[Tested] "Genie, recommend an American drama"... KT's AI Set-Top Box Excels in Design and Convenience

Why a New Set-Top Box Is Necessary

"'Broadchurch' is a detective drama that explores truth and human relationships, centered around a mysterious murder case in a small town."

After connecting KT's new Genie TV set-top box A2 to the television and asking Genie to "recommend an American drama," it provided a brief description along with the suggestion of "Broadchurch." Related YouTube videos also appeared on the TV screen. When asked for "a movie to watch with family," the device recommended the Pixar animation "Coco" from VOD/OTT categories, adding that it is an animation that unravels family secrets through music.

After connecting KT's artificial intelligence (AI) set-top box 'A2' to the TV and saying, "Genie, recommend an American drama," it found 'Broadchurch.' Photo by Kyungjo Noh

The initial setup required a considerable amount of time for updates. However, during actual use, the device lived up to its name as an AI set-top box. Even without knowing the exact title or actor's name, it was able to find the desired content based on context alone. Additionally, it was convenient that there was no need to look for the remote control when turning the TV on or off.

AI automatically analyses the content quality and upgrades it to 4K UHD. This was especially useful when watching nostalgic dramas or variety shows. The sound was also optimized by AI according to the genre. Sports broadcasts felt more immersive, and for home shopping, product descriptions became clearer. Voice emphasis could be selected at three levels: 1, 2, or 3. Nowadays, most programs provide subtitles, but for some content without subtitles, AI generated them in real time, but only when the 'AI Subtitle' badge appeared in the channel information. All of these settings could be optimized in the AI viewing settings menu.

The configuration process was not difficult. There were four basic preset options: My Style Mode, Parenting Happy Mode, Solo Healing Mode, and Silver Comfortable Mode. Image quality, sound, and voice emphasis were automatically adjusted depending on the selected mode. Wake word, voice sensitivity, and the way conversations were displayed (voice or text) could be modified in 'AI Conversation Settings.' However, instead of using shorthand like "mid," it was more effective to say "American drama" for better understanding. Channel reservations were not available. If you requested this from Genie, it would provide instructions on how to do it manually, rather than handling it directly.

KT's artificial intelligence (AI) set-top box 'A2' features a compact and sleek design that fits well even when placed on a bedside table. Photo by Kyungjo Noh

I once replaced a set-top box years ago after it broke down — so long ago that I can't remember the exact time. It was a typical black rectangular shape. Perhaps that's why the white round set-top box, about 12cm in diameter, now feels very small and cute. It somewhat resembles a miniature robot vacuum cleaner or a stretched-out version of an old, now rarely seen CD player. Since it doesn't take up much space, it blends neatly and naturally wherever you place it — in the living room, bedroom, or any location. This made the promotional emphasis on design, not just functionality, perfectly understandable.

The rental cost is also not burdensome. The standard monthly rental fee is 7,700 won (including VAT) for a three-year contract. KT offers a rental-inclusive care service for 5,500 won per month (including VAT) with a three-year contract. Over this period, customers can save a total of 79,200 won. For customers who have used the care service for more than five years and upgrade an old set-top box to a new one, the site visit fee is waived once. For customers who have used the service for more than three months and need to replace a broken set-top box or remote control, KT covers the entire customer co-payment for the first replacement.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.