Eclipsa Audio: Google and Samsung's Open-Source Rival to Dolby Atmos
There's a new audio format on the horizon that's been generating quite a bit of interest: Eclipsa Audio. Positioned as a fresh competitor to Dolby Atmos, it's backed by industry giants Google and Samsung. Initially unveiled in early 2024 under the mouthful name Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), it's since been rebranded to Eclipsa Audio for better market appeal.
Eclipsa Audio is an open-source 3D audio format designed to deliver an immersive sound experience. Unlike proprietary formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, it's open-source, eliminating licensing fees and potentially lowering the barrier for widespread adoption. While there's still a certification process involved, the overall costs are expected to be significantly less than those associated with Dolby Atmos.
From a technical standpoint, Eclipsa Audio supports up to 28 channels and is compatible with various codecs, including AAC, FLAC, LPCM, and Opus. It leans towards channel-based audio, drawing some parallels with Auro-3D. The format is scalable, intended to work seamlessly with everything from basic mono speakers to elaborate multi-speaker setups. Additionally, it supports spatial sound for Bluetooth headphones, enhancing the mobile audio experience.
Samsung has announced plans to integrate Eclipsa Audio into its 2025 lineup of smart TVs and soundbars. During CES 2025, demonstrations showcased the format on devices beyond Samsung's ecosystem, including TCL TVs running Google TV and LG TVs with webOS. Google has confirmed that other major brands like Hisense, Philips, Sony, and TCL are also committed to supporting Eclipsa Audio in their forthcoming devices. The strategy is to integrate the format at the operating system level rather than limiting it to specific apps, which could pave the way for broader utilization.
The vision behind Eclipsa Audio is expansive. It's not just aimed at enhancing movies and music but extends to various types of content—think travel vlogs or meditation sessions on platforms like YouTube. There's a push to make it compatible across multiple platforms and devices, including mobile phones, PCs, and future technologies like AR/VR headsets.
However, the potential success of Eclipsa Audio hinges on content availability. Securing support from major Hollywood studios and streaming services is crucial. There's a recognition that without substantial content backing, even the most technically superior formats can struggle to gain a foothold. It's reminiscent of the situation with HDR10+ in the video realm—despite its merits and cost advantages over Dolby Vision, it remains somewhat niche due to limited content support.
As the audio industry evolves, Eclipsa Audio represents an intriguing development worth monitoring. Its open-source nature and technical capabilities could disrupt the current landscape, provided it garners enough support from content creators and hardware manufacturers. For enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, the promise of a more immersive and accessible audio experience is certainly compelling.
