Samsung and Google Unveil Eclipsa Audio

In an exciting development poised to shake up the audio industry, Samsung and Google are set to unveil a new spatial audio format known as Eclipsa Audio later this year. This innovative standard promises to deliver immersive 3D audio experiences, particularly for select videos on YouTube, and will be fully supported across Samsung’s 2025 lineup of televisions and soundbars.

A Shift from Dolby Atmos

Historically, Samsung has been known for its reluctance to adopt Dolby Vision HDR, favoring its proprietary HDR10 Plus format instead. Now, it looks like the tech giant is gearing up to champion a similar approach in the realm of audio, pushing for open-source options that could rival Dolby Atmos, the current frontrunner in 3D audio technology that often requires licensing fees for hardware manufacturers.

Eclipsa Audio Features

Eclipsa Audio aims to offer an accessible alternative to Dolby Atmos, allowing users to adjust audio elements like the positioning and intensity of sounds, as well as incorporating spatial reflections to create a truly three-dimensional listening experience. This move could democratize high-quality audio, making it available to a broader audience without the usual licensing costs.

Partnership and Collaboration

The partnership between Samsung and Google originally surfaced in 2023 under the moniker Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). At the time, Samsung’s spatial audio chief, WooHyun Nam, highlighted the potential of this format to create a complete open-source framework for 3D audio—from creation to delivery and playback—emphasizing collaboration across the industry.

Support from the Alliance for Open Media

Moreover, the IAMF specification has gained traction and has been backed by the Alliance for Open Media, a collaborative group advocating for royalty-free codec support since 2015. This alliance includes notable players like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix, signaling a collective interest in advancing open-source audio technologies. Should these organizations adopt Eclipsa Audio, it could significantly enhance its market reach; however, the pathway to widespread adoption might be lengthy, as evidenced by the slow uptake of their AV1 video codec.

Certification Program

In a bid to ensure high-quality audio performance across devices utilizing Eclipsa Audio, Samsung and Google are also establishing a certification program in partnership with the Telecommunications Technology Association. This endeavor is reminiscent of the quality assurance strategies employed by companies like Dolby and THX, which ensure that products meet rigorous standards.

Looking Ahead to CES 2025

Anticipation is rising as CES 2025 approaches, and more details regarding Eclipsa Audio are expected to be revealed. With major tech players investing in this innovative audio format, the competition is heating up, and the way we experience sound could be transformed forever!