CameraChip's Improved Low Light Range Capabilities Reaffirm OMNIVISION's Commitment to the Security and Surveillance Market
SUNNYVALE, CA — November 5, 2001 — OMNIVISION Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a leading independent supplier of single CameraChip™ solutions for high-volume imaging applications, today announced its new low-power, highly integrated CameraChip™ targeted at industrial security applications. The new offering, based on OMNIVISION’s CameraChip™ CMOS technology, is ideal for security applications due to its extremely low (.08) lux capabilities, enabling imaging products to be more sensitive and provide high-quality images in low light conditions. Complementing OMNIVISION’s portfolio of devices designed for security applications, this newest device underscores OMNIVISION’s commitment to produce cost-effective solutions for high-volume applications.
“This product is specifically designed for the growing surveillance and security markets,” said John Lynch, vice president of sales and marketing for OMNIVISION. “By improving the CameraChip’s low-light capabilities, OMNIVISION has produced a cost-effective solution capable of competing against more expensive CCD technologies in the security and surveillance market.”
The new single-chip, black and white, analog output OV7421 CMOS CameraChip™ competes with current CCD chipsets, providing manufacturers with a lower-cost and more flexible alternative. The product’s low (5.0 volt) power, small size and low cost, coupled with its very low lux capability, make this solution suited for the mass security market. Lux, a unit of illumination equivalent to .0929 foot-candles, determines the level of light necessary to obtain a clear picture. The low lux level of the OV7421 means that the imaging device can produce a quality image with extremely low light, a feature highly beneficial to mass security applications.
“This is a significant technological advancement for OMNIVISION,” said James He, vice president of core technology at OMNIVISION “overall dynamic range is increased by 26dB” This is a characteristic that is not easily matched by competing multi-chip CMOS image sensor solutions.”
Designed for both EIA (the black and white equivalent of NTSC, the 510×492 pixel video standard in the United States and Canada) and CCIR (the black and white equivalent of PAL, the 628×582 pixel European video standard output), the OV7421 delivers composite video capable of directly driving a display device, such as a television or monitor. The OV7421 offers an image array in a standard 1/3-inch format and real-time frame rates for video and other imaging applications. Functions incorporated in the OV7421 include automatic gain control (AGC), automatic exposure control (AEC), gamma correction, automatic level control (ALC) and automatic black level calibration.
Price and Availability
OV7421 samples will be available in late Q4 to qualified OEMs. Initial volume pricing below $10.00. Please contact your local sales representative for additional information.
About OMNIVISION
OMNIVISION Technologies, Inc. is an independent CameraChip™ solutions provider. Utilizing proprietary design technology for its highly integrated still-photo and video camera solutions for high-volume imaging applications, OMNIVISION integrates multiple image processing and capture functions into a single CameraChip™ design. With the addition of only a lens, the result is a low-cost CameraChip™ that consumes less power, has a greater environmental functioning range and has a smaller footprint than typical CMOS multi-chip image sensor solutions. OMNIVISION’s CameraChip™ solutions are in cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), automobiles and industrial machine vision applications, as well as surveillance and biometric security applications. OMNIVISION is based in Sunnyvale, California. For more information about the company, visit our Website at www.ovt.com.
OMNIVISION and CameraChip™ are trademarks of OMNIVISION Technologies, Inc. All other trade, product or service names referenced in this release may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the ideal nature of the OV7421 for the security and surveillance market; the product characteristics and improvements of the OV7421; the company’s commitment to produce low-cost solutions for high-volume applications; the ability of the OV7421 to compete against current CCD chipsets; the lower cost and more flexible solution that the OV7421 provides; and features which are highly beneficial to mass security applications are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements and the company’s results to differ materially, include, without limitation: the company’s reliance on third parties for color filter processing, packaging and assembly which reduces the company’s control over the quality of the OV7421; the high level of complexity and integration of the OV7421 increases the risk of latent defects; intense competition from CCD and CMOS image sensor manufacturers could damage the company’s reputation and render its products, including the OV7421, obsolete; continued adverse changes in general economic conditions in the U.S., and internationally, including adverse changes in the specific markets for OMNIVISION’s products could adversely affect the Company’s business and the other risks detailed from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, the company’s annual report on form 10-K filed on July 23, 2001. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.