Looking to the long run: Samsung and Google have teamed as much as challenge one in all the most important names in immersive audio – Dolby. The two firms announced Eclipsa Audio, a new open-source surround sound format that is predicted to bring 3D audio to YouTube and the newest Samsung TVs and soundbars later this yr.
Dolby Atmos has been a dominant force in 3D audio for years, known for its immersive surround sound that makes you are feeling like sounds are coming from in all places. The name has turn out to be a household name, and almost every major TV manufacturer now pays the “Dolby tax” to license Atmos for its high-end sets and speaker systems.
However, Samsung and Google are seeking to disrupt the establishment with Eclipsa Audio, a free alternative. Samsung says Eclipsa Audio works similarly to Atmos, adjusting audio data – reminiscent of location, intensity and spatial reflections – to create 3D sound. The key difference is that it’s an open standard, which implies hardware manufacturers won’t should pay licensing fees.
Additionally, the 2 firms are establishing a certification program in partnership with the Telecommunications Technology Association to make sure consistent quality of all devices using the technology.
Samsung and Google first announced their spatial audio collaboration in 2023 under the name Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). At the time, Samsung described the initiative as aiming to offer “a complete open source environment for 3D audio, from creation to delivery and playback.”
So why are each firms making such an effort? In Samsung’s case, the most important motivation might be to avoid licensing costs. With TV profit margins tighter than ever, it’s crucial to chop expenses wherever possible. Google’s motivations are less clear, but the corporate seems to want to offer YouTube creators a platform to experiment with immersive 3D audio experiences.
“We believe that Eclipsa Audio can change the way we experience sound” he said Jim Bankoski, vice chairman of engineering at Google Chrome. “We are excited to see how the creative community uses it to create new and innovative audio experiences.”
The big query, in fact, is whether or not Samsung and Google’s new enterprise can really compete with Dolby’s established technology. Dolby has had years to perfect Atmos, which has turn out to be an industry standard recognized by on a regular basis viewers.
Regardless of the end result, we’ll get our first have a look at how Eclipsa fares at CES 2025 next week, where Samsung is predicted to conduct live demonstrations.