CES 2004 - DAY 3

January 11, 2004

These are the new McIntosh MCD1000 CD Transport, an ultimate-construction and performance CD transport, and its companion MDA1000 Digital-to-Analog converter. They are the first of a new line of ultimate, price-no-object components. The CD transport is $7,000. The digital to analog converter is $8,000. This set is guaranteed to make a CD collection sound new again!

Pioneer was one of several of the major Japanese electronics manufacturers showing high definition DVD (Blue Ray) player prototypes. This is the Pioneer BlueRayProto.

The Pioneer PLC Audio Concept is a concept prototype system that sends a digital audio signal from the main system to an amplified rear channel speaker via the powerline. Sony showed a concept using digital infrared to send the signal from the system to the rear channel surround system. Manufacturers are working on how to get rear channel surround speakers in the correct position without having to wire them. This is especially important for budget systems.

Bigger is better! Not to be outdone by LG, Samsung showed this prototype 80" plasma.

The Sharp LC45G1U LCD 45" diagonal wide screen format LCD flat panel TV is the largest LCD panel shown to date. No estimated delivery or price at this time.

Sony showed the 42XBR950, a 42" LCD flat panel with removeable side speakers. Estimated price of $12,000.

The Sony XSRD high resolution solid state technology video projector has a great picture. It uses Sony's version of LCD-type technology.

Wire Channel is an innovative wiring channel product that allows a baseboard to be removed, revealing wiring space. It allows adding new wire without any kind of surface moulding.