01.09.2008 — In years past, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been abuzz with technology introductions such as the compact disc, DVD, high-definition television (HDTV) and the first wave of flat-panel TVs.

This year, the buzz on the floor hasn’t been about one particular technology, despite the fact that companies like Sony have announced an OLED TV and Mitsubishi has announced its Laser TV.

If there were a buzz or a constant theme on the floor, it would probably be that as a whole, the industry has collectively refined its products. This includes everyone from the manufacturers to the technology developers, such as THX, Dolby Laboratories and DTS.

THX Certified Plasmas, Media Director

THX has been very busy this fall. First up, the company is partnering with Panasonic and LG to launch THX certified flat-panel televisions for the specialty retail channel.

In addition, THX is moving closer to the launch of its Blackbird technology, which is now called Media Director.

Media Director provides automatic calibration for both audio and video and is capable of optimizing any content from gaming and television broadcasts to 2.35 movies on the fly.

The Media Director technology works within the parameters of the HDMI specification, and THX is currently teaming with Lyngdorf and DVDO to develop hardware solutions.

Dolby Volume Technology

THX’s San Francisco neighbors, Dolby Labs, are at the show promoting its Dolby Volume technology for TV.

The technology is designed to equalize the audio of television content, and the company is looking to work with TV, pre/pro and A/V receivers manufacturers to adopt this audio solution.

DTS Surround Sensation

DTS is also showing off a new technology, Surround Sensation.

Surround Sensation is designed to accommodate people that want surround, but for various reason cannot support a full 5.1 or 7.1 system in their homes.

Beyond the product announcements from the big video manufacturers, other companies in the category are also making news at the show.

Screen Research is on the verge of introducing its LaWing screen and LCR audio system in tandem with JBL.

The system is a ceiling-mount retractable screen and LCR speaker system that unfolds to display the screen and JBL speakers, which are on articulating arms behind the screen.

Company officials say the system is completely customizable and will allow installers to offer their clients a large-screen, hide-away two-piece video system that doesn’t take up a footprint within the room when not in use.