After nearly a week to digest CES, I have some random thoughts about what I saw.

• 2007 is the year of CableCARDs. We'll finally be able to buy Vista-based PCs and other new 3rd-party devices designed to decode, record and playback HD content. Of course, because they're CableLabs-approved devices, it's likely that many the cool features will be handicapped.
• 1080p will be mainstream in 2007. Despite the fact that no broadcast sources leverage 1080p, 720p and 1080i will begin to seem more like EDTV.
• Flat panels keep getting bigger. Micro-display technologies (DLP and LCoS) are far from dead at large sizes. However, flat panel displays keep getting bigger and cheaper.
• Digital innovation isn't coming from the traditional guys. The traditional CE companies just aren't creating innovative digital solutions. Real innovation continues to come from start-ups such as Slingbox, Sonos, TiVo, Digeo and others. I'm still surprised we haven't seen a really innovative DVR built into a traditional CE device such as a flat panel display. Anyone who has seen the interfaces on DVRs from mainstream CE companies knows what I'm talking about.
• Real wireless HD video options will be available in 2007. Various prototypes and products from Sanyo, Audiovox/TERK, Gefen, Digitrex and others showed off wireless high def video prototypes based on technology from startups like Tzero and Amimon. There will clearly be losers in this game. But, with no products available and multiple standards and technologies, it's too soon to say who the winners will be.
• HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray. No clear winner but HD-DVD made some key moves. Signing Onkyo gives HD-DVD another mid-range manufacturer. Even more important was signing of lower-end targets Shinco and Alco. These Chinese manufacturers will be the first to make HD-DVD available to non-enthusiasts at a sub-$300 price point. In order to gain broader acceptance, mainstream-friendly pricing is needed. Overall, the buzz and activity around HD-DVD feels more substantial than Blu-ray.
• Comcast powered by TiVo seen in the wild. Still not at your house, but since we saw it at CES we can only assume it's not far off (read last half of 2007).
• Sling gets it. SlingMedia, maker of the SlingBox, knows how to make great products. SlingCatcher is their latest offering and we can't wait to get our hands on it.
• Projectors continue to get cheaper and brighter. While the top-of-the-line projectors are still not cheap, there are now plenty of reasonably priced options available.
• High-end gear still cool and still priced out of this world. The high-end audio guys like McIntosh Labs and others continue to show amazing gear that is completely out of reach for most of us.
• I want an iPhone. Apple is now a CE company. While not at CES, the Apple TV and iPhone shown by Apple at MacWorld Expo demonstrates that it's in the lead for the US, and perhaps the world, in creating innovative consumer electronics devices.
• Revenge of the Nerds - Home Theater Smackdown. Xbox 360 and Apple TV are headed for a clash of the titans in the digital living room.
• DRM and closed systems everywhere. Every major CE maker demoed or launched some sort of closed system for Internet content and DRM-laden content. Get used to it. Despite the fact that some pundits have proclaimed 2007 'The Year that DRM Died,' we don't see it. For now, it's here to stay.
• Everyone loves YouTube. Okay, YouTube has its place, but every CE product, mobile video toy, etc., wants to show how they can participate in the YouTube phenomenon. Analysts and press chastise products that don't leverage YouTube. But, seriously, how many groin-kicks and talking cats can you take?
• Price-performance leaders don't spend money on trade shows. Cool companies like Oppo Digital and Outlaw Audio don't spend their money at CES – passing that savings on to you.
• I'm sure glad walking is good for you. For four days I did nothing but walk.

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