'CES Curse?' Gadget Show Has Poor Record

By Peter Svensson (01.06.2012)
@ http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2012/01/06/56524/ces-curse-gadget-show-has-poor-record?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=%27CES+Curse%3f%27+Gadget+Show+Has+Poor+Record&utm_campaign=Cowles+Moving+Local+News+Outside+Market



EW YORK (AP) — The largest trade show in the Americas must be a great place to show off new products, right? Wrong. The International Consumer Electronics Show is quickly becoming a launch pad for products that fall flat.

When the annual conclave kicks off next week, organizers expect more than 140,000 people — roughly the population of Syracuse, N.Y. — to descend on Las Vegas. They will mill around 1.8 million square feet of booths and exhibits, equivalent to 31 football fields.

The 2,800 or so exhibitors are hoping to set the tone for the year by showing off tons of tablet computers, throngs of 3-D TVs and untold numbers of slim, light laptops called ultrabooks.

But a look back at the products heavily promoted at CES in recent years reveals few successes.

The interesting thing about that story is that attendance is apparently down by a good hundred thousand.

Actually it is expanding this year back to the Venetian, last years attendence was up and the rooms went quickly this year some sold out early in the fall ...

I do not see it as a curse. Tons of products are developed and when they are tested do not get released but go back for more tuning, and may get released as something different. I view most of the stuff at CES as a concept like in auto shows where they show concept cars.

And many new products are there, just don't get the publicity, the Sony HD camcorder I have now I saw at the 2010 show... likewise the Hauppauge 1212 that was there in 2009.

The interesting thing about that story is that attendance is apparently down by a good hundred thousand.

I might be suffering time zone lag but I didn't see that statement in the article. Are you making up stuff to fit your opinion again? :)

Maybe it just a math thing because the recession did impact the attendance a good 10000 and is slowly returning to pre 2009 numbers.

Most of the article I agree with but it needs to be said that WRT Microsoft, Steve Balmer is no Bill Gates. Frankly, I'm glad to see him go and Microsoft, just ha not had a good catalyst to show off in many years. The article is right that Microsoft has timed it's product releases when the product is ready by their standards which is about 60%bug free, IMO. Other than the financial impact to the show, Microsoft won't be missed.

The article failed to state that one very large company returned to the show. JVC. It also failed to even mention Sony who, I believe, is the largest presence.

I don't look at the show for what fails to be a huge game changer and not all product announcements are. I look to the show to what doesand will impact us. While 3D in the home coughs most attendees by surprise 2 years ago, the growth of that in the retail sector has been one of the fastest in many years. But, there are many retailers who were hoping for much faster. Most of you who have read my opines on 3D will recall that I admit being a 3D fanboy, but I also state that I feel it has a place in TV just like 5.1 audio. That is, just an option for entertainment, never to be ubiquitous.

This author is not alone in his opinion. John C Divorak as stated for many years that he feels the show is a waste of his time and he can write his opinions based on other news gatherers attending. He does not need to be at CES to write about it. Last year, Scott expressed the same, but he is here this year.

PersonaIly, like attending these big trade shows. I go to two a year, CES and NAB. As a consumer, it's fun and I learn a lot. My annual buying decisions are based on what I evaluate at the shows. Last year, I purchased a new high end 3D projector, three 3D camcorders and many accessories, a new 3D ready AVR, two 3D disk players, all because I learned about them at the show, and set my budget for what I saw at the show. I don't do that every year but I do make smarter buying decisions because I attend the show. The show helps me decide if a technology is mature enough to satisfy my entertainment demands or whether I need to wait. You just cant learn this stuff going to college, night school, shopping at your local BestBuy or Amazon on line.

Finally, the article makes a big deal about Apple not having a presence and reserves it's announcements for its own show. The author fails to understand why. I really didn't understand it either until I read the book "SteveJobs". The reason has to do with Apple's marketing philosophy entirely. Apple doesn't poll it's customers to see what they want from the company or how the company should make a product. Instead, Apple tells the world what it wants them to like. History tells us that Apple, got it right a few times and when they did, it was huge. But they also had a number of failures too. Apple fanboys conveniently forget about the failures. It was all Steve Jobs. Not the ideas but he was the market research. It was said if you wanted your idea to become a product at Apple, the market study was, Go ask Steve. He will tell you the ideal was shit! His famous word. Then if it really was to his liking, he will come gabe a little later and give you your proposal as his idea and advise you that he had this vision of the product changing the world. But the bottom line is, CES just does not fit the philosophy at Apple! Will that all change with Tim Cook? Time will tell. For now, Apple is still following the Steve Jobs way.

Meanwhile, I'm here at CES. I don't expect to be making any big purchases based on what I learn this year. However, for me, this trip is not just about CES. I make a project of the event and stay several days longer to take in all that the region offers. I have several 3D shooting projects planned and am more excited about using what I got based on last year's CES. It's all about maximizing my travel costs. I'm here to have fun!

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PS. Sorry about the typos above. I'm on the IPAD and it's spell checker plays tricks sometimes.

Sent from my iPad using SatelliteGuys app

PS. Sorry about the typos above. I'm on the IPAD and it's spell checker plays tricks sometimes.

Sent from my iPad using SatelliteGuys app


Apple told you how the words were to be spelled. LOL

You're right! Remember when Apple came up with the slogan "Think Different" ? They also redefined English Grammar too. Should have been differently.

I recalled about 250,000 people attending the show when I went in 2007 or 2008. That was what I was referring to. I could be wrong, but 140,000 sonds low to me. But I haven't been in a while.



New story in New York Times about CES:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/09/technology/consumer-electronics-show-loses-clout-as-industry-shifts.html?_r=1&hp

You're right! Remember when Apple came up with the slogan "Think Different" ? They also redefined English Grammar too. Should have been differently.

Yeah, but Think Different is so much better. And it was intentional.

I recalled about 250,000 people attending the show when I went in 2007 or 2008. That was what I was referring to. I could be wrong, but 140,000 sonds low to me. But I haven't been in a while.



New story in New York Times about CES:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/09/technology/consumer-electronics-show-loses-clout-as-industry-shifts.html?_r=1&hp

Not sure your numbers are correct. It peaked in 2008 with 141,000 according to CNet (http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-20028007-260.html)

Not sure your numbers are correct. It peaked in 2008 with 141,000 according to CNet (http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-20028007-260.html)

Then I guess my recollection was wrong. It happens... occasionally :D

Then I guess my recollection was wrong. It happens... occasionally :D

Heck, you're just getting old like the rest of us. We all have our moments. ;) :D

CES has their attendance audited independently and they publish the numbers by demographic. Hard to find in the search, however. I recall 2007 and 2008 being the peak years at 170000 for all classes.

I think the new registration policy is greatly and adversely affecting attendance. The free passes expire now in August. The cost to register goes up in steps but maxes out at $200. Used to be $75 if you waited after Dec 31.

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Could I have been thinking about the old Comdex show? I attended that in the late 90s, and I could have sworn it was about a quarter million.

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Could I have been thinking about the old Comdex show? I attended that in the late 90s, and I could have sworn it was about a quarter million.

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That is probably correct. This link (http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising/medialive-gives-comdex-after-dark-image-66130) says it nearly peaked at 211,625 in 2000.

I attended in the early 90's. What a rat race, but you could tell that a bunch of engineers came to town. All the casinos were dead during that week. I talked to a couple of locals, and they said most weren't too excited when COMDEX came.

That is probably correct. This link (http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising/medialive-gives-comdex-after-dark-image-66130) says it nearly peaked at 211,625 in 2000.

I attended in the early 90's. What a rat race, but you could tell that a bunch of engineers came to town. All the casinos were dead during that week. I talked to a couple of locals, and they said most weren't too excited when COMDEX came.

It was seriously geeky. I only went once, I am thinking 1998 or 1999, can't really remember. I just recall in the Sands CC there were these aisles and aisles of small booths (really table chair divider) with one Korean or Chinese or Japanese company after another. Walked through once and just laughed.

I would expect the CES show to get smaller and smaller since the internet takes care of most of what it used to do.

I would expect the CES show to get smaller and smaller since the internet takes care of most of what it used to do.

If anything the internet has simply gotten better at covering it. Nothing replaces a splashy keynote and there's a lot of business done on the floor. This year they are expected to break the attendance record set in 2006 and also the record for the amount of exhibitor space used for the show. It's growing, not contracting.

CES Kicks Off With A Bang Record Attendance Expected - Smarthouse (http://smarthouse.com.au/Consumer_Electronic_Show/CES_2012/G7Q7T3H3)

If anything the internet has simply gotten better at covering it. Nothing replaces a splashy keynote and there's a lot of business done on the floor. This year they are expected to break the attendance record set in 2006 and also the record for the amount of exhibitor space used for the show. It's growing, not contracting.

CES Kicks Off With A Bang Record Attendance Expected - Smarthouse (http://smarthouse.com.au/Consumer_Electronic_Show/CES_2012/G7Q7T3H3)

Most of what I saw today was considerably more crowded than last year.LG booth was so packed I gave up trying to even get in.

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From my perspective of just reading the daily tech blogs and such, you would never know there is a major event going on in Las Vegas this week. Seriously, just not seeing the anything like the normal torrent of exciting news items coming out of CES.

From my perspective of just reading the daily tech blogs and such, you would never know there is a major event going on in Las Vegas this week. Seriously, just not seeing the anything like the normal torrent of exciting news items coming out of CES.

You must not read Engadget

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And many new products are there, just don't get the publicity, the Sony HD camcorder I have now I saw at the 2010 show... likewise the Hauppauge 1212 that was there in 2009.

If this is the one where CONSUMERS aren't allowed in, then thats why the products don't get publicity.

You must not read Engadget

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Not saying there isn't news, just nothing really exciting. Kind of a let-down.

If this is the one where CONSUMERS aren't allowed in, then thats why the products don't get publicity.

Well, if consumers aren't let in, then it's all industry and... press. :p

Pretty easy show for people to get into really, I've been going for years as a Las Vegas local. Registration is free until like August.

Well, if consumers aren't let in, then it's all industry and... press. :p

Pretty easy show for people to get into really, I've been going for years as a Las Vegas local. Registration is free until like August.

attendance Requirements
The International CES is not open to the general public and all attendees must be in the consumer electronics (CE) industry to be eligible to attend the show. Due to the investment made by our exhibitors, International CES show management wants to ensure that its attendees are members of the trade. All attendees must provide two forms of ID: one photo ID and the other proving their affiliation with the CE industry (pay stub, business card, etc.). Attendees will not be admitted into the 2012 International CES without these two forms of ID. Children, friends and family who accompany you to Las Vegas will not be granted access to the International CES unless they are over the age of 18 and have proof of industry affiliation.

attendance Requirements
The International CES is not open to the general public and all attendees must be in the consumer electronics (CE) industry to be eligible to attend the show. Due to the investment made by our exhibitors, International CES show management wants to ensure that its attendees are members of the trade. All attendees must provide two forms of ID: one photo ID and the other proving their affiliation with the CE industry (pay stub, business card, etc.). Attendees will not be admitted into the 2012 International CES without these two forms of ID. Children, friends and family who accompany you to Las Vegas will not be granted access to the International CES unless they are over the age of 18 and have proof of industry affiliation.

So you're saying its difficult to have a business card made? That makes the barrier for entry what, like $4 and shipping, if that? And that's assuming you don't have any business cards at your current job.

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You must not read Engadget

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk Engadget is the official news source of the CEA for CES, they are posting anything sent to them even a lot of stuff they wouldn't normally cover.

My videos are now uploading, looks like another 40 minutes to go... then I got to wait for Youtube to process them before they are made available online.

attendance Requirements
The International CES is not open to the general public and all attendees must be in the consumer electronics (CE) industry to be eligible to attend the show. Due to the investment made by our exhibitors, International CES show management wants to ensure that its attendees are members of the trade. All attendees must provide two forms of ID: one photo ID and the other proving their affiliation with the CE industry (pay stub, business card, etc.). Attendees will not be admitted into the 2012 International CES without these two forms of ID. Children, friends and family who accompany you to Las Vegas will not be granted access to the International CES unless they are over the age of 18 and have proof of industry affiliation.

This not exactly accurate nor does it describe the overall attitude of the CEA-

To be more precise, you should go through the process of making your registration and see if you are disqualified. While the CEA is not open to the general public, all it requires is a registration process and as stated two forms of ID to include a business card or pay stub. As mestevo said, easy enough to obtain. You do not have to be employed as a buyer for a retail electronics store for example. If you go to the CEA website you will note there are many categories of qualification. For example, in addition to the consumer electronics industry, Media, Press, financing, education, manufacturer of OEM parts and raw supplier, just to name a few. Personally, I fall under "Industry Affiliate" because I use consumer electronics in my business. I've seen employees for the USPS, Physicians, and grade school teachers, even ministers qualify. So who wouldn't qualify? Hard to say but a bum off the street who hasn't worked for years might not qualify.
The general attitude of CEA is to be the biggest trade show and the way to that end is make attendees qualify but make that very easy.
I also go to NAB which is for people in the Broadcast industry. Years ago it was very hard to qualify if you didn't work for a Radio or TV station, but in recent years, just be in the media business and you get in. Not only are these organizations expanding who attends, they are expanding the exhibitors to include many non broadcast products, but remotely related such as professional DVD duplication and printing equipment. Same with CES. Years ago you wouldn't see sewing machines, window shades, and picture frames, tattoo equipment, or washing machines at CES but today, major booths of floor space are sold to these product manufacturers.

Not only that, but I also see more and more obviously younger than 18 kids on the floor with their parents, with badges!

Bottom line- if you want to attend this event, plan to register in the summer and get a simple business card for your home based business, like wedding videos, or satellite installer, or something like that. Easier done than said!

This is my opinion so don't jump on me. I used to be really interested in the CES and would scour Engadget and Gizmodo and this website to see all the latest stuff starting about 7-8 years ago. Could not wait to see the latest gadgets but then I would say a couple years back I just totally lost interest in the show. Seems like nothing is cutting edge or "cool" anymore. A lot of the stuff I see is like "eh, I don't really need that" stuff. I don't know but gadgets just don't do it for me anymore. The only thing I get hyped about is the Apple presentations. Seems like the ultimate gadget for me after all these years is the iPhone and iPad. Other than that, I just don't care about some Chinese company having a toothbrush that can also be used as a laser pointer.

This is my opinion so don't jump on me. I used to be really interested in the CES and would scour Engadget and Gizmodo and this website to see all the latest stuff starting about 7-8 years ago. Could not wait to see the latest gadgets but then I would say a couple years back I just totally lost interest in the show. Seems like nothing is cutting edge or "cool" anymore. A lot of the stuff I see is like "eh, I don't really need that" stuff. I don't know but gadgets just don't do it for me anymore. The only thing I get hyped about is the Apple presentations. Seems like the ultimate gadget for me after all these years is the iPhone and iPad. Other than that, I just don't care about some Chinese company having a toothbrush that can also be used as a laser pointer.

Oh, come on? Have you actually tried that laser pointer toothbrush? :D :D ;)

This is my opinion so don't jump on me. I used to be really interested in the CES and would scour Engadget and Gizmodo and this website to see all the latest stuff starting about 7-8 years ago. Could not wait to see the latest gadgets but then I would say a couple years back I just totally lost interest in the show. Seems like nothing is cutting edge or "cool" anymore. A lot of the stuff I see is like "eh, I don't really need that" stuff. I don't know but gadgets just don't do it for me anymore. The only thing I get hyped about is the Apple presentations. Seems like the ultimate gadget for me after all these years is the iPhone and iPad. Other than that, I just don't care about some Chinese company having a toothbrush that can also be used as a laser pointer.

That's just because you're getting old. Come join us on the bench, right under the Geritol billboard. ;)