IABM Unveils Report On 2023 CES Event

IABM has released a comprehensive report on the 2023 CES event, focusing on news and developments relevant to the Broadcast, Media and Entertainment industry.

The full report can be read here. Below is a brief summary of its key findings.

Attendance at CES 2023 is reported as 115,000 – nearly three times the 2022 visitor number, and is forecast to return to near-pre-pandemic levels (160,000+) in 2024. This reflects the trend first seen at IBC 2022 – a return to in-person events is clearly welcomed by many. A change in exhibition strategy, also first seen at IBC 2022, was evident – there was overall less products on show with more emphasis on face-to-face interactions.

Smart TVs were front and centre – external device developments were notably absent. This indicates an acceleration of the Smart TV platform race over the next few years, and advertisers, data users and Smart TV app developers will need to engage with a wider range of Smart TV platforms. Though smartphones and tablets were certainly present, most of the mobile device ecosystem is waiting until MWC Barcelona (or Samsung Unpacked) to showcase innovations.

Smart TV displays showed only incremental developments, though AI-driven automation of picture quality and modes is making its presence felt. Screen size and picture quality continue to be the key features to attract consumers.

Audio – particularly delivered by soundbars – has become a differentiator for consumers, with developments on show at CES in discrete or virtualized audio channels and positional audio capabilities at the forefront to deliver a more engaging, immersive audience experience.

Cloud gaming – constrained consumer spending may drive increased trial and subscription of cloud gaming services in the face of high entry costs of current-gen game consoles.

AR/SR/VR – the technology has not yet reached mass adoption, with the gaming audience still the primary market in the consumer sector. Metaverse applications in retail, education and enterprise are however continuing to grow.

OTT – very limited announcements, expect these to come at NAB Show and IBC later in the year.

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