Rich Warren

In a nearly deserted conference room, TDVision Systems (TDV) presented its sophisticated 3-dimensional imaging system. The company made it clear it is selling technology, not products. Already in use in some major teaching hospitals and by the Defense Department, the TDV 3D system is said to be fully compatible with standard 2D images.

Seldom unseen yet ubiquitous at CES are batteries. Last year Panasonic debuted its Oxyride non-rechargeable batteries. This year was Sanyo's turn to deliver an improvement on nickel-metal hydride batteries. Its new Eneloop batteries come fully charged, meaning you don't have to charge them for hours before using them.