Samsung to launch new AI-enhanced self-upscaling TVs next year

Ahn Tae-gyoung (left) and Park Seung-ho, principal engineers at Samsung Electronics’ visual display business division responsible for 8K AI upscaling research [Courtesy of Samsung Electronics Co.]

Samsung Electronics will apply self-upscaling program based on deep learning AI (artificial intelligence) technologies to all 8K TV products to be rolled out from next year.

AI and machine learning algorithms are used to bridge the resolution gap between 4K and 8K TVs in the world where even 4K TV broadcasts are not widespread yet. Upscaling can make 1080p HD or lower resolution sources look better on larger screens such as 4K and 8K. Samsung has been putting a big focus on AI upscaling in its 8K TVs and it is leading the industry with an advanced commercial version in this area.

Two principal engineers Ahn Tae-gyoung and Park Seung-ho at Samsung Electronics Visual Display (VD) Business Division are among those who are behind this technology development. They told Maeil Business Newspaper on Wednesday all of Samsung’s 8K TVs to be released next year will be equipped with advanced upscaling based on deep learning technologies.

They claim the world’s first application of deep learning in image improvement, yielding higher-level optimization compared to machine learning. New 8K TV models powered by this technology will be showcased at the upcoming CES 2020.

Samsung’s new Micro LED display may also rely on this technology. The 8K AI upscaling is able to provide optimized audio clarity by adjusting sound levels depending on images on the screen. Millions of images are studied by AI algorithms in advance to analyze correlation between image characteristics and audio quality and to make up for any insufficiency by reference.

The 8K ecosystem is progressing in the TV industry faster than expected due to upscaling advances as well as image quality standard setting and content development, said Ahn.

Samsung Electronics has invested more than 100 billion won ($85 million) since 2016 to obtain AI-based 8K upscaling technologies.

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