4by4's AI solution for high-def video content lures metaverse players

Displays are everywhere – refrigerators, automobiles, and even robots. And this display boom has sparked a fresh opportunity for 4by4 Inc., a South Korea-based startup that focuses on producing ultra-high-quality video content.

Founded in 2017, 4by4’s competitive edge is its artificial intelligence-powered video quality enhancement solution, Pixell, which automatically enhances the video quality to 8K resolution (7680X4320 pixels) via deep learning technology.

“A display's quality is determined by the content's video quality, meaning that a company with the technology to offer ultra-high-quality video content will take center stage,” said Yoon Jun-ho, the chief executive of 4by4, in an interview with The Korea Economic Daily on July 21.

Currently, 4by4's AI technology processes around 60% of the company’s video quality enhancement operations, but this is set to expand up to 90%.

The startup is expected to benefit from increased demand for video quality enhancement solutions thanks to the rise of the metaverse, which offers immersive content such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) where clear and vivid video quality is essential to deliver an immersive real-life experience.

4by4 has already made a name for itself in this segment. The startup has produced VR content for LG Air Solution's digital showroom as well as traditional culture media art content for Incheon International Airport.

The company is also eyeing an initial public offering at the end of this year.

“Until now, we focused on solidifying our internal structure such as developing the pixel technology. But following the listing, we expect to enter a phase of strong growth where we aggressively expand our business," Yoon said.

The startup's growth plans include transforming into a platform operator. Last September, 4by4 launched KEYCUTStock, a stock footage platform content platform where content creators can upload their videos and sell them to enterprise clients. The uploaded videos are converted into ultra-high-definition videos via 4by4's technology.

So far, the platform's library offers around 500,000 videos with global clients including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and NHNZ, a TV production company based in New Zealand.

The startup has seen its revenue surge from 1 billion won in its first year to 14 billion won ($12.1 million) in 2020. This year, the company expects to fetch around 24.4 billion won in revenue. So far, the company has raised around 8 billion won in funding.

Write to Min-ki Koo at kook@hankyung.com
Danbee Lee edited this article.