Our passion is the fuel that gets us to our destination. Fill up often; avoid running on empty!

— Jack Lenchiner

2011 CES Innovations Honorees

* Best of Innovations
* Audio Accessories
* Audio Components
* Computer Accessories
* Computer Hardware
* Computer Peripherals
* Digital Imaging
* Eco-Design and Sustainable Technology
* Electronic Gaming Hardware
* Electronic Gaming Software
* Enabling Technologies
* Headphones
* Health and Wellness
* High Performance Audio
* Home Networking
* Home Theater Accessories
* Home Theater Speakers
* Integrated Home Systems
* In-Vehicle Accessories
* In-Vehicle Audio/Video
* In-Vehicle Control/OEM Integration
* In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS
* Major Home Appliances
* Multi-Room Audio/Video
* Online Audio/Video Content
* Personal Electronics
* Portable Home Appliances
* Portable Media Players
* Portable Multimedia Accessories
* Portable Power
* Video Accessories
* Video Components
* Video Displays
* Wireless Handsets
* Wireless Handsets Accessories

Honorees are selected by a preeminent panel of judges consisting of independent industry designers, engineers and journalists. See the judges for 2011.

[Power Amplifier]

The CA-M600 power amplifier is designed to produce prodigious amounts of clean power, while keeping thermal output under tight control for superior audio resolution performance, and reliability.

Category: Audio Components

Classe Audio Inc.

Power Amplifier
http://www.classeaudio.com

The CA-M600 power amplifier is designed to produce prodigious amounts of clean power, while keeping thermal output under tight control for superior audio resolution performance, and reliability.
Best of Innovations
Black|OPS with 3D Vision Surround Technology

3D HD multi-display gaming system powered by NVIDIA’s GTX 400 Series GPUs gives players an unparalleled gaming advantage & represents the future of total immersion gaming

Category: Computer Hardware

Digital Storm

Black|OPS with 3D Vision Surround Technology
http://www.digitalstormonline.com

3D HD multi-display gaming system powered by NVIDIA’s GTX 400 Series GPUs gives players an unparalleled gaming advantage & represents the future of total immersion gaming
Best of Innovations
HP Photosmart eStation

The Photosmart eStation allows users to easily access, view, and print the web content they want, when they want, from anywhere in their home.

Category: Computer Peripherals

Hewlett Packard

HP Photosmart eStation
http://www.hp.com

The Photosmart eStation allows users to easily access, view, and print the web content they want, when they want, from anywhere in their home.
Best of Innovations
KODAK PlaySport Video Camera

Pocket-sized Digital Video Camera that shoots 1080p HD video and takes 5 MP still images. Waterproof up to 10 feet with ruggedized casing for adventurous use.

Category: Digital Imaging

Eastman Kodak Company

KODAK PlaySport Video Camera
http://www.kodak.com

Pocket-sized Digital Video Camera that shoots 1080p HD video and takes 5 MP still images. Waterproof up to 10 feet with ruggedized casing for adventurous use.
Best of Innovations
Joos Orange

The world’s most powerful personal solar charger, the Joos Orange works in virtually all weather conditions: sunshine, partially cloudy, overcast, foggy, indirect sunlight, rain, snow, and even under water.

Category: Eco-Design and Sustainable Technology

Solar Components

Joos Orange
http://www.solarjoos.com

The world’s most powerful personal solar charger, the Joos Orange works in virtually all weather conditions: sunshine, partially cloudy, overcast, foggy, indirect sunlight, rain, snow, and even under water.
Best of Innovations
Kinect for Xbox 360

With Kinect for Xbox 360, you are the controller. Kinect transforms how you play and connect with friends and family by allowing access to entertainment using full body and voice.

Category: Electronic Gaming Hardware

Microsoft Corporation

Kinect for Xbox 360
http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx

With Kinect for Xbox 360, you are the controller. Kinect transforms how you play and connect with friends and family by allowing access to entertainment using full body and voice.
Best of Innovations
DisplayLink Interactive Networked Graphics Chip

The DisplayLink interactive networked graphics chip will enable PCs, peripherals, zero clients and mobile devices to connect and share content with any display using the standard USB 3.0 interface.

Category: Enabling Technologies

DisplayLink Corp.

DisplayLink Interactive Networked Graphics Chip
http://displaylink.com

The DisplayLink interactive networked graphics chip will enable PCs, peripherals, zero clients and mobile devices to connect and share content with any display using the standard USB 3.0 interface.
Best of Innovations
Internet TV & Blu-ray Disc™ Player Powered by Google TV

Sony’s new Internet TV is the world’s first to harness two powerful platforms –television and the full Internet — to bring consumers an unrivaled entertainment experience

Category: Online Audio/Video Content

Sony Corporation

Internet TV & Blu-ray Disc™ Player Powered by Google TV
http://www.sony.com

Sony’s new Internet TV is the world’s first to harness two powerful platforms –television and the full Internet — to bring consumers an unrivaled entertainment experience
Best of Innovations
SA7 Wireless Hybrid Earphones

U.S.-made dual driver earphone. Military-grade aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium construction for unprecedented durability. Employs VQ tuning and Wireless Hybrid technology for individual customization and reference audio performance.

Category: Headphones

Sleek Audio LLC

SA7 Wireless Hybrid Earphones
http://www.sleekaudio.com

U.S.-made dual driver earphone. Military-grade aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium construction for unprecedented durability. Employs VQ tuning and Wireless Hybrid technology for individual customization and reference audio performance.
Best of Innovations
Electronic BlastPLG Earplugs

High-Fidelity Electronic BlastPLG Earplugs were developed to mitigate hearing damage and tinnitus sustained by deployed soldiers. Despite risks to hearing, warriors decline hearing protection because it interferes with situational awareness.

Category: Health and Wellness

Etymotic Research, Inc.

Electronic BlastPLG Earplugs
http://www.etymotic.com

High-Fidelity Electronic BlastPLG Earplugs were developed to mitigate hearing damage and tinnitus sustained by deployed soldiers. Despite risks to hearing, warriors decline hearing protection because it interferes with situational awareness.
Best of Innovations
Q5

After more than 15 years of research and development, the Magico Q5 represents the results of a no holds barred assault on what is possible in contemporary loudspeaker design.

Category: High Performance Audio

Magico LLC

Q5
http://magico.net

After more than 15 years of research and development, the Magico Q5 represents the results of a no holds barred assault on what is possible in contemporary loudspeaker design.
Best of Innovations
Kenmore Elite® Dishwasher with Interactive Color LCD Controls

Kenmore offers interactive LCD controls providing instant answers and advice via its full-color, LCD screen helping consumers get more from each load, in cycle times and maintenance tips.

Category: Major Home Appliances

Kenmore

Kenmore Elite® Dishwasher with Interactive Color LCD Controls
http://www.kenmore.com/

Kenmore offers interactive LCD controls providing instant answers and advice via its full-color, LCD screen helping consumers get more from each load, in cycle times and maintenance tips.
Best of Innovations
MAX 3D Glasses

MonsterVison Max 3D is the first and only universal wireless 3D shutter system that works with all 3D-ready TVs, allowing users to experience a new level of visual immersion.

Category: Home Theater Accessories

Monster Cable Products, Inc.

MAX 3D Glasses
http://monstercable.com

MonsterVison Max 3D is the first and only universal wireless 3D shutter system that works with all 3D-ready TVs, allowing users to experience a new level of visual immersion.
Best of Innovations
MultiView Cam with Pedestrian Warning

The system uses a high quality 180 degree glass lens with the latest CMOS digital sensor for a crisp, wide view in all lighting conditions.

Category: In-Vehicle Audio/Video

Audiovox Mobile

MultiView Cam with Pedestrian Warning
http://www.audiovox.com

The system uses a high quality 180 degree glass lens with the latest CMOS digital sensor for a crisp, wide view in all lighting conditions.
Best of Innovations

DroneMobile

A hardware and smartphone application allowing for GPS tracking and control over the factory vehicle features such as lock, unlock, trunk and remote start.

Category: In-Vehicle Accessories

Firstech, LLC.

DroneMobile
http://www.dronemobile.com

A hardware and smartphone application allowing for GPS tracking and control over the factory vehicle features such as lock, unlock, trunk and remote start.
Best of Innovations
Trane ComfortLink(TM) II Thermostat

The Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat is your home comfort connection. Designed for today’s busy homeowners, the exclusive, 7-inch interactive, high- definition color touch screen serves as an easy-to-use central planning

Category: Integrated Home Systems

Trane

Trane ComfortLink(TM) II Thermostat
http://www.trane.com/residential

The Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat is your home comfort connection. Designed for today’s busy homeowners, the exclusive, 7-inch interactive, high- definition color touch screen serves as an easy-to-use central planning
Best of Innovations
Card 2.0

A paper-thin, flexible computer laminated into a payment card form-factor with the world’s first fully card-programmable magnetic stripe. Options are selected via buttons and associated magstripe data re-written to stripe.

Category: Personal Electronics

Dynamics Inc.

Card 2.0
http://poweredcards.com

A paper-thin, flexible computer laminated into a payment card form-factor with the world’s first fully card-programmable magnetic stripe. Options are selected via buttons and associated magstripe data re-written to stripe.
Best of Innovations
Transcend

The world’s first alpine goggles with real-time GPS data viewable through a head-mounted display system. Transcend also boasts data transfer and post-processing software.

Category: Personal Electronics

Recon Instruments

Transcend
http://www.reconinstruments.com

The world’s first alpine goggles with real-time GPS data viewable through a head-mounted display system. Transcend also boasts data transfer and post-processing software.
Best of Innovations
Grip 360° + Stand

View your iPad your way with the all – in – one case, handstrap, and stand solution

Category: Portable Multimedia Accessories

Belkin International

Grip 360° + Stand
http://www.belkin.com

View your iPad your way with the all – in – one case, handstrap, and stand solution
Best of Innovations
GE Wattstation

The GE Wattstation defines its own class of electric vehicle chargers with its ultra weatherproof design, retractable cable and all touch interface in a compact package.

Category: Portable Power

fuseproject for GE

GE Wattstation
http://www.ge.com

The GE Wattstation defines its own class of electric vehicle chargers with its ultra weatherproof design, retractable cable and all touch interface in a compact package.
Best of Innovations
HTC EVO 4G

The world’s first 4G Android handset, exclusively from Sprint, HTC EVO 4G, offers a rich mobile Internet experience with a fully integrated suite of services.

Category: Wireless Handsets

HTC

HTC EVO 4G
http://www.htc.com

The world’s first 4G Android handset, exclusively from Sprint, HTC EVO 4G, offers a rich mobile Internet experience with a fully integrated suite of services.
Best of Innovations
Jabra STONE2

With a shape like no other Bluetooth headset on the market, the Jabra STONE2 elegantly wraps behind the ear eliminating the standard on-face microphone and combining both style and functionality.

Category: Wireless Handsets Accessories

Jabra

Jabra STONE2
http://www.jabra.com

With a shape like no other Bluetooth headset on the market, the Jabra STONE2 elegantly wraps behind the ear eliminating the standard on-face microphone and combining both style and functionality.
Best of Innovations
GoldenEar SuperCinema 3

The SuperCinema 3 is a 5.1 Loudspeaker System engineered from the ground up by GoldenEar to deliver equally superb performance with both music and movies as sources.

Category: Home Theater Speakers

GoldenEar Technology

GoldenEar SuperCinema 3
http://www.goldenear.com

The SuperCinema 3 is a 5.1 Loudspeaker System engineered from the ground up by GoldenEar to deliver equally superb performance with both music and movies as sources.
Best of Innovations

CES 2011 AFTERTHOUGHTS

It’s hard to believe that another year has gone by and we’re back on our annual trek to Las Vegas to pay homage to the consumer electronics industry. The Consumer Electronics Show is always a fun adventure, showcasing some of both the best and the most peculiar devices imaginable. Last year we were bombarded with 3D; this year it was all about connected TVs and tablets.

For pictures of everything we saw and did, check out the live blog Ara was updating as we walked the show: http://www.htguys.com/ces2011

Some of our favorite stuff came from these companies:

Vivitek

Vivitek showed a projector capable of converting any 2D content to 3D. Kinda neat, but we wouldn’t run out and buy one. They also showed a tiny HD projector called the Qumi capable of 300 lumen output. It will sell for under $500 and looks like a fun little device. Here are the specs:

* Native WXGA (1280×800) resolution
* Up to 300 luminous of brightness and a 2500:1 contrast ratio
* 3D-Ready (via DLP Link) and a DLP chipset from Texas Instruments
* 1.6 pounds; Dimensions: 6.3”(w) x 1.2”(h) x 3.9”(d)
* 30,000+ estimated LED hours of operation
* Connectivity options include: Mini-HDMI, Universal I/O (24-pin connector for VGA/component input), 3.5mm video-in, 3.5mm mini-jack audio-out
* USB and MicroSD slots for content and memory expansion
* Built-in 1W speaker
* Offered in a black or white finish
* Available in May 2011; Estimated street price of $499.00(USD)

Optoma

In addition to the HD projectors Optoma is known for, they also showed a portable projector/iPhone dock combo unit that looks good. It’s basically a pico projector with an iPhone/iPod dock and some built-in speakers. Called the Neo-i, it should be available soon and sell for under $500. And the specs:

* Native Resolution: 854 X 480 (16:9) WVGA DLP
* Brightness: 50 lumens Bright mode
* Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
* LED / Life: RGB LED, >20,000hrs
* Dimensions: 12.8” x 8.9” x 3.1”
* Weight: < 2.5 lbs
* Image Size: 5”~120” (16:9 native)
* Projection Lens: Fixed Focus Lens, F/1.8
* Throw Ratio: 1.8

JVC

JVC had a great demo of a 3D camcorder displaying live on a big 3D LCD TV. It was one of the more fun demos to participate in. Reaching out at the camera actually came out of the TV. One of the better uses of 3D at the show, but still active glasses, so be prepared to shell out $100-$200 per person to show your home movies to friends and family.

Panasonic

Panasonic showed their next generation plasma panels, the VT30 line, at the show. They won’t be available until summer 2011, but they looked excellent. No word on pricing, but still available in 55″ and 65″ models, nothing bigger on the horizon. Specs:

* 3D compatible
* One pair of 3D glasses included
* THX certification
* Infinite Black Pro 2 panel
* 1080p/24 playback mode
* Short throw phosphors
* 3D-compatible SD card slot
* Viera Connect Internet suite

LG

LG had two concepts that really grabbed our attention. First, they were showing a whole slew of connected TVs that are somehow based on the Plex media server. Although LG didn’t say the software was based on Plex, they did say that any app written for Plex would work the the LG Smart TV technology. You can draw your own conclusions.

LG also showed our favorite use of 3D at the show – passive glasses! The 3D actually looked pretty good. It wasn’t as good as the 3D on a Panasonic plasma, but let’s be fair, what is? It was pretty good, pretty smooth and very cheap glasses. They were giving them away like candy. Now there’s a way to make 3D appealing to the masses.

LG showed a glasses-free 3D demo as well. Standing in the right spot, it actually did pretty well. But off angle viewing was rough.

Samsung

Samsung was on the connected TV bandwagon as well. They showed a pretty cool integration of a lot of the existing apps out there. The next generation of Samsung connected TVs and Blu-ray players will allow you to search for a movie and see every service where it’s available, and the price, across services like Netflix, Vudu, Blockbuster, Amazon, etc. It lets you pick what you are willing to pay and what quality you’d like to see it in. There’s also some social integration aspects that allow you to get recommendations from friends and the like.

Of course Samsung is also in the Android phone and tablet game, so that was on display as well. Braden, being the Android fan boy that he is, thought the Galaxy Player puts the iPod touch to shame. Of course, Ara doesn’t see it. It’s available in Korea with no current plans to bring it to the US.

Motorola

Motorola has some really big Android announcements. They announced two next generation android phones, both with dual 1Ghz processors. One for AT&T and one for Verizon. And of course everyone is still waiting for a real, honest iPad competitor, so Motorola is hoping they found that with their Xoom tablet. It’s the first Android 3.0 device and boasts some pretty impressive specs. Should be out this quarter on the Verizon network, but only on 3G; 4G comes later this year. Specs:

* Android 3.0
* 10.1 inch display
* Dual Core 1 Ghz CPU NVIDIA Tegra 2
* 1GB RAM
* 32 GB inbuilt memory with microSD Card slot
* 1280×800 resolution display
* 5 megapixel camera with 720p video recording
* 2 megapixel webcam
* 1080p HDMI output

Yahoo!

Yahoo! showed the next generation of their TV widget offerings, but these widgets are alive. They can interact with the content on live TV to really meld the traditional broadcast TV format with the new, connected TV phenomenon. This could be exciting, or it could be really annoying, we’ll have to wait and see.

Intel

Everyone is in the tablet game, and Microsoft and Intel had to get into it as well. Check out a video of the tablet from the live blog.

CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES

4-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Venetian Ballroom, The Venetian

Get to CES early to uncover the top tech newsmakers. Be the first to see the New Year’s products at CES Unveiled. Media, analysts and bloggers can get a pre-show look at who will be making news headlines at CES Unveiled. Catch all the latest products in one room. Plus, get a sneak peek at International CES product debuts and the Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase honorees — before the show officially opens.

2011 Exhibitors Include:

3M
Accenture
Advanced Micro Devices
AERIAL7
Black & Decker Paper Shredders
Blue Microphones
Bodymedia
Cavium Networks
CEA Tech Enthusiast Membership
Celestron
Cinemin (WowWee)
Cobra
Cricket
D-Link
Dexim
Dolby Labs
DriveNTalk
Eton Corporation
Etymotic Research Inc.
foneGEAR
HDMI Licensing
House of Marley
HP
iGo
iHome
Interactive Toy Concepts
Joby
LaCie
Lenovo
Lexmark
Liquid Image

Mavizon Technologies
Mitsubishi
mophie
Motion Computing
OnStar
Open Mobile Video Coalition
OrbitSound
Oregon Scientific
Oxygen Audio North America
Parrot
Pomdevices
PURE
Quantenna Communications
RCA
Samsung Electronics America
Samsung Semiconductor
SanDisk
Seagate Technology
Seeker Technologies
SENSIO
SI Products
Sonomax Technologies
Spot, LLC
Technocel
Teleca
Thermador
Toyota
Trane Residential
Tremont Electric
USB Implementers Forum
Withings

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

HDMI Licensing, LLC
Dexim
iGo

Dexim will also be giving out 800 P-Flip™ Foldable Power Docks, so be sure to get there early!

Special Appearances:

Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline
Live music by Bob Schwartz Quartet