KT Corp., a South Korean telecommunications provider, has introduced the world’s first IPTV set-top box featuring advanced 8K resolution and on-device AI capabilities. The Genie TV set-top box 4 is equipped with an 8K UHD chipset, offering four times the pixel density of 4K UHD and 16 times that of full HD screens, enhancing users’ viewing experience.
The device is designed to elevate content consumption by supporting the highest resolution standard for content creation. With its advanced technology, KT aims to provide a superior entertainment experience in the IPTV market.
The Genie TV set-top box 4 is designed to optimize image and sound quality. Its CPU features a 50% performance improvement and a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU).
This technology enables a customized viewing experience based on the user’s viewing habits. According to Kim Hoon-bae, executive vice president of media platform business at KT, the device automatically adjusts the TV’s brightness, reducing the need for blackout curtains. It can also detect when a user returns home, automatically powering on the TV and showcasing their preferred channels.
In addition to its visual enhancements, the set-top box delivers optimized audio tailored to various content genres, including movies, dramas, and sports. The Voice Enhancement feature ensures clearer dialogue, while the AI Select function allows users to quickly locate specific scenes featuring their favorite actors or singers. These personalized features aim to enrich the user experience by providing easy access to desired content.
The Genie TV set-top box also includes an AI Sign Language function that offers real-time sign language interpretation during emergency broadcasts, making it more accessible to all users. The device can display an AI Background mode that presents weather updates and curated book recommendations when not in use, further enhancing its functionality.
Furthermore, the set-top box integrates seamlessly with smart home environments. It can detect nearby powered devices and provide automatic connection guidance on the screen.
Thanks to the built-in light sensor and microphone, users can control these devices through voice commands. Running on Android TV OS 14 and equipped with Dolby Atmos, the Genie TV set-top box ensures an immersive audio-visual experience for all users.
The Genie TV set-top box 4 uses AI-driven 8K upscaling to boost the quality of Full HD and 4K content from live broadcasts, streaming services, and YouTube, providing an ultra-high-definition experience. This upgrade lets viewers enjoy their favorite shows and videos in sharper detail, even if the content wasn’t originally produced in 8K.
This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive AI solutions in conjunction with Microsoft and other leading tech firms, further enhancing the capabilities of Genie TV.