OmniVision Launches Low-Power Cost-Efficient HD CameraChip™ Sensor for Portable Devices and Smart TVs

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OVTI), a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today announced a cost-efficient and compact 720p high definition (HD) CameraChip™ sensor, designed specifically for secondary cameras in notebooks, tablets and smartphones, as well as the rapidly developing smart TV market. The new OV9728 utilizes a 1.75-micron OmniBSI+™ pixel to deliver dramatically improved HD video performance that exceeds the Microsoft ® Lync™ and Skype® premium specifications for video quality.

"The exploding demand for HD cameras across a wide range of applications has been the key driver for developing this high performance, low-cost and low-power HD camera solution," said Archie de Guzman, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision. "Two years ago, when we launched the previous-generation OV9726 sensor, Internet and broadcast TV were just transitioning to HD video. Today, with HD video now prevalent, we are bringing to market a device with exceptional HD video performance at a highly competitive price point, which we view as extremely attractive for a very broad base of mobile and portable devices."

Using OmniVision's premier 1.75-micron OmniBSI+ pixel architecture, the OV9728 delivers best-in-class low-light sensitivity. When compared with the previous-generation OV9726, the new OV9728 benefits from a 60 percent improvement in full-well capacity (FWC), a 4db improvement in dynamic range, and a significantly enhanced signal-to-noise ratio that meets Microsoft's recommended SNR10 standards. The 1/6.5-inch OV9728 captures 720p HD video at 30 frames per second (FPS) or high quality cropped VGA video at 60 FPS.

The OV9728 features a one-lane high-speed MIPI interface and fits into a compact 6 x 6 x 3 mm module. It is currently available for sampling and is expected to enter volume production in the third quarter of 2013.

About OmniVision

OmniVision Technologies (NASDAQ: OVTI) is a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions. Its award-winning CMOS imaging technology enables superior image quality in many of today's consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones, notebooks, tablets and webcams, digital still and video cameras, security and surveillance, entertainment devices, automotive and medical imaging systems. Find out more at www.ovt.com.

Safe-Harbor Language

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the expected benefits, performance, capabilities, and potential market appeal, as well as anticipated timing of volume production, of the OV9728 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 OV9728, customer acceptance, demand, and other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision's annual report filed on Form 10-K and quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q. OmniVision expressly disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.

OmniVision® and the OmniVision logo are registered trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. CameraChip™ and OmniBSI+™ are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE OmniVision Technologies, Inc.