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Technology Stocks : George Gilder - Forbes ASAP -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: John Biddle who wrote (2335)	11/28/1999 12:24:00 PM
From: Dan B.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 5853

I wasn't familiar with Photobit. Re: "...because it uses standard CMOS capabilities it will be easier and cheaper to make, and it will consume 100x less power. If this is true, won't Foveon be history." Well no, I don't see that as clear at all. First off, Foveon is likewise based in CMOS. Also note NSM's recent strategy in this area. (11/15/99, 02:30:09 PM EDT) "National to build single-chip image sensor for high-performance digital camera Semiconductor Business News (11/15/99, 02:30:09 PM EDT) SANTA CLARA, Calif -- National Semiconductor Corp. here announced today that it is working with Xirlink Corp., a leading manufacturer of PC cameras, to jointly develop a digital camera based on a National single-chip CMOS image sensor. The companies said they believe that the highly integrated solution will represent the most advanced combination of performance and functionality in the digital imaging market. National is developing integrated CMOS image sensor technology that combines high image quality, low power, high speed, and high dynamic range on a single chip. "National Semiconductor is now bringing superior CMOS image sensor technology to the digital imaging market," said Tim Martin, director of marketing at Xirlink, headquartered in San Jose. "Their packaging strategy is a critical component in helping Xirlink to make very low-cost, small-form-factor cameras." Advanced analog and mixed signal design skills make possible higher performing sensors, especially in the areas of dynamic range and low noise, which means higher contrast "film" in digital cameras. National said its image sensor technology will able to produce near-photographic quality in PC video cameras, digital video cameras, and digital still cameras. It will also target low-light security cameras and fingerprint scanning systems. The high image quality is achieved as a result of high photo conversion gain, high fill factor, and low-noise analog design techniques. An integrated high-speed, low-power ADC will allow portable cameras with longer battery life running at real-time video rates. " semibiznews.com This makes for a competitive story. National owns a good part of Foveon, but we've heard that Foveon intends to attack the high-end market in deference to Mr. Gilders notions that low-cost high-quality camera's should be forthcoming soon- revolutionizing the market. Looks like Mr. Gilder was on the right track, and just how Nationals new deal with Xirlink fits with its stake in Foveon I haven't a clue. Question is, is Foveon dead at NSM's hands, let alone Photobit? Or does Foveon successfully stake out the high-end of this new camera technology? If I recall correctly, Foveon has Photobit beat for quality by actually going well beyond Photographic quality. This would also beat the above NSM/Xirlink offerings. Will NSM make this a market before Photobit can? Obviously Photobit was lurking out there all along, and appears to have some strong history("camera on a chip" patent, press, alliances). It is their "broad" patent for a "camera-on-a-chip" that really makes this interesting, however. Hmmmm. Thanks for the Photobit info. Dan B