AltaSens' BitsDReam(TM) Technology Adds HDR to HD Video |
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AltaSens, Inc.
700 E. El Camino Real, Suite No.200
Mountain View, CA, 94040
USA
Press release date: May 7, 2007
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., May 7 -- Imaging sensor pioneer AltaSens, Inc. today announced production availability of its innovative new technology for delivering full-rate high definition video with high dynamic range (HD-HDR = HD2R). Available as a programming option in all its newly introduced AltaChrome(TM) imaging System-on-Chip (iSoC) sensors, which already provide industry-leading dynamic range of 12 to 14 bits, patent-pending BitsDReam(TM) technology boosts dynamic range to 14, 16, or 20 bits, depending on the programmable setting. Exposure latitude is thus expanded to levels that even most film stocks can't reach. For disparate applications from surveillance through cinematography, BitsDReam eliminates "blowout" of highlights, "crushing" of blacks, and the harsh look of digital video often generated by other electronic sensors.
Current AltaChrome sensors supporting BitsDReam HD2R readout with at least 14 bits of readout include resolutions of 2.2 (model 3372), 4.5 (5262), and 8 megapixels (8472). Slated for release starting in mid-year are sensors with additional iSoC updates that will provide for the option of reading out either linear data, with a depth of up to 28 bits, or gamma-compressed data having a more modest bit depth. Lester Kozlowski, AltaSens CTO and Founder, commented, "We are extremely pleased to introduce our new AltaChrome sensors that our OEM partners are quickly leveraging to significantly raise the performance bar for all cameras."
Dr. John Richardson, AltaSens Chief Scientist, added, "In addition to even lower noise and dark current, support for our groundbreaking BitsDReam technology helps our AltaChrome iSoC sensors to be the world's first to deliver HD-HDR: high definition imaging with high dynamic range at full video rate."
BitsDReam seamlessly maintains progressive video frame rate of at least 15 fps -- even at 4.5 megapixel resolution, as in the case of the new 1/3-inch AltaChrome 5262 sensor, targeted for consumer HD applications. Depending on the sensor model it is used with, the BitsDReam feature is either fully embedded in the iSoC or it requires some camera support to deliver full performance. In both cases, applications can be specifically tuned to achieve optimal results, whether the challenge is to prevent blowouts, deliver rich blacks for cinematography, or identify individuals in poor lighting.
About AltaSens
AltaSens, Inc. is the premier supplier of high performance CMOS image sensors for the emerging world of high definition video. With headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California, AltaSens designs and produces the AltaChrome(TM) and ProCamHD(TM) families of image sensors, used worldwide in a diverse range of imaging products spanning such markets as broadcast/professional, camcorder, videoconferencing, telepresence, medical, machine vision, and surveillance. AltaSens' high definition imaging system-on-chip CMOS video image sensors exceed industry expectations by delivering a technology that enables lower noise, lower power consumption, higher sensitivity, higher frame rate, and higher dynamic range in a cost-effective solution. For more information about AltaChrome and ProCamHD image sensors or about AltaSens, Inc., visit www.AltaSens.com.
AltaSens, AltaChrome, BitsDReam, and ProCamHD are trademarks of AltaSens, Inc.
Source: AltaSens, Inc. CONTACT: Ai Yokoyama of AltaSens, Inc., +1-650-934-8272, ayokoyama@altasens.com Web site: http://www.altasens.com/
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