Pixim Debuts Breakthrough Imaging System to Transform Future of Security Camera Market

Leading Camera Manufacturers JVC, Silent Witness, Pelco, EverFocus and Baxall Embrace Pixim's D2000 Video Imaging System to Deliver Next-Generation Security Cameras MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Pixim, a leading developer of digital imaging systems, today introduced the D2000 Video Imaging System at the prestigious IDG Executive Forum's DEMO conference, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Based on Pixim's breakthrough Digital Pixel System(TM) technology, or DPS, the system is the first to convert an analog signal into digital format immediately at the point of capture, providing dramatically improved image quality and higher dynamic range than existing technologies. To date, five of the leaders in the security camera market including JVC, Silent Witness, Pelco, EverFocus and Baxall, have agreed to incorporate Pixim's D2000 Video Imaging System in their next-generation security cameras. "Pixim has created a remarkable system that could fundamentally alter the way the digital industry thinks about image capture and processing," said Alexis Gerard, president, Future Image. "With its innovative Digital Pixel System technology, Pixim has jumped to the forefront, not only of the security market, but of the broader business trends of visual communication, and putting high-value visual information at the center of decision making processes." Traditional imaging technology subjects an image to multiple steps before being digitized and stored which produces an unreliable, dark or degraded image. In stark contrast, Pixim's revolutionary DPS technology digitizes light at the point of capture in real time by placing an analog-to-digital converter inside each pixel. DPS allows cameras to achieve unprecedented dynamic range, the difference between the brightest and darkest areas of an image, producing a more clear and realistic representation. The D2000 Video Imaging System consists of two chips -- one focusing on image capture, one on image processing and camera interfaces -- and the optimized software and settings to enable manufacturers to build high-quality video cameras. By placing an analog-to-digital converter inside of each pixel in an array, each pixel can act as its own camera, optimizing for the proper amount of light. This solution provides high quality pictures under any lighting conditions that no other competing or legacy architecture can deliver. Dynamic range is particularly important in the security industry where surveillance cameras are subject to extreme light variances within a single scene. Real world lighting environments, such as industrial or warehouse parks, may experience sunlight during the day and artificial lighting at night, while bank and airport lobbies can include a combination of both sunlight and internal lighting. Pixim's D2000 Video Imaging System, based on the DPS platform, produces the highest quality images under non-ideal lighting conditions and allows for faster access and retrieval resulting in a more effective physical security system. In-Stat/MDR reports that the number of new security cameras being sold each year is roughly equivalent to the number of consumer camcorders. "Events in the last eighteen months have dramatically increased the demand for security cameras in both the public and the private sector," said Brian O'Rourke, senior analyst with In-Stat/MDR. "The market is clearly on the upswing and will continue to grow, with 15.2 million new security cameras to be sold in 2004." Leading security camera manufacturers recognize the value and innovation of Pixim's D2000 Video Imaging System. "With support from five of the world's leading manufacturers of security cameras, and with several more to be announced shortly, we are building strong momentum in the security arena to deliver unsurpassed solutions for next-generation security products," said Pixim CEO Bob Weinschenk. "We are confident that this technology will not only introduce a dramatic spectrum of new imaging possibilities for the security arena, but further advancements in various medical, military, automotive and consumer applications down the road." About Pixim Mountain View, California-based Pixim Inc. has developed an imaging technology and products that revolutionize the way digital cameras capture and process images. Pixim's patented Digital Pixel System(TM) (DPS) silicon and software technology produces superior pictures under a wide variety of lighting conditions. Privately held and backed by Mohr Davidow Ventures, Mayfield, Mitsubishi Corporation and other leading technology firms, Pixim was founded in 1999 with technology licensed from Stanford University. For more information, please visit Pixim at http://www.pixim.com. NOTE: Digital Pixim System is a trademark of Pixim, Inc.