CEA’s chief executive Gary Shapiro predicted that the CE market would be flat in 2009, in anticipation that consumers will show caution due to the economy, but also that there is need, for instance, for job seekers to have computers.  “2010 should be the year of recovery and we’ll get back to positive growth,” he added during his CES opening day keynote.

Shapiro described the consumer electronics industry as a ”bright light,“ saying “we do not seek a government bailout.  We can improve services and save energy.”

Also discussed:

• Litigation: A warning that the threat of litigation “unfairly inhibits innovation.”
• Green Initiatives: “Green is a vital component of everything we do.  Green saves money, increases sales and protects the environment.”  Cited CEA’s Greener Gadgets upcoming confab, February 27 in New York.
• DTV transition:  “We are ready.”  He added that the DTV platform is “ideal for new applications, including mobile.”
• CES attendance: Shapiro said that CES expects 130,000 attendees (It reported 141,150 for the 2008 show).  Addressing show attendance, Shapiro asserted that considering the number of meetings one can have during an event, trade shows are “the most efficient use of travel budget.”