CES is always a showcase for new technology. Sony was on hand with several new innovations, including a new DVD camcorder prototype that records on 3-inch DVD-R and DVD-RW discs. Watch for it on store shelves later this year.

In addition to their DVD Camcorder protype, Sony also introduced their new DVD-Dual Format DVD recorder (DVD-R/-RW and DVD+R/+RW)which should please consumers worried about the several DVD recording formats now on the market. Expected price should be $999, with availability later in the Spring.

Pioneer was on hand with its plethora of Plasma TVs and DVD recorders, but the big news was their demonstration of the new Digital Sound Projector (manufactured by 1limited and distributed by Pioneer). This unit is capable of projecting a 5.1 channel surround sound field with a single front panel consisting of 200+ tiny drivers, each powered by a 2-watt amplifier. It really works, but for $40,000 I am not ready to give up my speaker system quite yet. One note: the Plasma TV shown in the photo is not included.

Toshiba was on hand to display its latest, including their entry into the DVD recorder war with its RD-X2 which combines a DVD recorder with an 80GB hard drive. This allows the user to dub video onto the hard drive and do basic editing before copying to the DVD portion. However, you can also record direct to the DVD itself from any standard video source.

Toshiba also showed its committment to HDTV products with is showing of its latest HD-DirecTV Satellite Set-Top Box (D5T3100). This unit can capture both HD-satellite and Off-The-Air HD broadcasts.

Although Plasma screens were everywhere at the show, other TV technologies were also on display. Here, Toshiba shows off its new LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) rear projection TV, which boasts an excellent contrast ratio and wide viewing angle for a rear projection TV.

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