Keeping up with consumer’s insatiable demand for content is the key challenge facing the mobile entertainment industry, said panelists on ETC’s final Thursday afternoon presentation. Experts from AT&T, Alcatel Lucent, OMVC, DECE and others gathered for a panel discussion regarding how to address the massive growth of consumer demand in the mobile CE market. The panel discussed digital signage, the next generation of automobile electronics and bandwidth issues. Looking forward, the panel predicted that tablets would take off, as the natural extension of the small smartphone screen.

A new set of 3D-capable devices is emerging at CES and at retail. Product designers and business leaders who are bringing these devices to market met as part of an ETC panel to discuss emerging 3D devices and what needs to be done to avoid a format war. In part 1 of our coverage, the panel discussed the recent success of 3D theatrical releases serving as a boost to wider 3D interest, the inherent dangers of producing “bad” 3D, and the commitment of electronics manufacturers to the adoption of 3D.

A new set of 3D-capable devices is emerging at CES and at retail. Product designers and business leaders who are bringing these devices to market met as part of an ETC panel to discuss emerging 3D devices and what needs to be done to avoid a format war. In part 2 of our coverage, the panel discussed autostereoscopic technologies, 2D-to-3D conversion processes, and the need to effectively educate the public about 3D.

Datacolor and Portrait Displays are demonstrating a prototype of their SpyderHDMI calibration system that automates the calibration of HDMI-based sets with a combination of a sophisticated color meter and firmware in the set, eliminating the need for a computer or third party solution. This could show the potential for an HDMI-based color alignment system inside television sets and monitors.

Carolyn Giardina interviews the CTO of HDlogix who discusses his company’s solution for a realtime 2D-3D conversion process that analyzes a live video feed via algorithms to generate left eye and right eye views, creating 3D imagery. Applications include broadcast and cable for TV, PCs, and eventually mobile devices. Our reporters Carolyn and George Gerba were impressed with the system’s conversion of a live local cable feed.

Nagravision is demoing Nagra Media Guide, a 3D implementation of an Electronic Program Guide that could be used for TV or the Internet. The technology—for which 3ality Digital is a strategic partner—was used for two recent demos: Sky 3D, scheduled to launch in Korea in 2010; and Virgin Media, at its London store on Oxford Street.

Technicolor is demonstrating several innovations to support the consumer electronic industry’s migration to 3D, including new technologies for Blu-ray 3D, broadcast 3D, 3D subtitling, and auto-stereoscopic 3D delivery to mobile handsets. Autostereoscopic content delivery on a Hitachi Wooo mobile phone and a preview of the 3D Blu-ray release of “Monsters vs. Aliens” are just some of the things the company is showcasing at its booth.

ETC’s executive director David Wertheimer and CEA’s chief economist Shawn DuBravac gave an encouraging snapshot of consumer feelings about 3D TV at our opening presentation on Thursday. Some key findings: 3D is not just a one-time experience: People are coming back to 3D entertainment multiple times; Consumers who have seen 3D have a better impression of the technology, and objections like “the glasses are annoying” or “3D is gimmicky” decreased significantly after a 3D experience. 85% of viewers said they were satisfied with their 3D experience. 25% of consumers plan to buy a 3D TV in the next three years.

Netgear’s new Push2TV box allows laptops powered by Intel’s new i3, i5 and i7 chips to display computer content on HDTVs. The device can play back library files or online programming and “extends the computer screen to your TV” complete with browser interface, according to Netgear.

Carolyn Giardina reports from the Sony booth on a series of 3D initiatives announced during the company’s press conference, including: a new series of 3D Bravia TVs will be available by June/July, as will new Sony 3D-enabled Blu-ray players, an upgraded PS3 will include 3D Blu-ray later this year, and more was announced regarding 3D strategic alliances and content releases.