Set-top Box, Router, and AI Speaker All-in-One... GenieTV All-in-One Soundbar

Enjoy High-Definition and High-Quality Audio Content

They integrated a wireless router and AI speaker into an Internet TV (IPTV) set-top box. By combining three devices into one and enhancing content quality and sound, it provides a high-quality viewing experience.

On the 23rd, KT experienced the 'Genie TV All-in-One Soundbar' released last month. The all-in-one soundbar features 3-in-1 integration, high sound quality, and high image quality. It was designed with two main CPUs, including a wireless router in the set-top box, and also functions as an AI speaker. By combining three devices into one, the tangled cables are unified into a single wire, making the area around the TV much neater. Its sleek design, which won the global design awards '2023 iF Design Award' and '2023 Red Dot Design Award,' harmonizes well with interior decor.

A KT representative is introducing the Genie TV All-in-One Soundbar.
[Photo by KT]

The demonstration event was divided into an image quality experience zone and a sound experience zone. First, image quality was compared. Different TV brands and online video service (OTT) providers support different technologies. The soundbar supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Users of overseas OTTs like Netflix and Disney on LG Electronics TVs that support Dolby Vision, as well as users of domestic OTTs like TVING and Watcha on Samsung Electronics TVs that support HDR10+, can all enjoy a satisfying viewing experience. To demonstrate this, set-top boxes were installed on TVs from Korea’s two major home appliance brands, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics.

First, HDR10+ content was viewed on a Samsung TV. The basic UHD screen showed colors somewhat reddish, and the cloudy sky and characters’ white clothes appeared almost the same color. On the screen connected to the set-top box, actors’ faces appeared brighter, and object edges were clearly visible. The previously similar colors of the cloudy sky and white clothes were distinctly separated. Next, Dolby Vision content was watched on an LG TV. In a video of space, the basic UHD screen showed colors blurred like paint smearing. However, when connected to the set-top box, the colors in the center and periphery appeared vivid.

However, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are not applied to live broadcasts. The image quality improvement can only be experienced when watching video on demand (VOD) or OTT. Also, the TV must inherently support HDR10+ or Dolby Vision, so older TVs over five years old do not qualify.

Screen with GenieTV All-in-One Soundbar applied (right) and basic screen (left) [Photo by KT]

Nevertheless, the sound quality improvement alone made it worth considering replacing the set-top box. KT equipped the all-in-one soundbar with premium audio brand 'Harman Kardon' speakers and 3D surround sound technology 'Dolby Atmos.' KT also applied its proprietary 'Voice Boost' technology. This emphasizes only the frequency bandwidth corresponding to voices, reducing background noise and making dialogue clearer. The Voice Boost feature applies to OTT, VOD, and live broadcasts alike. Even older TVs can experience Dolby Atmos and Voice Boost.

Watching Disney Plus’s 'Casino' with Voice Boost technology made the sound clear and three-dimensional, as if the volume had been raised. Playing Netflix’s 'F1: Drive to Survive' with Dolby Atmos made the race cars sound as if they were moving right in front of the viewer, with immersive sound passing by.