How Samsung QLED TVs use AI to upscale SD content to 4K and 8K

QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) is a technology that has been in the public domain for several years, but it has not captured the public’s imagination as much as many had hoped. However, it has become relatively well-known over the past few years as companies such as Samsung have started focusing on this technology.

The Korean consumer electronics giant is currently fully focused on QLED TVs in the premium segment, and introduced its latest QLED lineup at a “First Look” event in New York last month. The device is said to be three to four times brighter than a standard OLED panel, with a maximum brightness of up to 2,000 nits. Despite the many advantages QLED panels have over traditional panels, they still remain very expensive.

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But Samsung now says its latest QLED TV lineup offers one feature that makes it worth the price for most viewers. The company says its “4K Q Engine” can upscale SD (480p) and FHD (1080p) content to 4K better than any other technology currently available on the market. Based on artificial intelligence (AI), it applies a 5-step algorithm to improve image quality and reveal hidden details.

Samsung explains that the five stages of processing include image signal analysis > noise reduction > 1st detail improvement > 4K upscaling > 2nd detail improvement. The company also claims that later this year it will introduce AI-based 8K upscaling technology that will offer even better picture and sound quality.

Duchan Eum, vice president of visual display business at Samsung Electronics, said: With the enhanced brightness, contrast and content of Samsung QLED TVs, we continue to provide consumers with an amazing and immersive viewing experience. ”

Currently, most consumers cannot enjoy 4K UHD content on their TVs, and production companies are reluctant to shoot their shows in native 4K due to the prohibitive cost. With that in mind, Samsung’s “4K Q Engine” technology may provide a suitable solution for enjoying 4K content, but it remains to be seen how far the software will be able to upscale.