Interestingly, 3D was the watchword in audio as well as video at CES this year. Many people apply the term "3D" to 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, but I think this is a mistake. In such systems, the speakers are located mostly in a 2D plane—yes, the surround speakers are often elevated, but they are also typically very diffuse, so the sense of height is limited, especially since auditory directionality is less sensitive behind us than it is in front. Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz add front-height channels, which does more to enhance the 3D soundfield.

Photo by Thomas J. Norton

Of the video trends I followed at CES this year, the most obvious were more evolutionary than revolutionary—more 3D models and more online apps in what are being called Smart TVs by more than one manufacturer. These apps are also available in Blu-ray players and tablets, providing various ways to access an ever-wider range of online content as well as media files stored on networked devices within the home.

Video guru Joe Kane talks about Da-Lite's Affinity screen and how it makes materials of different gain perform the same.

Sensio announced three new 3D technologies as explained by VP of Marketing and Communications Louis Rousseau.