SUNNYVALE, Calif. and CHIBA, Japan, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OmniVision Technologies, Inc. , a leading independent supplier of CMOS CameraChip(TM) image sensors for high-volume applications, today launched its sixth generation 1.3 megapixel CameraChip sensor. Featuring a 2-micron pixel and 1/5-inch optical format, the OV9660 enables a 25 percent thinner camera module, meeting the requirements of ultra slim handset designs. Additionally, the smaller module size is especially attractive to handset makers because it allows a drop-in upgrade from VGA to 1.3 megapixels, thereby extending the life of existing VGA camera phone designs.

"Handset makers continue to design thinner and more compact camera phones to support consumer demand for ultra-slim handsets," said Jess Lee, Vice President for Mainstream Products at OmniVision. "Bringing our proven OmniPixel2(TM) technology to market in the industry's smallest format gives handset designers more options for camera placement, opening up even more possibilities for small form factor camera phone designs."

The small form factor is also generating considerable interest from ultra portable laptop manufacturers who, due to size constraints, have been limited to using only VGA resolution cameras. The introduction of the OV9660 now allows these ultra portable laptop makers to upgrade to 1.3 megapixel cameras without the need for a costly system redesign.

Based on OmniVision's proprietary OmniPixel2 technology platform, the OV9660 incorporates multiple features that have been proven to meet customers' high image-quality requirements. The OV9660 offers a one-fifth inch optical format and a 6 x 6 x 4.0 mm module size, which is currently the smallest available for 1.3 megapixel cameras and identical to most VGA camera modules. It is a low-voltage CMOS sensor with the full functionality of a single-chip SXGA (1280 x 1024) camera and image processor. OmniPixel2's unique pixel architecture significantly increases signal-to-noise ratio enabling the OV9660 to perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions.

The OV9660 provides full-frame, sub-sampled, scaled or windowed 8-bit/10-bit images in a wide range of formats controlled through a serial camera control bus (SCCB) interface. All required image processing functions including exposure control, gamma, white balance, color saturation, hue control, white pixel canceling and noise canceling are programmable through the SCCB interface.

The OV9660 comes in CSP and COB packages and is currently available for sampling.

About OmniVision

OmniVision Technologies 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 http://www.ovt.com/ .

Safe-Harbor Language

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance, achievements and capabilities of OmniPixel2 and the OV9660 CMOS image sensor, 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 OmniPixel2 or the OV9660 CMOS image sensor; risks associated with building customer acceptance of and demand for OmniPixel2; 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.

NOTE: OmniVision is a registered trademark of OmniVision Technologies, Inc., and CameraChip and OmniPixel2 are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: Scott Foster, +1-408-542-3077, or sfoster@ovt.com, or
investors, Steven Horwitz, +1-408-542-3263, both of OmniVision Technologies;
or media, Martijn Pierik of Impress Public Relations, +1-602-366-5599, or
martijn@impress-pr.com for OmniVision Technologies

Web site: http://www.ovt.com/