A new era of home entertainment begins

Md. Nurul Afser
Deputy Managing Director
Konka Smart LED TV

The Daily Star (TDS): How do you assess AI adoption and progress in Bangladeshi smart TVs?

Md. Nurul Afser (MNA): The smart TV market in Bangladesh is growing rapidly, with increasing consumer awareness. The popularity of YouTube, Netflix, IPTV, and local OTT platforms has accelerated smart TV adoption. AI-driven features such as voice control, content recommendation, and image upscaling are being embraced by consumers. However, challenges remain in rural areas due to limited internet access and lower awareness levels.

TDS: What AI-driven features and innovations does your company currently integrate into its smart TV products?

MNA: Konka smart TVs are currently integrated with several AI-powered features, including AI-based picture optimisation, which automatically adjusts brightness and contrast; AI-based sound systems, which fine-tune audio depending on content (films, sports, music); and voice assistant integration, which supports both Bangla and English voice commands. Our content recommendation engine suggests shows and videos based on user preferences, while AI-based upscaling converts low-resolution content into high-quality visuals.

TDS: How do these AI capabilities enhance user experience?

MNA: AI capabilities differentiate smart TVs from traditional models by learning user preferences to offer personalised content recommendations, optimising picture and sound quality for each viewing situation, automating tasks such as brightness adjustment, and improving accessibility through enhanced voice control and captioning.

TDS: What challenges have you faced in developing and deploying AI technologies in smart TVs?

MNA: Network limitations remain a challenge—many users still lack access to high-speed internet. Developing advanced Bangla voice recognition and localised content recommendations is also complex. Integrating advanced AI features into smart TVs increases costs, which can be a barrier for many Bangladeshi consumers.

TDS: What are your company's future plans regarding AI advancements in smart TVs?

MNA: Konka plans to introduce more advanced AI features in the near future, such as multi-language natural voice recognition (including Bangla and regional dialects), smarter content curation, tailored recommendations for local OTT and e-learning platforms, and home IoT integration, using the TV as a hub to control smart home devices. We are also developing AI-driven parental controls and health features.