Camera Chip offers high-definition video modes.

Press Release Summary:



Model OV5620 5 megapixel CMOS camera chip features 2 video modes: D1 resolution (720 x 480) at 60 frames per second (fps) that enables video playback on TV, and 720P resolution (1280 x 720) at 30 fps, for video playback directly through HDTV display. With optical format of 1/2.5 in. and multiple video modes, it is suited for high-resolution camera phones, and digital still and hybrid cameras. Chip incorporates OmniQSP signal processing core that facilitates high-grade picture processing.



Original Press Release:



OmniVision's 5 Megapixel CMOS CameraChip(TM) Brings High-Definition Video to Digital Still Cameras



High-Quality Video Capabilities Redefine the DSC Market

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 19 /-- OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:OVTI), a world leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today unveiled its second-generation, 5 megapixel camera chip. The OV5620 offers a small form-factor, 5 megapixel CMOS camera that surpasses CCD sensors in performance. Furthermore, the OV5620's advanced high-definition (HD) video modes with vivid colors make this CameraChip especially attractive for next generation digital still cameras (DSCs) and hybrid cameras, which take both still and video pictures.

"After several years of exponential growth, the DSC market has slowed down significantly, and the pixel race seems to have found its sweet spot around 5 megapixels," said Brian O'Rourke, Senior Analyst at market research firm In- Stat. "With so many DSCs sold today featuring 5 megapixels, the key market differentiators in this segment are shifting away from the pixel count and towards advanced features such as video."

The OV5620 offers two unique video modes. The first is a D1 resolution (720x480) at 60 frames per second (fps), which is slightly larger than the VGA resolution (640x480) found in most DSCs today. Because D1 is a TV resolution, the user can plug an OV5620 enabled camera directly into a TV and enjoy smooth, high-quality video playback. The second is a 720P resolution (1280x720) at 30fps, which is considered an entry-level, HD video specification. This allows the user to play video back directly through an HDTV display.

"Because most traditional DSCs use CCD technology and thus are unable to produce high frame rates at high resolution, their video features are limited," said Jason Liu, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision, "Based on our testing of products containing the OV5620 versus those containing CCD sensors, the OV5620 will offer camera makers significantly enhanced video performance over CCD sensors, while maintaining an affordable price."

Using its new OmniPixel2 architecture, OmniVision significantly improved both performance and image quality in the OV5620, while reducing overall sensor size, making the OV5620 an ideal solution for DSCs, hybrid cameras and high-resolution camera phones. With an optical format of just 1/2.5 inches, the OV5620 fits easily into popular 3x zoom lens modules, making it one of the first 5 megapixel CMOS camera modules to compete in the CCD-dominated mainstream DSC market segment.

New on-chip features include an OmniQSP signal processing core for high- grade picture processing that enables 50/60 Hz auto flicker detection, LCD scaling, lens shading correction, defect pixel correction, edge enhancement and noise reduction functions. The integrated VarioPixel-2 technology offers a new pixel binning processing, which results in improved image quality with reduced sub-sampling artifacts and greater performance in low light condition.

The OV5620 comes in both a 48-pin, lead-free CLCC package and a 40-pin, lead-free CSP-2 package, both of which are now available for sampling.

About OmniVision

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. designs and markets high-performance semiconductor image sensors. Its OmniPixel and CameraChip 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, PCs and automotive imaging systems. Additional information is available at www.ovt.com.

Source: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT : Scott Foster of OmniVision Technologies, Inc., +1-408-542-3077, or sfoster@ovt.com

Web site: www.ovt.com/

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