Samsung and Google are poised to disrupt the immersive audio landscape with their newly unveiled Eclipsa Audio format, a royalty-free, open-source alternative to Dolby Atmos. This technology promises to deliver captivating 3D audio experiences on compatible devices, starting with select YouTube videos later this year and expanding to Samsung’s 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars. Eclipsa Audio represents a significant strategic move by Samsung, echoing its previous stance on HDR formats where it championed HDR10+ over Dolby Vision. This new venture aims to create a more accessible and cost-effective ecosystem for 3D audio, potentially challenging Dolby Atmos’ dominance in the market.
Eclipsa Audio, formerly known as Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), leverages advanced audio processing techniques to create a three-dimensional soundscape. Similar to Dolby Atmos, Eclipsa Audio allows for precise manipulation of audio data, including sound location, intensity, and spatial reflections. This control enables content creators to craft immersive auditory experiences that envelop listeners, placing them in the heart of the action. By providing an open-source framework, Eclipsa Audio aims to democratize the creation, delivery, and playback of 3D audio, potentially fostering wider adoption and innovation within the industry.
The collaboration between Samsung and Google extends beyond just development, encompassing a comprehensive ecosystem built around Eclipsa Audio. The Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), a consortium dedicated to promoting royalty-free media formats and boasting members like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix, has embraced the IAMF specification. This broad support from industry giants could significantly accelerate Eclipsa Audio’s adoption, potentially mirroring the trajectory of AOMedia’s AV1 video codec, which, despite a slow start, is gaining increasing traction.
To ensure a consistent and high-quality audio experience across all Eclipsa Audio-enabled devices, Samsung and Google are collaborating with the Telecommunications Technology Association to establish a certification program. This initiative mirrors the quality control measures implemented by companies like Dolby and THX, ensuring that devices bearing the Eclipsa Audio label meet a defined set of performance standards. This certification program seeks to build consumer trust and establish Eclipsa Audio as a reliable and premium audio format.
The introduction of Eclipsa Audio marks a potential turning point in the audio industry. By offering a royalty-free alternative to Dolby Atmos, it could disrupt the existing market dynamics, potentially leading to greater affordability and accessibility of 3D audio technology for consumers. The open-source nature of Eclipsa Audio also encourages wider adoption and fosters innovation, potentially leading to a more diverse and vibrant ecosystem of 3D audio experiences. This move could, in the long run, benefit consumers by providing them with more choices and driving down the cost of immersive audio technology.
The timing of the Eclipsa Audio announcement, just before CES 2025, suggests a strategic move by Samsung and Google to garner maximum attention and generate industry buzz. The Consumer Electronics Show serves as a prime platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and the unveiling of Eclipsa Audio at this event signals a strong commitment to its widespread adoption. More details about Eclipsa Audio, its technical specifications, and its integration with various devices are expected to emerge during CES 2025, providing a clearer picture of its potential impact on the future of audio entertainment.
