3D audio experiences. Notably, this innovative format will debut on YouTube videos later this year. Additionally, it will be supported across Samsung’s 2025 TVs and soundbars. By offering an open-source alternative to Dolby Atmos, Eclipsa Audio is poised to redefine spatial sound technology.
What is Eclipsa Audio?
Eclipsa Audio is a next-generation 3D sound format crafted to create highly immersive listening experiences. It incorporates features such as:
- Adjusting the location and intensity of sounds for precision.
- Simulating spatial reflections to enhance realism and depth.
Moreover, the format eliminates licensing fees, making it a cost-effective choice for manufacturers while maintaining premium sound quality for users.
A Strong Rival to Dolby Atmos
For years, Samsung has prioritized open standards, evident in its preference for HDR10 Plus over Dolby Vision HDR. Similarly, Eclipsa Audio reflects this commitment. It provides:
- Free accessibility to hardware makers.
- A flexible framework that benefits content creators and device manufacturers.
As a result, this format has the potential to challenge Dolby Atmos, which currently dominates the 3D audio landscape.
Samsung and Google’s Collaborative Efforts
The development of Eclipsa Audio began in 2023, following the announcement of the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF) initiative. Several key milestones include:
- Adoption by the Alliance for Open Media, a coalition advocating for royalty-free codecs.
- Collaboration with the Telecommunications Technology Association to ensure consistent audio quality through a certification program.
This strategic partnership demonstrates the companies’ commitment to establishing Eclipsa Audio as an industry standard.
Unlike proprietary formats, Eclipsa Audio’s open-source nature encourages widespread adoption without incurring licensing fees. If companies like Amazon, Netflix, and Apple integrate support, it could achieve the same ubiquity as the AV1 video codec. Consequently, it holds the potential to transform the way we experience audio.
Availability and Future Prospects
Eclipsa Audio will initially feature on select YouTube videos in 2025. Samsung’s upcoming lineup of TVs and soundbars will also include support for the format. As CES 2025 approaches, further details about its certification process and adoption are expected to emerge.
With Eclipsa Audio, Samsung and Google aim to revolutionize 3D sound by introducing an open-source alternative to Dolby Atmos. Its ability to deliver high-quality, immersive audio experiences without licensing costs positions it as a disruptive force in the industry.
