News from the Consumer Electronics Show

According to figures released by the organisers of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), sales of MP3 players soared by 200% in 2005 to $3bn (£1.73bn).

The trend will continue in 2006, as more video-playing gadgets appear, with sales expected to hit $4.5bn.

Dozens of such gizmos are expected to be on show at CES in Las Vegas, which starts on Thursday.

"We have witnessed this year a phenomenal growth in MP3," said Sean Wargo, director of industry analysis for the CEA, at a pre-show briefing.

The idea of being able to listen to music or watch video wherever and whenever you want is also changing the shape of home entertainment.

"We have got consumers used to being time and place independent," said Mr Wargo.

"Since we all have huge digital libraries at home, how can I store and harness my digital content in the home?"

Mr Wargo referred to what he described as a media server explosion. By this he meant the introduction of boxes in the home that can store audio, video or pictures and deliver the content to any screen, anywhere in the home.

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