Stars Gear Up for CES

By Scott Leon, NBC Universal

It's a symbiotic relationship: Consumer Electronic manufacturers develop the new technology; Hollywood and the Sports industry provide content. That's why this year more celebrities and sports figures will be attending CES than ever before.

High Def is definitely on Hollywoods agenda, be it Blu-ray or HD-DVD.

On Sunday "Rush Hour" director Brett Ratner will help Panasonic unveil their new product line. Actor and Producer Michael Douglas helps unveil XSTREAMHD's home streaming innovations Thursday at the Venetian. SONY, which has a major presence at CES will host Jerry Seinfeld, Drew Carey and Vanna White Monday.

The sound of music will be rocking the show throughout the week. An updated, state of the art JOHN LENNON EDUCATIONAL TOUR BUS will be unveiled. It's a recording studio on wheels to help school kids learn about the recording process. Yoko Ono along with recording artists Natasha Bedingfield, will i. am of the Black Eyed Peas and Pat Monahan of Train are all getting on the bus.

Show attendees will also be able to hear some great performances. Hit maker Mary J. Blige performs along with Sheila E. at the Monster Cable Concert Tuesday night at the Paris Hotel. The legendary Tony Bennett will be another star at the Sony booth Monday. And checkout actor Kevin Costner's musical side when he performs with his band, Modern West, Monday at the Gibson Guitar tent at the LVCC.

The world of sports will be well represented. David Ortiz of the World Series champions Boston Red Sox is a guest at the SHARP booth Tuesday. GoDaddy.com has both Olympic Gold medalist Amanda Beard and the hottest woman on the race car circuit Danica Patrick appearing at their booth.

Of course... let's not forget the stars of NBC News covering the convention! Stop by our NBC Universal booth (Central 12533) to see folks like Al Roker, Brian Williams, CNBC's Maria Bartiromo and Acesss Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell televising their shows live.