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Micron Markets Digital Photo, Video Chips

Posted on: Monday, 3 April 2006, 18:00 CDT

BOISE, Idaho - Micron Technology Inc. is now marketing to makers of surveillance and security cameras its line of digital photo and video chips used in cell phone, medical and automotive applications.

The world's third-largest computer memory chip maker planned to unveil the surveillance image sensor campaign at the International Security Conference West trade show in Las Vegas this week.

Boise-based Micron makes digital image sensor chips using the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Those chips, company spokeswoman Kirstin Bordner said, are being repackaged for the security camera market to challenge the traditional dominance of optical chips using the older charged coupled device, or CCD technology.

"Historically CCD has had the largest share of the security camera market, but CMOS is bringing new features - such as pan and tilt - onto one chip," she said. "This is a new market for the technology and we hope to get in on the front end of it."

Micron is seeking to capture more of the emerging demand for very small chips that allow high-resolution photo and video capacity in consumer and commercial devices.

In October, the company released a chip specifically designed for use in automotive digital video systems such as side- and rearview cameras that help drivers park or avoid children in their blind zone.

Two manufacturers have already adopted Micron chips for security imaging products. Agilitron, Inc., of Woburn, Mass., is expected to begin production early next year on a low-cost thermal imaging sensor that enables cameras to see through smoke and fog. Utah-based WiLife Inc. also uses Micron chips in a PC-based video surveillance system for residential and small commercial use.

Source: Associated Press/AP Online

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