VC in DC

Great Video on Media Convergence

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I attended a great panel at the Digital Media Insider conference that was conducted at last week's Consumer Electronics Show. The following video is a fantastic encapsulation of the major trends within media today. If you have a few minutes, take a look, it is well worth it.

Headed to CES 2010, I want my 3D HDTV

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I like an 8 foot  to 10 foot HDTV as much, or perhaps, more than the next guy.   And TV's are always literally and figuratively big at the Consumer Electronics Show.  But it isn't solely about TV's this week in Las Vegas.

CES is a great window into the state of technology across a broad spectrum and I really enjoy attending each year.  There will be some interesting areas to watch at this year's show.

Tablet Computers

Given that Apple doesn't exhibit at CES, this is a bit ironic.  Anyway, smaller more accessible form factors that go beyond keyboard input are expected to on display from a number of vendors.  The netbooks have reached the truly "cheap and cheerful" level and tablets may be next.

Android Phones

You think this whole smartphone thing is going to catch on?  The Google Nexus One is rumored to debut tomorrow.  There is a lot of hype and energy about the arrival of Android phones though most won't exactly measure up to the more mature iPhone.   I am keenly interested in how these vendors position the devices and discuss coming functionality.   The $64,000 question relates to whether the open platform Android will prompt more and different innovation.

Walt Mossberg's Positive view fo Nexus One

3D TV

Sony and Panasonic are showing 3D TV's that will ship later this year.  DirectTV has announced the availability of 3D channels.   This being 30 years after my college graduation my ability to fully enjoy this technology is likely past.  I am curious as to content creation for 3D TV and which programming entities are interested in leveraging it.

Battery and Green Technologies

All manner of charging devices, battery enhancements, and Green Technologies for consumer and prosumer electronics will populate the show floor.  Thinner, lighter and more efficient batteries and chargers are appealing and may be becoming affordable.

Robots

All things Rumba, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, are some of the most fun to check upon the state of the art.  Need a dish washing one, though, before we can get really serious.

Auto Electronics

Ok, there probably isn't much new beyond HD Radio reaching mainstream but man, oh, man, is the trade show floor at CES dedicated to auto stereo an interesting walk.  The wacky customized cars, chest thumping bass,the throw back, scantily clad, booth bimbos, and bazaar type haggling of retail stereo dealers and manufacturers can infuse one with a sense of being at the right place at the right time.  This is Las Vegas and this is the Consumer Electronics Show.

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CES 2008 Panel

The CES Panel did a great job and we were fortunate to play to a full house. 

All the panelists were able to make it including:

im Pastoriza, General Partner, Telecommunications Development Fund

                  Roger Lee, General Partner, Battery Ventures

                  Pascal Levensohn, Managing Partner/Founder,  Levensohn Venture Partners

                  Carl Stjernfeldt, General Partner, Castile Ventures

                  Jeb Miller, General Partner, ComVentures

The outlook for new technologies focused upon video, 700Mhz phones and the potential of robotic devices.

2008 CES Panel

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I enjoy the Consumer Electronic Show in all its glory.   I moderated a panel last year and will do an encore this coming January.   Last year's panelists did a great job discussing networking, home automation and digital television. 

They included:

Our Panelists:
David Skok, General Partner, Matrix Partners
Jim Pastoriza, General Partner, Telecommunications Development Fund
Mike Goguen, Partner, Sequoia Capital
David Aronoff, General Partner, IDG Ventures

If your around, please come by as the panel is open to all show attendees.

Follow the Money: The Emerging Technologies that are Getting Venture Capitalist Dollars (Free)

1:30-2:30 p.m.    Monday, January 7    The Venetian, Lando 4305-4306

A panel of well-known venture capitalists will discuss emerging technologies and recent investments. The panel will speculate on the next generation of technology opportunities and discuss emerging consumer technology markets. 

Moderator: Don Rainey, Intersouth Partners

Panelists:    Jim Pastoriza, General Partner, Telecommunications Development Fund

                  Roger Lee, General Partner, Battery Ventures

                  Pascal Levensohn, Managing Partner and Founder,  Levensohn Venture Partners

                  Carl Stjernfeldt, General Partner, Castile Ventures

                  Jeb Miller, General Partner, ComVentures

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