Head of Sony Image Sensor Business Interviewed

July issue of Nikkei Electronics Asia Magazine has an interview with President of Sony image sensor business Tomoyuki Suzuki. Some interesting quotes:

"If the competition in imaging devices were strictly based on volume and cost, our approach wouldn't succeed. We don't have the large-scale fabs that our rivals do, and we won't build them. Fortunately, we can compete in device quality, and we can continue to add functions that make our customers happy."

"As long as a direction exists for evolution, like image quality or functionality, we will continue to lead the industry... Our basic stance is to differentiate our products through image quality, and we plan to handle new demand where this stance pays off."

"I said 60 frames/s, but the human eye seems to be able to tell the difference up to about 240 frames/s, and I wouldn't be surprised if that stimulates demand for even higher frame rates."

"Q: What is the revenue breakdown between CMOS sensors and CCDs for Sony's imaging devices business?

A: About half and half, but I think the weight of CMOS sensors will increase."

"Q: I have heard of experienced semiconductor engineers transferring into the Sony imaging devices group.

A: ...Thanks to the strong support of the Sony head office we've been able to fill our personnel roster with top-quality people, but I could use even more."

Thanks to Electrons and Holes blogger who spotted the article.