of our interest, and we'll show you of some of the hottest new products coming out this year for your Euro. The 2003 International CES will be held Thursday, January 9 through Sunday, January 12, in Las Vegas. For more news on CES visit www.CESweb.org.

SERIOUS SOUND COMPETITIONIf you think that your Euro has a really "serious" sound system and you'd like to show it off, there are several sound competition organizations that conduct sanctioned "Sound-Offs" and "High SPL" contests around the country for trophies and cash prizes. Contact them directly for information on becoming a member, or for rules and show schedules.