Date: 10/06/2012

OmniVision and Marvell launch wireless Skype IP security camera accessed via internet

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. and Marvell have launched a wireless Skype IP security camera, designed to allow smartphones, tablets and notebooks to remotely access the camera's video feed over the Internet.

The Skype IP camera utilizes OmniVision's OV7740 CameraChip image sensor and Marvell's
application processing and network solutions. The solution enables an end-to-end security package for home surveillance systems providers.

"We've teamed up with Marvell to enable a camera that sets a new industry standard for easy-to-use
home security systems," said Roy Karunakaran, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision.
"Reflecting the rapid growth of mobile computing markets, this wireless Skype IP camera is designed to operate seamlessly with Skype-video enabled smartphones, tablets and notebooks. This enables users to access their cameras from anywhere through a dedicated Skype ID on their mobile devices to get live high-quality VGA video."

"Previously, IP-based home surveillance systems were difficult to install and relied heavily on complex
software configurations," said Michael Kao, technical marketing manager at Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. "The new Skype IP camera is an important advancement for out-of-the-box home security system
providers. Combined with Marvell's highly integrated application platform, remote access software and consumer-friendly design, I'm incredibly excited to see how providers will leverage this new technology to take home security systems to the next level."

The camera is built on OmniVision's OmniPixel3-HS pixel architecture and captures VGA video at 60 frames per second (FPS) and sends the data to the OV780 video and audio processor. The Marvell PXA168 application processor which supports the Skype platform allows the IP camera to act as a Skype video phone. The Marvell Avastar 88W8787 network solution enables video transmission over any high-speed Wi-Fi network.

Finished cameras using this reference design are available now from manufacturers.