Video IC vendor Geo Semi is born

SAN FRANCISCO—A new video semiconductor venture, led by the man who founded both Silicon Optix Inc. and Genesis Microchip Inc., officially opened its doors in Silicon Valley Thursday (June 11).

Geo Semiconductor Inc. was formed around the acquisition of business lines and IP from Silicon Optix, including the Realta and the Geo ICs, according to the company. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Geo's founder, Paul Russo, previously founded both Silicon Optix and Genesis Microchip (acquired by STMicroelectronics in 2007).

In a statement, Russo said Geo Semiconductor is focused on enabling customers to offer market leading video and geometry processing capabilities. This is increasingly important as the industry transitions to larger displays that require more pixels and solid-state illumination, Russo said.

"We are committed to extending a long history of innovation and market leadership that was initiated at Genesis Microchip as well as at Silicon Optix," Russo said.

According to Geo Semiconductor (Sunnyvale, Calif.), the company's technology takes advantage of the emerging transition to semiconductor illumination sources and will enable high-volume applications from pico-projectors to next-generation laser TVs, as well as digital immersive displays and surveillance systems.

The company claims to already have a number of large customers in production using the Realta and Geo ICs in products such as projectors, DVD players, medical and military displays, video walls, dynamic signage, home theater and education systems.

Last October, Integrated Device Technology Inc. acquired for an undisclosed price the video processing technology and related assets from Silicon Optix, Including the Reon video processor and the Hollywood Quality Video brand. In addition to its headquarters in Sunnyvale, Geo Semiconductor will maintain operations and development centers in Toronto, Canada, and Orlando, Fla., according to the company.