Despite continued economic doldrums, exhibitors and attendees were upbeat. Attendance this year was approximately 17,600 - of which 25% were first time attendees. Total attendance was less than in recent years, but there were 83 new exhibitors, as well as a large number of new product introductions. On the other hand, some high-profile manufacturers did not have booths this year, including LG, Toshiba, and D&M Holdings (which includes Denon, Marantz, Boston Acoustics, and McIntosh).
One topic of conversation at the show was how the skyrocketing price of neodymium is affecting the ability of loudspeaker companies to hold down prices. Neodymium is a rare-earth metal used in the construction of speaker magnets (mostly high-end).
It turns out that China controls most of the world's available supply of neodymium, similar to how South Africa has significant control of diamonds and OPEC controls the majority of oil. For additional perspective on the neodymium issue, refer to the report posted by Consumer Electronics Daily.
Needless to say, speaker manufacturers that use a lot of neodymium and already charge a premium price for their products are watching carefully how this will affect their bottom line going forward, especially if prices continue to go up and mining of new sources of the rare earth metal do not pan out.
Moving onto a more positive note, several technology advances were on display.
One technology advance that had both the press and attendees buzzing was the introduction of video projectors from both Sony and JVC that sport 4K video resolution (that is 4 times the resolution of 1080p).
Also, new 3D products are were in abundance, including an increased number of 3D-capable video projectors using both DLP and LCD-based technology, as well as add-on 2D-to-3D conversion devices.
In addition, and perhaps a more significant element in the evolution of home theater, is the increased availability and use of downloadable home theater and home automation remote control apps for iPhones, iPads, and Android phones, as well as the increased incorporation of web browser-type onscreen menu systems for devices, such as home theater receivers, DVRs, and media servers.
One interesting technology also being demonstrated this year's CEDIA EXPO was wireless power transmission. Although not ready for the prime time just yet, it was fun to see water boil and a blender in use without the need to physically plug the pot or the blender into a power source. It will definitely be some time before this technology can be applied to heavy power needs of home theater and home automation systems, if ever, but just the possibility of safe wireless power transmission for any use is fascinating.
For a further look at what CEDIA 2011 was all about, continue on through the following step-by-step photo illustrated report...
