News

14/10/2003

The Sounds of Digital and High-End Audio Rock the Halls of the 2004 International CES

Attendees Can Take Advantage of Opportunities for Training and Certification

More than 100,000 attendees come to the International CES each year to experience the sounds of the hottest audio technology, learn about the latest trends in the industry and become certified associates in audio sales. This year is no exception when the 2004 International CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology tradeshow, returns to Las Vegas January 8-11, 2004.

"The halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and Alexis Park will vibrate with sounds from the latest wave of digital and specialized audio products," said Karen Chupka, vice president of events and conferences for the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the producer of CES. "Whether its audio education through CES conference sessions, certified training or just experiencing the latest in specialty, home or mobile audio products, CES attendees are in for a treat with a wide variety of cutting-edge audio products and technology."

The CEA Audio Division will unveil an online training module as part of CEA's industry-wide retail sales training initiative at CES. The audio module focuses on home audio, helping experienced and junior sales associates alike become familiar with the technologies features and benefits of today's home audio products. The product- and brand-neutral training focuses on stereo and home theater applications, including source components, receivers, amplifiers, speakers and accessories.

In addition, CEA's Mobile Division will offer MECP certified mobile electronics installer training, and several CES partners such as CEDIA and CONNECTIONS will offer workshops and programs aimed at helping attendees achieve success in audio installation and expertise.

Whether it's showcasing two-channel audio or multi-channel audio, the International CES also is home to the world's largest high-end audio tradeshow, with 195 exhibitors at the Alexis Park Resort alone. Space at the Alexis Park Hotel is almost sold out. Shuttle buses between the LVCC and Alexis Park will run every 10 minutes. In addition, the CEA High-End Audio division will hold a special "Welcome to CES" reception by invitation only on Thursday, January 8 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. in the Apollo Ballroom of the Alexis Park Hotel.

Special TechZones at the LVCC will showcase the advancements made in digital audio focusing on such industry segments as portable audio, mobile audio, accessories, speakers and components, MP3, Internet audio and digital content storage. Some TechZones audio enthusiasts won't want to miss include the SD Card Association, DVD RAM Promotion and Digital Car TechZone. The Connected Home TechZone will showcase hard-wired, professionally installed systems for new construction or multi-room renovations, including audio, structured wiring and home networking products.

To help attendees realize all the advances in digital surround sound, CEA's Audio Division is hosting its first Audio Cafe at CES. Relax, have a cup of coffee and hear how great surround music can sound.

CEA's brand-new TechKnow Overload (TKO) exhibit will make a pit stop at the 2004 show. This traveling exhibit demonstrates the latest in audio, wireless and home theater technology catering to college students and the lucrative Generation Y market. TKO represents the ideal college dwelling complete with the latest MP3 players, DVD players, PDAs, laptops, speakers, gaming and surround sound systems.

The 2004 International CES focuses on more than 20 product areas from more than 2,200 exhibitors spread throughout the inside and outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Las Vegas Hilton and the Alexis Park Resort.

www.CESweb.org