With 350 or so working days left before next Christmas, the world's makers of television sets, phones and stereo sets are already touting a host of new digital and wireless gadgets to grab the attention of shoppers in 2001. Contrast that with the performance of electronics makers. But industry observers expect audiences to pay high costs for digital TV sets, just for the crisper pictures and clearer sound offered by the technology.
Consumers are also prepared to buy in advance of clearer guidelines on technical standards.
RadioShack is one retailer in the vanguard of selling digital satellite systems and will be among the first to start selling broadband cable set-top boxes and installing digital services. CES is also the venue for Microsoft's new video game player, Xbox, which was unveiled by chairman Bill Gates. Xbox's main rival is Sony's PlayStation 2, launched in the US last year. Sony seems unworried, though, believing there is not only room for rivals in the business but that there is room for both players in a single home. Audio is very much on the electronics companies' list of key products.