According to recent projections by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), US$182 billion worth of consumer electronics will ship in the U.S. by 2011, with revenue rising four per cent from the US$174.9 billion projected for this year, and up 7% from 2009.

"Innovation in the CE industry is driving consumer enthusiasm, orchestrating a turnaround for our industry, and bolstering the overall U.S. economy," declares CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "The response to innovative new products like tablet computers and 3D displays, and continued growth of other product categories, illustrate that consumers love technology. The freedom to innovate delights consumers, sustains our industry, and strengthens the economy."

Even more impressive is that the US$174 billion figure for 2010 actually represents a more than US$9 billion increase over CEA's initial forecasts.

"The January edition of the forecast was cautiously optimistic about the industry's return to growth this year," explains Steve Koenig, CEA's Director of Industry Analysis. "Despite a relatively sluggish first half, these innovative product categories have generated a great deal of consumer interest. As a result, we see a stronger second half demand unfolding, and we anticipate a robust holiday quarter."

Product categories expected to perform especially well going forward include 3DTVs, smartphones, Blu-ray players, e-readers, and tablet computers. In fact, the CEA sees mobile computing, likely fueled in large part by devices like the iPad, as the primary revenue driver for 2011. According to CEA, mobile computing, including tablets as well as notebooks and netbooks, will account for more than US$26 billion in shipment revenues next year.

Handsets will also grow to contribute US$26 billion to the bottom line, with smartphones leading the charge. CEA predicts that more than 54 million smartphones will ship this year, representing an increase of 31% over last year. But 2011, this figure will more than double to 66%.

3D displays will achieve 2.1 million shipments this year, double the amount of the CEA's original forecast. Revenue will be upwards of US$2.7 billion, up to US$7 billion by 2011, with more than six million units sold by next year.

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