The theme of this year's event was “Ubiquitous Community Forward to the Next Stage!” Most exhibits highlighted the spread of digital networks and how they have changed working and personal lives.

Visitors were particularly interested in digital appliances, car electronics, telematics, optical and wireless communications, and security technologies.

The show featured a full lineup of digital audiovisual equipment, including DVD-R devices and flat-panel displays (FPDs), as well as terrestrial digital broadcasting technologies and equipment. Visitors noted the leading role that the information technology (IT) and electronics industries have played in driving the economic turnaround in 2003.

Cellular telephones, digital cameras and other digital appliances have replaced personal computers (PCs) in driving the semiconductor market amid a shift toward broadband access.

These products are the fruit of a large number of new technologies, components and materials. The many technological challenges include making appliances lighter and smaller while reducing energy consumption and noise. Manufacturer's exhibits demonstrated strong technological and development capabilities in all the above respects.

Appliance manufacturers launched plasma and liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions to prepare for the launch of digital terrestrial broadcasting in Japan in December 2003. The show also featured many organic and inorganic electroluminescent (EL), field emission and microdisplays. Manufacturers highlighted the expanding applications and strides they have made with displays and presented diverse lineups.