Cypress CMOS Image Sensor Enables Convergence of Film and Digital Video for Motion Picture Cinematography
Custom Imager is the Heart of ARRI's ARRIFLEX D-20 Digital Motion Picture Camera And ARRISCAN Film Scanner
SAN JOSE, Calif., December 19, 2007 - Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY) today announced that its OSCAR custom CMOS image sensor is incorporated into the ARRIFLEX D-20 Digital Motion Picture Camera and ARRISCAN Film Scanner from ARRI GmbH. The 6-megapixel sensor is the same size as a Super 35-mm film aperture, enabling the D-20 camera to use the same prime, zoom and specialty lenses as 35-mm film cameras while shooting in High-Definition (HD). The resulting digital image has the same depth of field as 35-mm film, allowing film makers to direct a viewer's attention to a specific part of an image, a feature that is a highly valued creative storytelling tool.
The OSCAR CMOS image sensor gives the D-20 camera the ability to read out high frame-rates despite a high active pixel-count of 2880 x 2160 pixels, as well as the ability to run speed ramps. Additionally, the OSCAR sensor delivers excellent color fidelity and high dynamic range for crystal-clear HD footage. In the ARRISCAN device, the sensor delivers high-speed scanning to reduce the costs per frames for digital laboratories and postproduction houses. The ARRISCAN has been used in movies such as "King Kong" and "Die Hard IV," while the D-20 was used for shooting TV productions and features such as "Hogfather," "Tin Man" and "Baker Street."
"The D-20 camera opens up tremendous creative options to directors and cinematographers by combining the aesthetic quality of a 35-mm film image with the immediacy of shooting video in HD," said Robert Kandleinsberger, Head of R&D at ARRI. "Cypress worked with us to develop a custom CMOS image sensor to meet the exact specifications required for the camera's unmatched feature-set."
"We are always excited to work with visionary customers such as ARRI who push our custom CMOS image sensors to new heights in performance," said Cliff Drowley, vice president of Cypress's image sensor business unit. "Cypress has carved out a leadership position in custom image sensors by working closely with our customers from design to production to leverage the outstanding dynamic range and high-speed reading capabilities of our technology."
Cypress Image Sensors
Cypress's broad CMOS image sensor portfolio delivers high-performance sensors for custom and high-end digital photography; ultra high-speed imaging solutions for automotive safety, machine vision and motion analysis; and consumer-oriented solutions including large-format printers. CMOS image sensors complement Cypress's technology and market strengths and expand Cypress's existing presence in numerous complementary markets where it sells a broad array of timing and USB solutions, configurable microcontrollers and memories.
About Cypress
Cypress delivers high-performance, mixed-signal, programmable solutions that provide customers with rapid time-to-market and exceptional system value. Cypress offerings include the PSoC® Programmable System-on-Chip(TM), USB controllers, general-purpose programmable clocks, image sensors and memories. Cypress also offers wired and wireless connectivity solutions ranging from its WirelessUSB(TM) radio system-on-chip, to West Bridge(TM) and EZ-USB® FX2LP controllers that enhance connectivity and performance in multimedia handsets. Cypress serves numerous markets including consumer, computation, data communications, automotive, industrial, and solar power. Cypress trades on the NYSE under the ticker symbol CY. Visit Cypress online at www.cypress.com.
