Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq:SMTC) a leading supplier of high performance analog, mixed-signal semiconductors and algorithms, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire AptoVision Technologies Inc., a privately-held provider of uncompressed, zero-frame latency, Video over IP solutions addressing the exciting Pro AV market. The acquisition is expected to add over 30 employees based in Montreal. AptoVision’s CEO, Kamran Ahmed, will join Semtech reporting to Gary Beauchamp, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Semtech’s Signal Integrity Products Group.

Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Semtech will acquire the outstanding equity interests of AptoVision for a cash purchase price of $28 million and additional contingent consideration of up to $47 million subject to achieving certain future financial goals. Semtech expects to fund the purchase price using its current cash assets.

High-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) video are proliferating in all aspects of today’s life from public places such as airports and rail stations to retail, sports venues, corporate, and academia. HD and UHD video offer an enhanced, immersive experience, and AptoVision’s BlueRiver™ technology addresses the need for flexible software defined AV that can be carried over low-cost IP networks without compression or latency which is critical to support these applications.

Software Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE™) is the only approach to Video over IP based on an interoperable ecosystem of Pro AV products and companies, and AptoVision’s BlueRiver™ technology is the underlying technology driving SDVoE applications and ecosystem. The technology is being quickly adopted into Pro AV applications, and several tier one companies are launching SDVoE-based products.

The unique combination of AptoVision’s advanced algorithms for real-time, full bandwidth video transmission over IP networks, and Semtech’s industry leading high-speed signal integrity and chip development expertise is expected to enable SDVoE to accelerate this natural progression in the evolution of video transport.

“Semtech is a leader in the SDI broadcast video market and with the acquisition of AptoVision’s pioneering BlueRiver technology for Video over IP, we are further expanding our opportunity into the fast growing Pro AV market and solidifying our commitment to the video industry,” stated Gary Beauchamp.

“AptoVision has enabled its customers to lead the transition of the Pro AV market away from matrix switching and into Video over IP,” said Kamran Ahmed. “Becoming part of Semtech, with its global infrastructure, will increase our ability to serve customers as they continue to reshape the Pro AV space.”