CHIBA, Japan , Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CEATEC -- OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a leading independent supplier of CMOS image sensors for high-volume applications, today launched the OV2650, its third generation 2-megapixel CameraChip(TM) sensor. Powered by OmniPixel3(TM) technology, the OV2650 brings digital still camera (DSC) performance to camera phones in a 1/5-inch optical format, compact enough to allow for an easy upgrade of existing 1.3-megapixel and VGA camera phone designs.
The OV2650 combines OmniVision's proprietary 1.75-micron OmniPixel3 technology with advanced image signal processing (ISP) to offer best-in-class low-light performance (520mV/lux-sec), superb color reproduction and ultra-low noise. In addition, the OV2650 offers other advanced features: anti-shake technology for easier picture taking; high dynamic range (HDR) for advanced video functionality (85dB); a high-speed mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) to ease picture sharing; and a high-end ISP to deliver DSC-like performance.
"As the digital imaging market continues to mature, consumers expect higher resolution camera phones that offer performance comparable to DSCs in terms of image quality, user friendliness and functionality," commented Bruce Weyer , Vice President of Marketing at OmniVision. "New technology in the OV2650 delivers the high-end features that meet these expectations. Achieving these features in a 1/5-inch optical format is the result of our ongoing dedication to camera miniaturization and technology development. The introduction of the OV2650 underscores our commitment to delivering advanced features and functionality to the consumer and enhancing the overall user experience and clearly establishes a new benchmark for the integration of feature-rich, high-resolution image sensors."
One of the most important new features of the OV2650 is the sensor's integrated anti-shake technology. Anti-shake comes into play in low-light situations when cameras need a longer exposure time and therefore a steadier hand. When camera phones using the sensor detect the slightest camera movement, image stabilization will activate, the sensor will help to prevent image blur and the end result will be sharper images.
The OV2650's HDR capability enables the sensor to handle extreme variations of bright and dark conditions within the same scene and, similar to the human eye, adjust to changes rapidly. This is especially useful when a camera phone is operating in video mode.
The OV2650 includes an integrated parallel and one-lane high-speed MIPI interface, which allows the rapid transfer of large blocks of data, an element critical to making effective use of increased camera resolutions. The OV2650 also incorporates onboard JPEG compression to allow existing baseband processors without MIPI to support a camera upgrade to 2-megapixels.
Besides targeting the mobile handset market, the OV2650 is also well-suited to applications in the digital still camera, PC multimedia and toy sectors. The OV2650 is currently available for sampling and is expected to go into volume production in the first quarter of calendar 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, lap-tops 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, achievements and capabilities of the OV2650 CMOS image sensor, markets for which the OV2650 is targeted and timing of volume production, 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 OV2650 CMOS image sensor; risks associated with building customer acceptance of and demand for the OV2650; the development of the market for CMOS sensors in the camera phone market as well as in markets for other portable applications incorporating image sensors; the rapid changes in technical requirements for camera phone products; competitive risks; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision's most recent annual report filed on Form 10-K and quarterly report filed on form 10-Q. OmniVision expressly disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward- looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
OmniVision(R) and the OmniVision logo are registered trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc., CameraChip(TM) and OmniPixel3(TM) are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
SOURCE OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
