Ahead-looking: Samsung and Google have teamed as much as problem one of many greatest names in immersive audio – Dolby. The 2 firms have introduced Eclipsa Audio, a brand new open-source spatial audio format designed to convey 3D sound to YouTube and Samsung’s newest TVs and soundbars later this yr.
For years, Dolby Atmos has been the dominant drive in 3D audio, recognized for its immersive encompass sound that makes it really feel as if sounds are coming from throughout you. It is develop into a family identify, with practically each main TV producer as we speak paying the “Dolby tax” to license Atmos for his or her premium units and speaker techniques.
Nonetheless, Samsung and Google need to disrupt the established order with Eclipsa Audio, a royalty-free different. Samsung claims that Eclipsa Audio features equally to Atmos by adjusting audio knowledge – similar to location, depth, and spatial reflections – to create 3D sound. The important thing distinction is that it is an open customary, that means {hardware} makers will not should pay licensing charges.
As well as, the 2 firms are establishing a certification program with the Telecommunications Expertise Affiliation to make sure constant high quality throughout gadgets utilizing the know-how.
Samsung and Google first teased their spatial audio collaboration in 2023 underneath the identify Immersive Audio Mannequin and Codecs (IAMF). On the time, Samsung described the initiative as aiming to offer “an entire open-source framework for 3D audio, from creation to supply and playback.”
So why are the 2 firms placing in all this effort? For Samsung, the first motivation probably revolves round avoiding licensing prices. With TV revenue margins tighter than ever, reducing bills wherever potential is essential. Google’s motivations are much less clear, however it appears the corporate desires to present YouTube creators a platform to experiment with immersive 3D audio experiences.
“We consider that Eclipsa Audio has the potential to vary the way in which we expertise sound,” mentioned Jim Bankoski, VP of Engineering at Google Chrome. “We’re excited to see how the creator neighborhood makes use of it to create new and revolutionary audio experiences.”
The large query, in fact, is whether or not Samsung and Google’s new enterprise can really rival Dolby’s well-established know-how. Dolby has had years to refine Atmos, which has develop into the business customary acknowledged by informal viewers.
Regardless of the consequence, we’ll get our first actual glimpse of how Eclipsa stacks up at CES 2025 subsequent week, the place Samsung is anticipated to offer dwell demonstrations.
Ahead-looking: Samsung and Google have teamed as much as problem one of many greatest names in immersive audio – Dolby. The 2 firms have introduced Eclipsa Audio, a brand new open-source spatial audio format designed to convey 3D sound to YouTube and Samsung’s newest TVs and soundbars later this yr.
For years, Dolby Atmos has been the dominant drive in 3D audio, recognized for its immersive encompass sound that makes it really feel as if sounds are coming from throughout you. It is develop into a family identify, with practically each main TV producer as we speak paying the “Dolby tax” to license Atmos for his or her premium units and speaker techniques.
Nonetheless, Samsung and Google need to disrupt the established order with Eclipsa Audio, a royalty-free different. Samsung claims that Eclipsa Audio features equally to Atmos by adjusting audio knowledge – similar to location, depth, and spatial reflections – to create 3D sound. The important thing distinction is that it is an open customary, that means {hardware} makers will not should pay licensing charges.
As well as, the 2 firms are establishing a certification program with the Telecommunications Expertise Affiliation to make sure constant high quality throughout gadgets utilizing the know-how.
Samsung and Google first teased their spatial audio collaboration in 2023 underneath the identify Immersive Audio Mannequin and Codecs (IAMF). On the time, Samsung described the initiative as aiming to offer “an entire open-source framework for 3D audio, from creation to supply and playback.”
So why are the 2 firms placing in all this effort? For Samsung, the first motivation probably revolves round avoiding licensing prices. With TV revenue margins tighter than ever, reducing bills wherever potential is essential. Google’s motivations are much less clear, however it appears the corporate desires to present YouTube creators a platform to experiment with immersive 3D audio experiences.
“We consider that Eclipsa Audio has the potential to vary the way in which we expertise sound,” mentioned Jim Bankoski, VP of Engineering at Google Chrome. “We’re excited to see how the creator neighborhood makes use of it to create new and revolutionary audio experiences.”
The large query, in fact, is whether or not Samsung and Google’s new enterprise can really rival Dolby’s well-established know-how. Dolby has had years to refine Atmos, which has develop into the business customary acknowledged by informal viewers.
Regardless of the consequence, we’ll get our first actual glimpse of how Eclipsa stacks up at CES 2025 subsequent week, the place Samsung is anticipated to offer dwell demonstrations.
