Realistic Expectations Key to Successful CEDIA Expo

Everyone in the custom electronics industry is turning their attention to Indianapolis as CEDIA Expo 2011 opens its show floor on Thursday.

First, let me give Indianapolis a pat on the back for its pre-show preparation. The downtown area is vibrant, and the airport's transformation from a stopover for crop dusters to a large modern facility looks complete.

But unlike years past when the show was a launching point for breakthrough technologies - DVD, HDTV, Blu-ray/HD-DVD, lossless surround, 3D - I don't anticipate anything revolutionary being introduced at CEDIA Expo 2011. Exhibitors will focus on evolving products and technologies to help integrators leverage current trends to improve business.

Attendees expecting something revolutionary should recalibrate their expectations. The show will offer a lot of great certification classes, manufacturer training, after-hours events and a ton of new products. But due to the ebb-and-flow of this industry, we're in a period where technologies only incrementally improve. The economic uncertainty is limiting the amount of R&D companies are committing to new products.

The show will still be fun. In many ways it's returning to its audio roots. Vinyl has returned to the mainstream. Digital audio will drive innovation with wireless DACs, active speakers, media streaming and more.

Video companies will introduce new, lower-cost projectors that offer 3D, enhanced processing and other features to improve the consumer experience.

Home automation manufacturers will focus on simplifying cost of entry and value-added options.

With the right mindset, CEDIA Expo 2011 will be fun and productive. But its impact won't be visible for months until these products are available for integrators to use in the field.