CEA To Discuss Standard Connection For Portables

By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 8/4/2008 1:47:00 PM

Arlington, Va. — The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) said it will form a discussion group on the topic of creating a standard to connect portable devices to home, car and video systems.

The group will meet at the CEA Industry Forum, Oct. 21, in Las Vegas to weigh interest in establishing a standard. Companies with a material interest are welcome to attend.

An industry standard could make it easier for consumers to connect MP3 players, GPS devices, video displays and cameras to home audio and video systems and in-car systems, said CEA.

“Portable and handheld devices continue to change the way consumers collect, store and share audio, pictures, video and other information,” said CEA technology and standards VP Brian Markwalter. “In many cases consumers would like to attach these devices to other CE products to enhance their experiences.”

He said CEA would like to learn if a standard could create “more robust connectivity between portable devices and other products” and whether this could help grow consumer interest in CE products.

Participants need not be CEA members.