Samsung is developing AI ScaleNet capability, enabling seamless, high-resolution 8K streaming

As the world enters the era of 8K TVs with sales of 8K displays steadily increasing, TV manufacturers are constantly adding more offerings to the mix, the 8K market is expected to continue to grow. 

There are, however, a few challenges that need to be addressed before viewers around the world will be able to enjoy 8K’s stunning visuals in their entirety. First, more 8K content will need to be produced, and second, network connections need to be made capable of supporting the seamless streaming of 8K movies and shows.

To address these issues, researchers from Samsung Research, an advanced R&D hub within Samsung Electronics’ SET Business, have developed an AI Codec known as AI ScaleNet. First introduced at SDC19, this capability enables delivery of 8K content on networks that typically support only 4K speeds, without the need for additional infrastructure.

To learn more about AI ScaleNet’s development process and potential applications, Samsung Newsroom interviewed Kwangpyo Choi and Youngo Park – researchers from Samsung Research’s Visual Technology team, and the first individuals to suggest and develop this type of innovative technology.

AI ScaleNet utilizes deep learning technology to minimize data loss during compression and enable 8K content to be streamed on networks with lower bandwidth capabilities.

Here’s how it works, in a nutshell: 8K content is compressed to 4K quality using an AI downscaler and transmitted to the user’s TV, which utilizes AI to upscale the content back to 8K quality. When asked to describe the inspiration for the technology, Kwangpyo Choi, a researcher from Samsung Research’s Visual Technology, specified a need for a new video compression and transmission technology in order to accommodate the evolving media landscape, and to address related technical challenges.

“Multimedia content is rapidly moving online, so figuring out how to overcome bandwidth limitations for UHD content transmission has become a major task,” said Choi.

“With AI ScaleNet, users will be able to enjoy 8K-quality content, even at lower bandwidths,” added Youngo Park, another Samsung researcher. “In fact, during periods of high network traffic, when speeds tend to drop, viewers can still expect content to be presented at a relatively higher quality.”

AI ScaleNet addresses bandwidth limitations within modern network infrastructures with what’s known as an adaptive AI Codec. “AI Adaptive Bit Rate Streaming refers to AI technology that adapts to various bandwidths and adjusts the resolution to enable seamless streaming,” said Choi.

The difference the technology makes is especially clear when using over-the-top (OTT) services, where viewers typically notice changes in picture quality. As Choi explained, however, Samsung’s AI Codec and AI ScaleNet technology utilize AI that adapts to changes in bandwidth and optimizes quality, so users enjoy the highest-quality streaming experience possible.

Zyxel boosts speed and reliability of Powerline with release of G.hn Wave 2 offering

Zyxel Communications launched Monday its PLA6456 G.hn Wave 2 Powerline Pass-Thru Gigabit Ethernet adapter. Twice as fast as existing HomePlug AV standards, the PLA6456 G.hn Wave 2 Powerline Adapters provide better anti-interference performance and improved reliability to optimize the streaming of data-heavy content such as 8K video streams.

Available in sets of two adapters ($99.99 street), the PLA6456 G.hn Wave 2 Powerline adapters simply plug into standard home power outlets and connect instantly to transform the outlets into an ultra-fast network for extending Internet access throughout the home. 

Zyxel provides a complete portfolio of multi-service LTE, fiber and DSL broadband gateways, home connectivity solutions, smart home devices and enterprise-class Ethernet switches, security and Wi-Fi equipment for small to mid-size businesses. 

Zyxel offers integrated, interoperable network solutions based on open standards. Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Zyxel offers its partners service-rich solutions backed by a domestic team of logistic, sales, and technical support professionals.

The PLA6456 delivers blazing fast data speeds up to 2,400 Mbps to any Ethernet-enabled device making it an ideal solution for data-heavy and bandwidth-intensive applications such as UHD video streaming and virtual reality gaming. By transporting network data over the electrical wiring, PLA6456 solves WiFi issues caused by issues such as concrete walls, multiple stories, and dense RF environments.

The PLA6456 G.hn Wave 2 Powerline Adapters connect Ethernet-enabled devices at Gigabit speeds to wherever desired in the home; superb performance and low latency makes the PLA6456 an ideal solution for streaming content to home entertainment systems. It delivers secure connectivity that protects the data on the network by simply pressing a sync button on both devices to enable 128-bit data encryption throughout the existing powerline network.

The adapters come in plug and play for fast, easy deployment; color indicator lights provide network performance status; automatically switches to standby mode to save power when not in use to improve energy consumption. Its compact design with integrated electrical power outlet allows users to keep existing powered devices connected to the outlet and an embedded noise filter eliminates static from the connected electrics to further improve network quality.