KT Unveils World’s First 8K AI IPTV Set-top Box

KT has unveiled the world’s first set-top box for Internet TV (IPTV) supporting 8K (33 million pixels) resolution, the “Genie TV Set-Top Box 4.”

The new product integrates advanced AI technology and ultra-high-definition visuals to enhance the viewing experience. It was introduced at a press conference held at Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Nov. 5. 

According to KT, this product is the first in the world to equip an 8K UHD chipset in an IPTV set-top box. The chipset features a central processing unit (CPU) with 50% enhanced performance and a dedicated AI processor (NPU, neural processing unit) to optimize the quality of content and sound, and provide a personalized viewing environment by learning customer viewing data.

In addition to vividly watching 8K content, the AI-based upscaling technology allows real-time broadcasts, online video services (OTT), and YouTube’s full HD or 4K content to be viewed in ultra-high definition. The TV automatically adjusts screen brightness, eliminating the need for blackout curtains, and can turn on automatically at frequently used times. It increases volume when there is noise from dishwashing or vacuuming and enhances dialogue clarity with the ‘voice emphasis’ function.

The set-top box also includes features such as “AI Quick View,” which quickly finds desired characters and scenes in content, and “AI Sign Language,” where an AI character provides real-time sign language interpretation during emergency disaster broadcasts. When the TV is off, it can switch to “AI Background,” displaying information such as weather on the TV screen.

Additionally, it introduces “AI Viewing Quick Mode,” which optimizes picture quality, sound, and brightness according to conditions such as single-person households and senior households. The process of connecting home appliances around the TV has also been improved for easier control.

The monthly rental fee for this product is 6,600 won (with a 3-year contract), and the main AI TV features applied will be gradually expanded to existing set-top box models by the first half of next year.

Recently, telecommunications companies have been focusing on enhancing personalized viewing experiences by applying AI to IPTV. This is seen as a breakthrough in a situation where growth is stagnating due to the OTT onslaught.

KT plans to introduce a high-performance AI agent specialized for Genie TV next year through its strategic partnership with Microsoft. Kim Hoon-bae, head of KT’s Media Platform Business Division, said, “KT will evolve the IPTV set-top box into an ‘AI hub’ connecting customers and AI,” adding, “We are preparing a total AI solution through collaborations with several big tech companies, including Microsoft.”