2014 International CES: Photo Gallery & Analysis

There were more curves on display at the 2014 International CES than you'd find in any number of revue bars down the Vegas strip. Not content with flooding the market with massive 4K Ultra HD displays, most TV manufacturers felt compelled to bend them as well.

Both LG and Samsung even touted super-sized 105-inch 21:9 edge-lit curved LED Ultra HD screens - actually with a resolution of 5120 x 2160, they're 5K models but let's not be pedantic. The only difference between the two seemed to be that LG seriously intends to launch its model, which is good news for integrators looking to offer the wow factor to wealthy clients.

In the real world, 4K screens actually dipped to 49-inches (from Sony and LG) which is certain to stoke consumer demand. These sets will also be compatible with the new Netflix 4K streaming service, so there should even be something to watch on them. A sign of things to come.

OLED was a no-show though. Despite having been abortively launched for several years, only LG persevered this year, offering a trio of models. Panasonic also showed OLED, but in the form of a concept Video Wave of concave and convex 55-inch screens. As a statement piece it looked absolutely beautiful, although it's more likely to find employment in the digital signage market than the living room. Panasonic also bowed its life+Screens for the first time. With a new MyStream interface they take content personalisation to another level.

Inevitably attracting a good deal of attention at the CES were flexible panels from Samsung and LG. While undoubtedly ingenious, we struggle to think why you might want the feature. File under: clever but pointless.

Elsewhere, the HDBaseT alliance made a good showing of its various single wire HDMI distribution solutions, although didn't show its hand regarding HomePlay, the consumer iteration of the TV.  Other key trends emergent at the show were wearables, principally in the form activity monitors, and wireless audio. There's no shortage of alternative to Sonos heading to the highstreet from the likes of Panasonic, LG and Samsung.

To get a feel for just how innovative and exciting this year's CES was, peruse our photo gallery below… 

Also read:
2014 International CES: The Installer's viewpoint
Netflix promises to end 4K content drought
Panasonic demos reference grade 4K LED panel at CES