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LG is gearing up to unleash its most advanced processor to date, poised to revolutionize what their OLED TVs can deliver. The much-anticipated successor to the Alpha 9, tentatively named the Alpha 10, holds significant promise in enhancing picture quality and AI capabilities.
According to reports emerging from the Korean newspaper Etnews (via
FlatpanelsHD), LG Electronics has been diligently crafting the Alpha 10 processor at its System Integrated Circuit (SIC) Center. The standout feature of this new processor is its Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a development that is expected to significantly boost on-device performance compared to previous AI-based chips.
Essentially, this means that complex processing tasks will be handled locally within the TV itself, akin to the capabilities witnessed in high-end smartphones, eliminating the need for off-site data centers.
One of the key improvements with the Alpha 10 processor is its capacity to analyze images more effectively, reduce noise, identify and prioritize objects, and potentially enhance audio quality. These enhancements promise not only a visually striking experience but also an audible one across LG's 2024 TV range.
One intriguing aspect hinted at in the reports is the potential for motion-based services enabled by the Alpha 10. While specifics remain undisclosed, the applications could span areas like gaming, gesture control, object-based audio positioning, and possibly video calling.
However, it is unclear whether LG is actively pursuing these features or simply contemplating their potential. Moreover, it's worth noting that the Alpha 10 isn't limited to TVs alone, hinting at broader possibilities for interactive devices beyond Smart TVs.
LG typically unveils its upcoming TV models for the year ahead in January, which presents an opportunity to witness firsthand the performance of this new Alpha 10 processor.
Back in 2018, LG introduced the Alpha 9 processor, marking the first step towards incorporating machine learning-based picture enhancement algorithms. Since then, LG has introduced incremental enhancements to the Alpha 9 processor, with the 2023 LG OLED models, such as the C3, G3, M3, and Z3, featuring the sixth generation of this processor. For its more budget-friendly TV models, LG has employed the Alpha 7 or Alpha 5 processors.
The Alpha 10 processor represents a leap forward in processing power, with the incorporation of an advanced NPU and a focus on executing AI algorithms locally. This shift aligns with the trend observed in smartphones, such as the iPhone, where local hardware processing of AI models has become increasingly prevalent.
The Alpha 10's local AI processing capabilities are expected to yield improved image analysis, noise reduction, object recognition, and AI-driven audio enhancements. These advancements promise not only sharper and clearer visuals but also a more immersive and engaging audio experience for viewers.
Additionally, the Alpha 10's potential for motion detection opens the door to innovative services and applications. While specific use cases remain undisclosed, the possibilities include fitness tracking and motion-controlled gaming within the confines of one's living room. LG also plans to make software tools available to app developers, which could further enrich the ecosystem of applications designed to leverage the Alpha 10's capabilities.
While the Alpha 10 processor is initially intended for Smart TVs, LG has expressed interest in extending the reach of its webOS platform to a wider array of devices, potentially beyond the realm of television. Enthusiasts and tech aficionados eager to witness the potential of the Alpha 10 processor will likely get their chance at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) scheduled for January 2024, LG's traditional platform for unveiling its new lineup of TVs and innovations.