Flat-panel TVs have gotten bigger, better, thinner, and sleeker looking over the years. So what's left in terms of innovation? Here are the top 10 trends for 2010 in the TV space.

Smaller-sized LED LCD TVs: In 2009, LED-backlit LCD TVs really came to the forefront, offering benefits in terms of cost, environmental-friendliness, and depth; at least for the larger screen sizes. At CES, several manufacturers have announced bringing LED technology into the smaller display category. Vizio is offering LED LCD TVs in sizes from 16" to 26" in its M-Series; as well as a 24" wireless TV that operates on the 2.4 GHz band. Sharp will launch a 19" 720p LED LCD TV, and 22" and 32" models 1080p models. Samsung will also play in this area with models at 19", 22", 26", and 32", all at 720p resolution. What does this mean? We'll be able to bring the superior picture quality, and environmental benefits, to spots like the kitchen, bedroom, dorm room, or even outside via models like Vizio's wireless display.

Internet Connectivity/Skype: Internet connectivity was central to last year's show, but it's really set to take off in 2010 with pretty well every major manufacturer offering networked displays that can access content wirelessly or through Ethernet connection to the Internet. Stream movies, access social networking sites, view YouTube videos: the possibilities are endless. The big push at this year's CES, however, is Skype: making and receiving video calls using your large screen display. Imagine chatting with your significant other while he's away on business and seeing his face fill a 55" screen. Chatting to grandma overseas while she shows you her new haircut. Or keeping in touch with soldiers away fighting the war. Video calling will become a big draw for this technology.

3D Integration: The most prominent development in video at the show is 3D technology, with manufacturers like Panasonic, Samsung, and LG all committing to launch 3D-ready displays in 2010. To watch 3D content on one of these displays requires a separately purchased pair of active 3D glasses (typically, each display will only work with partner glasses), an HDMI 1.4 connection from the source, and of course, 3D content. There will be no shortage of video to watch, however, as plenty of Blu-ray titles will hit stores in 3D, and several TV channels and programs set to launch in 3D, like DirectTV, Discovery, and ESPN. Toshiba claims that some of its TVs will be able to convert standard 2D content to 3D, adjusting 480 Hz in 2D to 240 Hz in each eye for proper viewing. But it remains to be seen how this would actually compare to tried and true three-dimensional content.

Mobile: The TV's integration with computers has long been realized, and now it seems the mobile phone is finding its way into the equation. Companies are allowing apps to be shared among the two platforms; phones like the iPhone are even being used as a remote control for the TV. A small startup company called L5, for example, offers an IR doo-hicket that connects to the iPhone's charge port, then syncs with all of your home remotes to pick up their commands, then function as a universal remote. It recognizes the majority of remotes on the market, and can operate virtually any IR-based device. All that's required is a free app download from the iTunes store.

But mobile also means portable mobile TVs that let you tap into over-the-air television content while on-the-go. Samsung, LG and Vizio are all showing models in this space, but it will likely be more of a U.S. phenomenon than Canadian until CRTC regulations adjust to allow for streaming TV.

Thin Designs: One would have to wonder if TVs could possibly get any thinner, but alas they can thanks to LED technology. LG is showing off a stunning 6.9mm thin display that is scheduled to hit the market by the end of the year. It's able to maintain such a thin profile because all inputs are located in a separate wireless transmitter. Samsung's C9000 is ultra-thin as well, with all inputs and tuner built right into the display.

Funky Remotes: The remote control has become cool again, and a central focus to the design experience for TV manufacturers, not just third-party companies. Again, both Samsung and LG are innovating in this category. In Samsung's case, it's with the a remote for the aforementioned C9000 that has its own small LED LCD display for viewing one source of content while you're watching another on the actual TV. It operates via IR and WiFi, and will come with the C9000, or potentially be sold on its own as well to work with any DLNA-compatible TV. In LG's case, the company is taking a design hint from the popular Nintendo Wii gaming console, with a tall, thin Wii remote-looking control that it called the Magic Remote. The device comes with an accelerometer and gyroscope bluilt in, and one-button access to the main menu.

Stylish Bezel Designs: Edge-lit technology isn't just referring to a form of LED backlighting this year; it's also referring to a popular design that consists of subtle colours around the perimeter of a display. The result is a stunning look that makes you almost not want to wall-mount a TV. Couple this with the ultra-slim profiles, and A/V furniture could see a growth as people opt to keep TVs off the wall and central to a room.

Resurgence of Plasma: Many believe that with LED backlighting and the latest developments, LCD technology may be reaching its point of maturity, getting to be virtually as good as it can get. This means there's room for a resurgence in plasma technology. "We're close to plateauing in feature set for LCD," opines LG Canada's Frank Lee. "But we haven't reached that for plasma yet. "For the true, cinematic experience," adds Samsung Canada's Jeff Ingram, "people are still going with plasma."

4K x 2K Resolution: It's still early days, and there's really no camcorder able to record footage in this superior resolution. But several shows showed demonstrations of its capabilities using PC content and still photos. At LG's booth is an 84" OLED 4K prototype worth checking out.

Price: Despite the fact that the economy is poised for recovery this year, consumers will still be looking for great value. "Buying habits have changed," noted Toshiba's Scott Ramirez in the company's press conference. "People shop for value and benefits." This means that while consumers will still be conscious, they will be seeking out feature sets that appeal most to them. Ramirez notes that while the average selling prices in the TV market were like a ski slope last year, sales of 52" and 55" models rose because of LED technology. "People were willing to pay more because they saw value."