Hitachi Chooses InvenSense Gyroscope For Image Stabilization In The World's First Blu-ray Disc Camcorders

October 2, 2007

InvenSense today announced that its IDG-1000 series dual-axis gyroscope, which enables image stabilization systems in digital cameras, has been chosen by Hitachi, Ltd. for use in two models of its Blu-ray Disc camcorders. The new DZ-BD70A and DZ-BD7HA camcorders are the world's first camcorders to support Blu-ray Disc technology with full high definition (1920x1080) video capture. With the mass adoption of high definition television (HDTV) taking place around the world, camcorders are quickly following suit with support of HD video, which offers five times more image detail compared to legacy standard definition video. With such high resolution, even the smallest amount of natural hand shake will make a major impact on the overall quality and smoothness of the video, and will be amplified further with high zoom rate lenses. Eliminating the effects of hand shake requires electronic image stabilization using a dual-axis gyroscope. The IDG-1000 series gyroscope, found in many popular digital still camera models, provides added benefits for camcorders that have video disc recorders and hard disk drives. The MEMS design of the IDG-1000 gyroscope inherently rejects the coupling of vibration from the motors of the video disc recorders and hard disk drives, so true hand motion can be precisely measured. Additionally, the design of the IDG-1000 gyroscope can withstand high shock from falls in excess of 10,000G, making it the most reliable solution for handheld devices, like camcorders, where drops are prone to occur. Based on InvenSense's proprietary and patented Nasiri-Fabrication process, the IDG-1000 is an integrated dual-axis (X- & Y- axis) solution using proven silicon technology resulting in the smallest foot print with the market's highest shock tolerance, lowest cross-axis noise specification and best overall tested reliability. "The DZ BD70A and BD7HA are the first-of-their-kind camcorders with Blu-ray disc technology, direct hard disk recording capabilities and the most advanced electronic image stabilization system," said Takahiro Nakano, General Manager of Hitachi Camcorder Engineering Dept. "InvenSense's dual-axis gyroscope provides the most precise motion sensing solution and was able to satisfy the stringent requirements for our image stabilization system." "We are very pleased that our IDG-1000 gyroscope was found to be the best to meet all of the technical and performance requirements for Hitachi's advanced high-definition camcorders," said Steve Nasiri, InvenSense's President and CEO. "As the only motion sensor company focused exclusively on serving the needs of the consumer market, we are continuously striving to exceed market requirements with the best performance, most reliable and highest quality gyroscope solutions."

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