Industry members view the latest in technology in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2013 International CES.
The world’s greatest consumer electronics and technology trade show is taking place right now. The 2014 International CES officially runs yesterday, January 7, through Friday. But other shows, previews, and media day actually will make it more than a weeklong affair. I’ll be there starting today, and I’ll report what I see that’s related to our terrific hobby.
The International CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Held in Las Vegas every year, it has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 40 years — the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.
CES showcases more than 3,200 exhibitors, including manufacturers, developers, and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems, and more; a conference program with more than 300 sessions; and more than 150,000 attendees from more than 150 countries.
And because the show is owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association, the technology trade association representing the $203 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry, it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where they address the industry’s most relevant issues.
This all pertains to astronomy and Astronomy in many ways. Not the least of which is that the Photo Manufacturers Association show, which I’ve attended before, is part of CES. There, I expect to see lots of new technology that is related to or can be applied to astroimaging.
At the main show, readers will be familiar with manufacturers like Celestron, Canon, and Nikon, all of whom have major displays. I’ll drop by each — and many more — to pick their brains about upcoming product reviews and what’s coming down the road that will excite observers and imagers.
So, in the words of voices that have come from a popular form of consumer electronics for decades, “Stay tuned.”