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All abuzz about tech trek

The huge show was all about larger but thinner, local attendees say.

By MADHUSMITA BORA, Times Staff Writer
Published January 10, 2008

With exhibition space the record size of 35 football fields at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, seven Tampa Bay area companies competed for attention among 2,700-plus vendors and 140,000 attendees to talk up their products and campaign for new clients.

What most struck the Tampa Bay attendees? Convergence of technology was a big theme, but what's really hot are larger but thinner television screens, car gadgets, mobile technology, Blu-ray and a gutter-cleaning robot.

"Everyone seems to be competing in the high-definition TV market," said Jim Strauser, CEO of Pinellas Park-based Emerson Karaoke, in a phone interview from Las Vegas. The company unveiled a karaoke microphone that plugs into guitars.

"We have come here to meet people and meet retail prospective," said Rick Albert, national accounts manager for Clearwater-based Tyler Retail Systems.

What struck Albert was the size of booths and displays at this year's show, which ends today.

"The show is pretty exciting, as always," said Ron Freeman, CEO of AAMP of America/Stinger, in a phone interview from Las Vegas. The Clearwater company showcased car audio accessories that let users plug in everything from an iPod to a cell phone.

Although many attendees were promoting products, St. Petersburg-based Jabil Circuit used its time to meet with clients and scope out trends.

"We are there using this as a business development opportunity," said company spokesman Ken Darby.

Who's there

- Technology Research Corp., Clearwater: Makesproducts such as surge strips and cords that prevent fires and shocks.

- Tyler Retail Systems, Clearwater: Makes point-of-sale applications, inventory control and accounting for consumer electronics retailers.

- Sun-Gard, St. Petersburg: Makes solar control automotive window films.

- Jabil Circuit, St. Petersburg: Makes circuit boards and provides electronics design, production and product management.

- AAMP of America/Stinger, Clearwater: Makes automotive audio and video accessories.

- CompuLab, St. Petersburg: Makes integrated wireless mobile devices and miniature, low-power personal computers.

- Emerson Karaoke, Pinellas Park: Makes karaoke machines, hardware, CD+Gs, DVDs.

[Last modified January 9, 2008, 23:09:15]