Lessons Learned from CES 2013 - Commercial Integrator

TOP
STORIES

1 of 5

16 Speakers Making Noise in the Market

Various sizes and product types fit wide range of installation needs.

2 of 5

Review: Subwoofer Offers Massive Low End with Punch

The RCF Sub 8006AS subwoofer puts out some serious low end.

3 of 5

Telecommuting: 5 Benefits for Integrators

The best talent for your integration firm doesn't necessarily live within driving distance.

4 of 5

InfoComm Overhauling AV-iQ Program

Improvements include easier communication, better research offerings, lower product costs, better business processes and more.

5 of 5

Go Inside the Coolest 50 Bars and Nightclubs

See if your favorite spot made Nightclub & Bar's 2013 revenue-based ranking of nightlife venues.

Lessons Learned from CES 2013

A commercial integrator's take on the trends from CES 2013, including 4K, OLED, personal health monitoring and connected appliances.

Article

Comments [0]

What's Related

Ultra HD 4K and OLED were the main TV trends at CES 2013 in Las Vegas.

January 21, 2013 | by Bruce Kaufmann

CES is the only show I go to with the anticipation I will see something inspiring that sets a new direction. It never disappoints … best show I go to all year!

CES 2013 was about variation instead of innovation (improvements on prior innovation). This year’s CES was dominated by 4K Ultra HD displays, larger OLED displays, personal health monitoring, and the connected appliances.

CES is a terrific playground of consumer technology, but hidden within that playground is a map for the crafty implementation of useful technologies for the commercial side of the industry.

4K, OLED
I had further reinforcement as a designer and integrator that you can only sell what works right now. The idea that clients want something that will serve them for the next five years or beyond is insane. The payoff has to be in 12 months. 4K and OLED reinforce this. Both are excellent and beautiful technologies, but right on the heels of standard 1080p HD and back-lit LED.

OLED adoption will be price related, while 4K adoption will be related to available content or sources. Both stunning!

Click image to subscribe

Health Monitoring, Connected Appliances
These two product categories showed me the term “the Internet of Things” is real. We work within the health care arena, so it was fascinating to see how many personal health devices can provide connectivity and data to the individual and to healthcare providers.

Improving your well being can be so much easier. Appliance connectivity to do everything from remote control and monitoring to power management to grocery list generation is further proof the exchange of information to and from any device has incredible benefits. Pro side needs to pay attention.

Energy Management
Perhaps the coolest thing I saw makes me want to rethink how I help my clients with a bigger issue: energy management and cost control.

CES 2013 was my first exposure to the Noble Gas Plasma Engine. There are skeptics out there, but if creating an engine that runs off inert gases is real … GAME CHANGER. A 4-cylinder engine that produces over 200hp at 1800 RPMs with no carbon footprint! Sell your excess power (which you would have) on a home generator back to the grid and be self-reliant. The payback is quick. The commercial applications can be handled in time as well. And oh, by the way, no “refueling” for three years or so?! While I’m designing your technology, can I rebuild your power plant? They promise in quick time a 1MW generator.

About the author