The ETC reporting team had the following general observations about this year’s show: The show had a super-dynamic feel, much higher energy level than the previous year; as predicted, 3D was everywhere; over-the-top Internet-connected devices also had a powerful presence; it didn’t feel as if there was a “Pet Rock” at the show –- the single must-have gadget; and tablet PCs, netbooks and e-readers were represented in large numbers.

As we leave Vegas, the ETC reporting team would like to recommend a few things worth watching for in 2010: a revitalized industry-wide commitment to 3D with new content, channels, devices, and testing facilities dedicated to 3D; a new generation of touch screens, netbooks, tablet PCs and e-readers; the potential impact of Google’s Nexus One and Apple’s Tablet; the next wave of gestural interface technologies; development of LTE/4G high-speed access; content organization/search/discovery; and multifunction AV data cabling.

iVoiceNetwork announced the completion of its alpha development phase for an interesting new platform for interactive story construction in a social media way. The idea is to redefine traditional broadcast entertainment by taking social media content and making it more compelling. It allows fans to become part of the show by creating unique user characters, connecting through social groups and starring in their own stories.

Sensio is bringing plug-and-play to home 3D. The Montreal-based firm has partnered with THX Ltd. to use the THX Media Director to facilitate 3D auto-detection in its consumer products — which means users won’t have to flip a switch to go from 2D to 3D. The “encode once, output to many” Sensio approach to devices seems to have garnered the firm some traction here at CES, where Sensio also announced deals with ViewSonic and Vizio, which will incorporate Sensio 3D into its HD line of TVs, including the 72” True LED XVT Pro 720SV, shipping in August.

The three founders of MakerBot were demoing an inexpensive, open source 3D printer. The $950 CupCake CNC uses AVS plastic to print virtually any 3D shape, from whistles to Han Solo’s face encased in carbonite. The MakerBot measures 12x12x18-inches, and is made out of laser-cut quarter-inch plywood.

In a post entitled “LG hits 3D, Connected Displays, and More” on January 9, we mistakenly reported that “LG has the only booth on the show floor displaying a live DirecTV 3D broadcast.” Since DirecTV was broadcasting live at multiple locations during the show through a partnership with Panasonic, the correct description should have read: “In addition to Panasonic and Samsung, LG was showing a live DirecTV 3D broadcast.” We caught the error in time to correct the blog post, but neglected to change the wording in the ‘excerpt’ field that feeds to our daily email alerts and public site. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Sling Media is offering through the Dish Network a 15-inch Wi-Fi monitor that can be carried around the house. A complementary device, the Sling Receiver, uses the consumer’s in-home wireless network to “sling” content to rooms that don’t have wired network connections. Additionally, the Sling Touch Control is a remote control with a built-in screen, which allows access to Slingbox menu capabilities, without displaying on the primary TV.

Sony emphasized the fusion of content and technology during CES, during which the company announced upcoming 3D concert events with Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney in addition to product news: PS3s will be firmware upgradeable for 3D in 2010, 3D BRAVIAs up to 60-inches will launch this summer, there’ll be 17 new models of camcorders, and a Vaio eco-edition will be made in part of recycled material.

TDVision is highlighting technology for acquisition through display of stereoscopic 3D. Two key announcements include: Magnum Semiconductor has teamed with TDVision Systems to launch a real-time 3D encoding and decoding system; and CyberLink’s PowerDVD video player software, which is integrated with TDVision’s 2D+Delta decoding technology, offers full HD 3D video decoding capabilities.

The exhibitors at CES’s Silvers Summit spoke with us about advice for the entertainment industry, based on their experience designing and marketing products for an aging population. “They are the best customers in the world, but nobody has figured out how to do it right for them,” said a rep from Jitterbug. Boomers pay bills on time, give conscientious customer feedback, and are extremely loyal. While they may be beginning to have issues with hearing, vision, and manual dexterity, they also have the interest, the income, and the time to enjoy great technology and entertainment.