CES to focus on Ultra HD as shipments expected to increase eightfold

The 2014 International CES, held next January in Las Vegas, is set to feature a strong focus on Ultra HD TV with the event’s organisers the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) hosting a number events showcasing the technology and discussing its future in the consumer electronics space.

First unveiled at CES earlier this year, CEA is expecting sales of Ultra HD panels — referred to by some brands as ‘4K’ — to grow rapidly, forecasting the number of “Ultra HD unit shipments to increase eightfold to reach 450,000 in 2014”.

Despite being a nascent product segment, CEA’s senior vice president, International CES and corporate business strategy, Karen Chupka, said the market can expect big things from Ultra HD.

“The Ultra HD market is on the rise with increased technology, content and consumer accessibility,” said Chupka. “With more sets and content in the market, we’re eager to see the ground-breaking Ultra HD technologies across the 2014 CES show floor.

“Our show helped drive market adoption of major home video entertainment technologies including High Definition Television, OLED and Smart TVs.  We are proud to continue this tradition as we shine the bright CES spotlight on the next great breakthrough in consumer video technology: Ultra HD.”

As part of next year’s CES show program, CEA will host a number of conference sessions including “Ultra HD Content: What Will We Watch in 2014 and Beyond?” on 7 January 2014, and “Seeing is Believing — 3D, 4K and UHD,” on 9 January.

The show will also play host to Ultra HD product showcases from major manufacturers including Hisense, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony and Toshiba.

Before the official CES program kicks off in January, CEA will bring together a number of industry experts in November for CES Unveiled New York. The day will not only host exhibitors showing of their latest products in advance of the Las Vegas show, but will also host the Ultra HD Conference.

CEA’s chief economist and senior director of research, Shawn DuBravac, will also use the New York Unveiled event to present research on holiday sales forecasts and an end-of-year trend analysis.