LAS VEGAS -- Sales of consumer electronics will top $165 billion this year, a slight increase from 2009, according to a semiannual industry forecast released today by the Consumer Electronics Association.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel and it is the bright light of innovation,” said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. “We are seeing more innovation at this show than at any show in our history.” He made the remarks during the International CES, the world's largest consumer technology trade show.

Shipment revenues fell an estimated 7.8% in 2009 although unit volume increased nearly 10%, CEA said.

In 2010, that is expected to change, led by wireless handsets, which will generate nearly $17 billion in shipment revenue and more than 52 million unit sales. Smartphones comprise more than 30% of total wireless phone shipments, with that number increasing in the years ahead, CEA said.

Computers sales are also expected to be a bright spot, on higher demand for netbooks. Netbook sales more than doubled in 2009 as the computer category showed stronger sales than previous forecasts predicted. In 2010, more than 30 million notebooks will be sold, generating more than $14 billion in revenue.

Also on the rise are Blu-ray players, whose unit sales rose 155% in 2009 with more than seven million units sold, generating more than $1 billion in revenue. The trend will continue, CEA said, with 2010 unit sales projected to top 11.5 million and revenues to increase to $1.4 billion.

TV unit sales will climb to more than 37 million in 2010 but price drops will cause display revenue to decline slightly to $22 billion. Innovation in TV displays, such as 3-D, Internet connectivity and OLED technology, will continue to grow and help maintain revenue in the display category. CEA projects sales of more than 4 million 3-D television sets in 2010.

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