Top 5 Technologies to Watch 2009

Manufacturers are working to decrease that power consumption dramatically. One option is a solar-powered LCD being developed by Sharp.

Shockingly, 89 percent of consumers say a more energy-efficient TV is No. 1 on their "wish list" for the next TV they buy.

The second prominent display trend is 1080p proliferation and super-thin TVs. CEA believes 55 percent of all HDTVs sold in 2009 will be 1080p. Likewise, the association says thinner TVs may entice households to upgrade to Blu-ray players and subscribe to HD channels.

Other TV trends include:

• Internet-connected displays (71 percent of consumers want to download movies directly onto their TV)
• 3-D TV (32 percent of consumers are interested in them)
• Outdoor televisions (20 percent of consumers want one)

What It Means to You: All of this applies to how you sell TVs to your customers. Don't be afraid to disclose the power draw of the electronics you put in the home.

It can serve to open the door for you to sell new systems that track power consumption and can systematically shut down electrical circuits.

Web 3.0

Of all CEA's selections, this one appears to have the least application to dealers.

In essence, it means that what consumers see on Web sites will be patterned by their own Web habits.

For example, if a customer surfs the Web for automotive stuff, then, when he later visits your Web site, the ads he sees will pertain to his automotive searching.

Thus, Web advertising will become increasingly user specific -- making it, arguably, a much more direct medium for advertisers.

What It Means to You: Collect as much data on your clients as you can: favorite sports teams, hobbies, birthdays, political affiliation, etc.

All of this will benefit you in your ability to market to them with targeted e-mail newsletters and online content.

Digital Medical Advancements & Diagnosis

CE Pro has written about opportunities in telemedicine applications for several years. Indeed, we selected it as a "Technology to Watch" a few years ago.

CEA now forecasts that digital telemedicine is poised for a breakthrough.

These technologies mean consumers can consult online or via a webcam with a doctor, have their blood sugar and other key vital signs tracked remotely and even compete against others in treadmill races via the Net.

What It Means to You: First off, home healthcare telemedicine means the home will need another high-speed connection point. It is also an opportunity to sell such devices as glucometers and blood pressure gauges.

Finally, tracking your clients' vital signs will mean recurring monthly revenue in the form of monitoring fees.