The Monumental Evolution of Home Entertainment: A Journey Through CES

The Breathtaking Reveal

I’ll never forget the largest TV I’ve ever seen. Deep inside a convention center in Las Vegas, I was guided by a calm PR representative for Samsung past bustling workers setting up for the evening event—Samsung’s First Look. This annual showcase was dedicated to unveiling the company’s most ambitious home entertainment technologies for the year ahead. Hundreds of journalists and industry insiders would soon flood the venue, but I was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse.

As we maneuvered through half-constructed kiosks featuring PC monitors, innovative smart TV interfaces, and quirky displays integrated into modernist bookshelves, I passed by the Sero—a TV that rotated its screen into portrait mode. But it was behind the half-constructed stage where I found myself staring in awe at The Wall: a staggering 292 inches of micro-LED brilliance, brighter than any movie theater screen and infinitely larger than life itself.

The Heartbeat of CES

That experience came during CES 2020, the world’s largest technology exhibition. Samsung has long been a highlight of the event, consistently showcasing groundbreaking consumer electronics. As I stood before The Wall, I felt an electric connection to the pulse of technological history.

Over the years, I’ve attended CES almost every year since 1999, aside from two years during the COVID pandemic. January brings me to Vegas, where, alongside hundreds of fellow journalists and my colleagues at CNET, I write articles and produce videos about the latest gadgets and innovations. It may sound arduous, but it’s a thrilling rush, immersed in the forefront of technology.

CNET’s Role at CES

CNET has a storied relationship with CES; in collaboration with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), we’ve awarded the Best of CES Award to exceptional products over the years. As we gear up for CES 2026, scheduled for the week of January 5, our team has been meticulously organizing and evaluating which innovations deserve recognition.

The lust for massive displays continues to be a significant hallmark of CES. Since the debut of HDTV broadcasts in 1998, these enormous screens have become symbols of technological advancement and consumer desire.

Gary Shapiro, president of the CTA, affirms this importance: "HDTV was the biggest thing in my lifetime for video, no question about it. It fundamentally changed the viewing experience."

Beyond the Screens

While massive TVs steal the spotlight, CES has become a treasure trove of technological innovation, offering glimpses into everyday tech—game consoles, advanced smartphones, and even nascent streaming services—alongside futuristic ideas like humanoid robots and AI-driven appliances.

The convention serves as a launching pad for thousands of companies aiming to unveil their latest advancements. It’s a significant predictor of upcoming tech trends, even as giants like Apple and Amazon host their own product launch events throughout the year. Despite the occasional signs of decline in other major trade shows like Comdex and E3, CES continues to reign supreme in the tech community.

A Historical Lens

The very first CES took place in 1967, showcasing 117 exhibitors, a minuscule number in comparison to the 4,500 present at CES 2025, which drew over 142,000 attendees. The inaugural CES arose as an offshoot of the Chicago Music Show, initially focusing on audio technology.

Television has always been at the heart of CES since its inception. The tech was still dominated by cathode ray tubes when CES first introduced TVs that featured integrated circuits—the precursor to modern computing technology. Over decades, televisions have transformed, growing larger and more intricate with each progression toward higher resolution and enhanced features.

The Quality of Size and Experience

A recent survey from CNET revealed that many consumers desire larger screens for their homes, indicating a collective craving for cinematic experiences that replicate the grandeur of movie theaters. Notably, nearly half of respondents expressed their intention to purchase a screen larger than 65 inches if price was no object.

As Chris Hamdorf, executive vice president at TV manufacturer TCL, advises, when considering a new TV, "Buy one size bigger than you think you need." This sentiment reflects the constant trend toward visually immersive experiences.

Technological Milestones: VCRs to Streaming

The discourse at CES is not solely about TVs; it showcases pivotal advancements in consumer electronics. For instance, in 1970, Philips introduced the N1500 VCR, a device that transformed how viewers interacted with television by allowing them to record shows. This gave birth to the revolutionary concept of "time shifting."

The landscape shifted dramatically with the introduction of the DVD format, offering superior quality and marking a significant leap from VHS. Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) soon joined the fray, enabling viewers to record and manage their viewing experiences conveniently, solidifying their role in home entertainment.

The Rise of Home Gaming

CES has also been a burgeoning ground for gaming technology. The iconic Atari 2600 debuted at CES 1977, paving the way for the gaming industry. The console allowed people to engage interactively with their screens, and became a household favorite. This shift marked the beginning of a new era, where gaming transitioned from arcade machines to living rooms.

As gaming technologies evolved, companies like Nintendo and Microsoft seized CES to reveal significant developments in the industry. The release of the Xbox in 2001 redefined console gaming and established competition that persists to this day.

The Evolution of Mobile Tech

While CES is no longer a focal point for smartphones, it garnered significant attention in 1992 when Apple unveiled its Newton MessagePad. Despite its ambition, the device was a commercial failure. Still, many innovations that follow—like the Palm Pre—have exemplified the intersection of phones and computing, transforming how we perceive mobile technology.

Looking To The Future

As we prepare for CES 2026, the conversation remains vibrant around emerging technologies. The long road from innovative concepts to practical household tools often finds its beginnings at CES. Big dreams continue to emerge, with expectations for breakthroughs in robotics, autonomous mobility, and AI-assisted innovations.

Despite the changing tides and the rise of specific product launch events, one truth remains: CES is deeply woven into the fabric of technological progress. With an array of striking, ambitious inventions ready to unveil, attendees await another year of daring breakthroughs, fortified by the anticipation of a tech landscape yet to be shaped.

In this landscape, flying AI robots and futuristic culinary gadgets like impossible lobster tantalize our imaginations as we cling to the promise of what’s next.