The 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is billed as the "world's largest annual tradeshow for consumer technology," is scheduled to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and nearby hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on January 6 through 9, 2001.
It is estimated that there will be over 1,800 exhibitors, including manufacturers, developers, and suppliers of consumer hardware, content media, technology delivery systems, and related products. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend. Every aspect of consumer technology will be represented, including the latest in audio gear. Based on news releases and large quantities of email concerning audio at CES, digital audio technology (including the latest in high-definition CD) promises to hold center stage for the most hyped aspect of audio at CES.
However, while digital audio may capture the imagination of the public at large, there also will be plenty of high quality, analog audio equipment and new technology to keep digital advocates honest and to hold the interest of audiophiles everywhere.

Audio equipment and new audio concepts will play a minor role at CES. This show does not focus on audio, but rather, it covers every conceivable aspect of consumer electronics. The first CES was held in New York City in June, 1967. Over 200 exhibitors displayed new products to 17,500 attendees. CES has grown substantially since 1967. The 2000 CES had 2,205 exhibitors and 126,818 attendees. The 2001 CES is expected to be even larger. Traditionally, new consumer electronics are debuted at CES prior to release to the general public. Following are some examples of consumer products that were introduced at CES:

• Videocassette Recorder, 1970
• Laserdisc Player, 1974
• Camcorder, 1981
• Compact Disc Player, 1981
• Digital Audio Technology, 1990
• Compact Disc - Interactive, 1991
• Mini Disc, 1993
• Radio Data System, 1993
• Digital Satellite System, 1994
• Digital Versatile Disk, 1996
• High Definition Television, 1998
• Hard-disc VCR (PVR), 1999
• Digital Audio Radio (DAR), 2000

TNT Audio will be attending this event as a member of the media. We will attend conferences, keynote addresses, and other events as we look for information and products that will be of interest to TNT Audio readers.
In addition we will be speaking with exhibitors specifically about the equipment they display at CES, and about the future of audio in general. An article summarizing observed events at CES will be published on TNT Audio shortly after the end of CES. Stay tuned!