OmniVision Announces First True High-Definition Video Sensor for Mobile Handsets and Laptop Computers

Jan. 9, 2008

SUNNYVALE , Calif., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), the world's largest supplier of CMOS image sensors, today heralded the start of a new era in mass market portable video technology with the introduction of the OV9710, its first true high-definition (HD) video CameraChip(TM) sensor for mobile handset and notebook PC markets.

"The OV9710 is among the highest quality HD video sensors in its class," commented Bruce Weyer , OmniVision's vice president of marketing. "The performance of the OV9710 is generating tremendous market interest not only among mobile handset and notebook PC makers, but also from automotive and security customers. With this breadth of market interest, the OV9710 could very well become one of our most successful products to date."

The OV9710 is a 1-megapixel CMOS sensor built with OmniVision's proprietary OmniPixel3(TM) architecture and a 3x3 micron pixel for optimal low-light sensitivity and high-quality HD video performance at 30 frames per second (fps). It was designed specifically to meet all camera phone (1280x720) and PC multimedia (1280x800) market requirements in terms of performance, quality, reliability and power consumption.

"Our goal is to deliver a very high quality sensor for high-definition markets," continued Weyer. "With sensitivity ratings of over 2300mV per Lux-second, we are providing exceptional image quality at price points that are attractive to high volume markets."

The OV9710 is a 1/4-inch HD video camera providing full-frame, sub-sampled, windowed 8-bit/10-bit images in raw RGB format via the digital video port. It delivers full-frame HD video at 30 fps in WXGA (1280x800) or 60fps in sub-sampled WXGA (640x400) with complete user control over image quality, formatting and output data transfer. The OV9710 incorporates image processing functions including exposure control, gain control, white balance, lens correction, defect pixel canceling and more. These functions are also programmable through the serial camera control bus (SCCB) interface.

The OV9710 comes in a variety of lead-free packaging options and is capable of operating within a temperature range of -30 to +70 degrees C. It is currently available in sample quantities. Volume shipping is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2008.

About OmniVision(R)

OmniVision Technologies designs and markets high-performance semiconductor image sensors. Its OmniPixel(R), OmniPixel2(TM), OmniPixel3(TM) and CameraChip(TM) products are highly integrated single-chip CMOS image sensors for mass-market consumer and commercial applications such as mobile phones, digital still cameras, security and surveillance systems, interactive video games, laptops and PCs and automotive and medical imaging systems. Additional information is available at http://www.ovt.com.

Safe-Harbor Language

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance and capabilities of, the anticipated demand for and the expected time frame for volume shipment of the OV9710 CMOS image sensors are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements and OmniVision's results to differ materially, include, without limitation: potential errors, design flaws or other problems with the OV9710; customer acceptance, demand, and other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision's annual report filed on Form 10-K and quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q. OmniVision expressly disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.

OmniVision(R), the OmniVision logo and OmniPixel(R) are registered trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. CameraChip(TM), OmniPixel2(TM) and OmniPixel3(TM) are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

SOURCE OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

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