Today, MediaTek is announcing its new MT9638 chipset for 4K smart TVs, and the big new feature is that it has an AI processing unit (APU). This is going to allow it to support things like AI super resolution, AI picture quality, AI voice assistants, variable refresh rate, and MEMC (motion estimation and motion compensation).
It also supports the latest connectivity standards as well, such as HDMI 2.1 and Wi-Fi 6. Naturally, all of this adds up to a better viewing experience. HDMI 2.1 can support all of the features of current-generation gaming consoles, and things like AI super resolution can help upscale older content.
“As smart home appliances become more intelligent and diversified, smart TVs are becoming the new hub for the smart home as consumers take advantage of AI-enabled multimedia features to control all their devices right from their TV,” said Alex Chen, General Manager of the TV Business Unit at MediaTek. “The new MT9638 continues our legacy as the No. 1 chip provider of smart TVs, bringing consumers incredible AI, multimedia, gaming and entertainment experiences in theater-quality 4K.”
The MT9638 comes with an ARM Cortex-A55 CPU, along with a Mali-G52 GPU, while the APU is a dedicated unit. It supports 4K60 resolution, along with decoding for HEVC, VP9, and AV1. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X sound, along with HDR10+ video.