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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.

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.

ZyXEL was showing the world’s first fixed LTE router for the home. The router will enable operators to offer high-speed Internet service to the home via cellular networks with data rates up to 50Mbps throughput. The device is ideal for operators looking to provide service in rural or other traditionally under-served markets where new wireline deployments are cost-prohibitive. There were several other LTE/4G products on the floor — and Sprint, Verizon and AT&T have all announced network upgrades to support these systems. This is a big trend to watch for in 2010.

Slate PCs had a strong presence at CES, though most of them were either shown in prototype or not shown at all (as with Apple’s anticipated tablet or the Microsoft’s upcoming dual-screen Courier device). Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer highlighted a number of Windows 7-powered “slates,” which seem to be aiming for the sweet spot between iPhone and a computer – a larger, more video-friendly screen than an iPhone with the computing power of a netbook. Ballmer showcased slate units from HP, Archos and Pegatron. Dell, Lenovo and Fusion Garage also have slate PCs scheduled for release in 2010.

Based on the emphasis on Net-connectivity from all the manufacturers, and especially Vizio, it becomes very clear at this year’s CES that Internet capability in CE devices are no longer going to be the exception. By this time next year, it will be hard to find CE devices that aren’t shipping with Internet connections.

Though 4G is pretty zippy, the wired standard for data transfer leapt light years at CES, where Intel revealed additional development of its Light Peak technology during a Thursday keynote. The new high-speed optical cable technology was initially revealed in San Francisco at September’s Intel Developer Forum. The optical cable achieves data rates of 10GB per second. Standardization is taking place now, with industry protocols and products expected to roll out from 2012 to 2013.