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2003 International Consumer Electronics Show
Dates: January 9, 2003 - January 12, 2003
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Article:
Tuan
Photos:
Mike Bender, Norm Yee, Tuan, Chris J. |
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Introduction
Usually, when I write about a show like CES (Consumer Electronics Show), I'd spend a few paragraphs or so talking about the history of the show, what goes on at the show and whatnot before getting to the good stuff, but I'm going to just skip most of the bland information and just head right to the meat.
But before I do that, I just want to give you some really quick points about CES. Basically, CES is all things electronics, whether it be the latest in car audio equipment or some new gadget in the computer realm, CES covers it all - for miles (literally). Be prepared to walk for days when attending a show like CES, because so much is coveredand there are so many companies there that one is exhausted by day's end. Take into account that we were carrying around heavy photography equipment and trying to take pictures of everything will give you a small idea of this sensory overload. The Consumer Electronics show is fact the largest convention in Las Vegas with over 100,000 people attending each year.
Heading over to the cars
This is where the action was, at least for us - where the cars, the mods, the audio and the models would be. The first thing that our eyes glazed over was a 2002 Patritti S/GT Bi-turbo Porsche. Designed by Patrick Patritti, one could say that Patritti and Co did a fantastic job of turning a work of art into an even more impressive work of art.
Sporting dual intercoolers located in the rear bumper corners and an impressive custom carbon fiber air intake that feeds the turbos with cool air. Carbon fiber is used throughout the car including the door panels, dashboard, and center console for an extreme look, and to save some weight.
Traveling through the crowd some more, we witnessed some extensive (a major understatement) modifications on a particular RX-7 owned by Tom Ngo. Tom's beauty has a 99 JDM front bumper and Knight Sport side-skirts. His ADR 19 inch Sterling wheels are wrapped with Yokohama Parada tires. Commanding a modification price tag too high to mention, Tom's RX7 is no ordinary Mazda. His carbon fiber hood is by VIS, and under that is the rotary engine boosted by a huge Greddy T88 turbo with a front mount intercooler.
All aspects of Tom's RX7 were touched up including the I.C.E. The sound system received four Tarantula 10 Inch subwoofers, 2 Soundstream Tarantula amps, and 2 huge digital capacitors with LCD voltmeter displays.
Tom's ride took approximately a year and a half to complete. What do we like about Tom's RX7? The changes he's done to the car were completed with thought and it shows. The beast (and beauty) looks mean but at the same time keeps the original elegance and smooth impression of the original.
Taking a break from cars
CES' Audio section was home to many of the famous speaker companies such as Audiobahn, Zapco, Alpine, MTX, Alumapro, Kicker, and JL Audio just to name a few. Most of these manufacturers were showing off their subwoofers because naturally, subs are easily the most impressive part of a speaker lineup. Also on display were various lines of power amplifiers in sizes that ranged from those that fit in your hand to those that could likely crush you under its weight and power a small city.
Besides speakers and amps, power cables and capacitors were also everywhere. Anything from cheap wires to high-end audio cables was present. Half farad to 15 farad capacitors were also on display, with digital LED read-outs letting you monitor the voltage.
Cars are continuing to become more and more sophisticated and car audio doesn't show any signs of stopping either. We're seeing more and more multi-channel car setups, delivering true multi-channel surround sound with certain systems being able to decode DTS and DVD-Audio in real-time. Lacking though is the support for SACD, or Super Audio CD, which in my opinion is superior to DVD-Audio in fidelity. This is because SACD has an order of magnitude higher sampling frequency than does DVD-A. It's only a matter of time before SACD support comes to the market.
Going back to cars
Back at CES on Day 2, we were able to take a look around at areas we had missed on the previous day - and we were damn glad to be back. On the show floor over at Monster Cable's booth, were a Lamborghini Mercielago, and a Ferrari 360 Modena. Both yellow, both hot, and both were gathering crowds of onlookers. Unfortunate was the fact that someone had placed a ding on the door of the Ferrari. Nevertheless, these cars were impressive to say the least. It was interesting to note that while these two cars were definitely a cut above the rest in terms of class, many of the more down to earth cars far outclassed these two in terms of modifications.
We had the opportunity to sit ourselves inside the Lamborghini. It was an odd feeling though, because it is such an impressive car that we had high expectations for the innards as well. Suffice to say, even Tom Ngo's RX7 felt a lot better to sit inside of than this Lamborghini.
At the end of the day
Things were wrapping up quite nicely at the end of the show but we didn't have enough time to explore the rest of CES. We did however, get the chance to quickly breeze by the video entertainment area, where Zenith was showing of its new line of plasma displays, one of which was a cool 60" monster. Price tag for this beast? More than $11,000. We wish we could afford it.
Computer companies were also abundant at CES, showing off new memory technologies as well as some new graphics technologies from the likes of NVIDIA and ATI, if you're into the computer scene.
We left CES with an impression of awe and eventually found ourselves eating at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino- this place was made of money. If you're ever in Vegas, make sure you visit the Bellagio buffet; we know we're definitely heading back there when the chance comes up.
This year's CES was more packed than people had expected, with the automobile and audio halls being more jammed packed than any other place at CES. We're looking forward to heading back out to Vegas for the next event.
Event Coverage brought to you by:
Zapco - Manufacturers of some of the best amplifiers and electronics available for your vehicle.
Alumapro - Makers of top quality automotive component speakers and powerful subwoofers
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