Sapeon·SKT Supply VoD Transcoder to MBC for "4K Broadcasting"

Development of VoD Transcoder and Live Converter Based on Sapeon and SKT's Supernova Engine
MBC Promotes 4K Upscaling

Global AI semiconductor company Sapeon announced on the 25th that it will commercialize its AI semiconductor 'Sapeon X220' along with SK Telecom's AI-based video upscaling technology 'SUPERNOVA' for VoD (Video on Demand) transcoders and live converters, targeting the media market. Sapeon supplied VoD transcoders to MBC simultaneously with development. The live converter is currently being prepared for broadcasting application.

This commercialization of AI semiconductor-based broadcast video upscaling equipment is the first in the industry. MBC has been collaborating with SKT Media R&D organization to upscale its existing FHD content. Based on the verified AI engine, they are pushing for the introduction of upscaling products. In particular, MBC is considering 4K broadcasting through the Sapeon X220 card for sports games scheduled for relay in the second half of this year. Verification processes for supply to other broadcasters are also underway.

This development was carried out in collaboration with domestic AI-based media solution company PixTree. The result is a high-quality, high-speed VoD transcoder and live converter. They achieved data processing speeds that enable fast video switching even at low power consumption. This technology can be used to improve the quality of old videos or to upscale real-time video quality from FHD to 4K or UHD. MBC plans to utilize this function for its archive content.

Ryu Su-jeong, CEO of Sapeon, stated, “Starting with the supply to MBC, we will focus on providing high-quality video service solutions in cooperation with global media and video service companies.” He added, “As a leading global AI semiconductor company, Sapeon plans to continue innovating to actively supply AI semiconductors that meet market demand and release products with significantly enhanced performance.”