AltaSens

About AltaSens

AltaSens Inc. operated as a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance CMOS image sensors for the high-definition (HD) video market. The company's origins trace back to the CMOS Imaging Sensors Group within Rockwell Scientific Company in 2000. In 2004, this unit was spun off to create AltaSens, a move facilitated by an infusion of capital from ITX Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. This strategic spin-off occurred just as the broadcast industry began its mandated transition to HD transmission. Lester Kozlowski was a co-founder and served as the company's CEO.

AltaSens established itself by introducing the world's first 1080p60 CMOS sensors in April 2004. The firm's business model was centered on designing and supplying these advanced image sensors to manufacturers of professional-grade cameras. Its client base spanned various sectors, including broadcast, cinematography, medical, surveillance, and videoconferencing. The company's revenue was generated through the sale of its sensor products. AltaSens was eventually acquired by JVC KENWOOD Corporation in August 2012, becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary. Reports indicate that the company ceased operations in January 2017.

The company's product portfolio was built around its proprietary technologies, such as ProCamHD and AltaChrome. These technologies enabled the development of sensors with features like high dynamic range (HDR), low noise, and low power consumption. A notable product was the AL41410C, a Super-35 size 4K sensor that offered high frame rates and resolution for cinema and broadcast applications. AltaSens also produced camera modules, like the 4K Pro RGB, which integrated their sensors with JVC KENWOOD's image signal processors to provide turnkey solutions for camera manufacturers. The company's sensors were designed to be cost-effective and versatile, catering to a wide array of imaging applications from high-end cinematography to industrial machine vision.