Even though it is the day before CES officially begins, Vizio already has a lot of presence in Las Vegas with the announcement of two new soundbars.

The VSB210 and VSB210WS are both designed to deliver high performance surround sound experience without multiple speakers. Each one has a piano black finish with chrome accents as well as a hybrid tabletop stand and wall mount bracket for flexible installation.

The only difference between the two models is that the WS has a wireless subwoofer. It is not completely wireless, as it requires a single cord to attach to any flat panel TV. The subwoofer is an advanced 2.4GHz outfitted with a long throw 6.5 inch woofer providing bass response that extends from 35Hz to 80Hz.

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On occasion as a parent you get stuck in situations where you’re more worried than usual about keeping track of your children.  Well Lok8u is releasing a gadget to help you out in such situations.  It’s a set of watches that incorporate GPS, so that you never lose track of your little ones.  Likely this won’t be ideal once your kids get a fashion sense of their own, but it will work for at least the younger kids.  That is unless you can pitch the watch to them in a way that they won’t mind that it’s a bit on the unfashionable side.

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A good portion of us have played Duck Hunt on the NES at some point. It was fun at the time and has now grown to become a gaming classic that you can fondly look back upon. Well now for all those parents that complain their kids won’t leave their game consoles and computers behind, there’s this little toy. It’s inspired by the Duck Hunt game, although somehow I doubt it’s nearly as cool as the NES version used to be.

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A few weeks ago, I received an email from someone who was telling me about a new Pacemaker on display at CES. Since I usually don’t report on medical-tech supplies, I ignored it. It was rather embarrassing when I found out at CES Unveiled that the Tonium Pacemaker has nothing to do with any surgical procedure, but it is a digital DJ System.

The demonstration of this device was quite impressive. The new improved Pacemaker has a 60GB to 120GB hard drive, which is good enough for storing fifteen to thirty thousand songs. You will definitely need that storage space as you can mix together new audio files from two different tracks.

The controls looked difficult at first, but the user can quickly adapt to them to put effects in his or her mixed tracks using a touch-sensitive circular controller and track switching buttons. The Pacemaker is somehow able to put two terrific tracks in sync so they mix to create something entirely awesome.

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I went on about how much I loved the Lili Lite for those that like to do a little reading before bed.  Well this new lamp would be great for those that prefer their reading corner.  That or it might be that you don’t want to give up your nightstand to have something like the Lili Lite.  Either way, this on and end table or nightstand would make for a nice area to relax and enjoy a good book.

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When I dropped by the Fujitsu Ten Limited/Eclipse booth at CES Unveiled last night, I saw the new AVN726E auto navigation system. When I saw that it would open and close at the touch of a button, the company had my complete attention.

The AVN726E has a 7.0 inch touchscreen, with visibility that is quite clear in both day and night modes. When it opens up, you can see a place to insert an SD card, and this is where the user can easily update their maps or insert other digital files.

Also visible on the AVN726E is a slot for CDs and DVDs, and it also has a USB port for MP3 Players. The ANV726E is also iPod ready for both audio and video playback. If you forgot to bring any entertainment for your long trip, the AVN726E is ready to use with SIRIUS and XM tuners, as well as HD Radio tuners with iTunes Tagging.

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The Consumer Electronic Show has begun and it has all the earmarks over your typical overwhelming display of hard core tech and some rather silly geekery. From the first keynote of the Ballmer era to a flying little birdy you shoot down with an infra-red pistol, to an SD card specification which is larger than the hard drives on my desktop, CES 2009 is getting all the interest this year, leaving MacWorld in San Francisco in it’s proverbial dust.

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I saw a demonstration of Viable’s VPAD+ at CES Unveiled yesterday. Viable’s products are designed for the hard of hearing, and many of Viable’s designers are deaf.

The VPAD+ uses video conferencing technology like its predecessor, the VPAD. Viable, the company that makes the VPAD+, has improved the old version with some enhancements such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, two USB ports, as well as an improved touchscreen.

All of these new features make the VPAD+ a stand-alone online communication tool that does not require a separate wireless adaptor. When a call is received, The VPAD+ will “ring” with flashing lights. The device is set up like Creative’s videophone so the deaf and hard of hearing caller can communicate via sign language to the person that he or she can see on his or her screen.

The VPAD+ even offers the services of a third party signing interpreter, in case the person on the other end of the line does not know sign language.

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