The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has revealed some promising forecast numbers for the industry in 2010; positive news after ending an especially tough 2009.

Gary Shapiro, President and CEO announced at CES that the Association forecasts we'll see US$165 billion in CE product shipment revenue this year. This represents a slight increase from 2009.

In 2009, total shipment revenue fell 7.8% while unit volume increased 10%. This year, the CEA predicts categories like smartphones, netbooks, and Blu-ray players will perform especially well. To date, smartphones account for more than 30% of total wireless phone shipments, and that is expected to increase in 2010. In 2009, netbook sales doubled, and CEA predicts that this won't slow down any time soon. The Association forecasts that more than 30 million notebooks will be sold in 2010, equating to upwards of US$14 billion in revenue. Blu-ray shipments, meanwhile, rose 155% in 2009 and 7 million units sold. For 2010, CEA projects 11.5 million unit shipments and a revenue increase to $1.4 billion.

Of course TVs will continue to be hot, with unit sales poised to jump to more than 37 million. However, continuous price drops will result in a slight revenue decline to US$22 billion. While the jury is out on how quickly consumers will welcome 3D technology into their homes, CEA believes we'll see more than 4 million 3D TVs shipped in 2010.

"2009 is a year none of us wish to repeat, and now we look forward to 2010," Shapiro said during his keynote address. "There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is the bright light of innovation."

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