Televisions have used image processing to improve quality for decades.
“That has definitely changed.”
Enhance, Add Sharpness
TV brands embraced AI image upscaling to solve their own ambitions.
Sony
4K packs four times the pixel count of 1080p.
8K crams in an incredible sixteen times more pixels than 1080p.
Its not just the pixel count thats enhanced.
Samsung
Some televisions can improve old content by injecting new image data to compensate for whats missing.
Denison says todays best televisions offer an obvious lead over older televisions when displaying low resolution content.
Thats good news for shoppers worried an aging collection will be unwatchable on a cutting-edge TV.
“I think theyve genuinely advanced image processing to the next level.”
The results vary significantly between brands.
There even are differences between televisions sold by the same brand.
The most expensive televisions unsurprisingly have the fastest, most advanced image processors, which deliver the best results.
But what should shoppers avoid?
Televisions by budget “house brands,” such as Insignia or Konka.
Its Math, Not Magic
AI has limitations.
Denison stressed that image processing relies on a reasonably clean source at a somewhat modern resolution.
“This stuff isnt a miracle worker,” said Denison.
“If youre getting a trashy, highly compressed 720p signal, it can only do so much.
Your Matlock is never going to look as good as your Bosch.”
That has definitely changed.
Its also wise to approach specific claims about AI with a healthy dose of skepticism.
The television industry is notoriously secretive about the technology.
TV makers provide no more than an artists rendition of what the image processor looks likeif that.
Is an image processor that claims to use AIalwaysusing it?
What algorithms are used, and how?
These details are closely guarded.
Still, Denison isnt worried that TV makers are using secrecy as an excuse to stay idle.
“I dont know exactly how the sausage is made,” he said.
“But I know its some good sausage.”
