Today, the 50th edition of the consumer electronics show IFA in Berlin is starting. Until coming Wednesday, September 8th, more than 1,423 exhibitors are showing consumer electronics and home appliances on the exhibition site. Key themes on display at the IFA 2010 include HDTV, 3D TV, the networked home, TV/internet convergence and mobile media. One of the highlights is the new Android tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab which the manufacturer presented on Wednesday at the SoHo house in Berlin (read my short review on the device). In the home appliances sector, the focus is on design, ease-of-use and ergonomics. Other important trends cutting across market segments and discussed in conference sessions are digital lifestyles, smart homes, and energy efficiency. Here is some more information for visitors of the IFA 2010 show.

Two New Display Sections

With IFA iZone and IFA eLibrary there are two new display sections with more than 50 exhibitors from every sector, including app developers, retailers, the media, software distributors, exhibiting their i-products and e-media. IFA TecWatch, the innovation centre at IFA with exhibits highlighting research and development work, has received a makeover and this year is presenting itself in a new location in Hall 8.1. For example, the E-Haus from ZVEH, a comprehensive prototype of the networked home, demonstrates how technology that is available now can be put to use in the future.

medienwoche@IFA, IFA’s collaboration with Berliner Medienwoche organised by Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg and Medienboard Berlin Brandenburg, will be held on 6 and 7 September. The program includes conferences, podium discussions and keynotes which will discuss the issues of media politics and the content and device industry. Visitors to medienwoche@IFA will also have direct access to IFA and to the innovations within the consumer electronics industry.

On Saturday evening a live performance by Scooter, one of Germany’s most successful bands, will transform the open air stage in the Summer Garden into a dance floor.

Opening Hours, Ticket Purchase Prices

The IFA 2010 show will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Detailed program information is available at www.ifa-berlin.com. Visitors can purchase tickets for prices beginning at € 15.00 for an one-day pass. Pupils, students, draftees and severely handicapped persons with ID pay less for a ticket. An interactive map at the IFA 2010 website shows the hall allocation. At Your way to IFA you will see several possibilities to get to the IFA exhibition site. International trade visitors arriving by plane at the airport Berlin Tegel can use one of the free shuttle buses to the IFA fairground. There are guided tours for trade visitors.