Google Unveils Eclipsa Audio: A Royalty-Free Alternative to Dolby Atmos
Get ready, audiophiles! There's a new player in town that's set to shake up the immersive audio scene. Google, in partnership with heavyweights like Arm, Samsung, and the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), has unveiled Eclipsa Audio—a royalty-free alternative to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Built on the open-source audio standard IAMF (Immersive Audio Model and Formats), Eclipsa Audio promises to deliver a truly enveloping sound experience.
Eclipsa Audio takes the surround sound we know and love and adds a vertical dimension to it. This means sound doesn't just wrap around you horizontally but comes from above as well, creating a three-dimensional sonic environment that's closer than ever to real life.
Compatibility and Hardware
One of the standout features of Eclipsa Audio is its broad compatibility. Existing TVs, soundbars, and receivers can handle this new format with just a software update to the source device. The decoding happens on the TV or source device, outputting multi-channel PCM sound that many current sound systems can process. Simply hook up your Eclipsa-enabled device to your sound system via HDMI, and you're good to go.
However, there's a small hiccup. Due to limitations with current HDMI 2.1 specifications, the height channel information might not always make it through in the PCM stream. As Google Product Lead Jani Huoponen mentioned, "Current HDMI 2.1 doesn’t have a robust way to signal height channels with PCM pass-through... I hope the new HDMI 2.2 spec will improve the situation." So while most of your gear might be compatible, full functionality may require future hardware updates.
Lossless Audio Support
For those of us who crave the highest audio fidelity, here's some good news. Eclipsa Audio supports lossless audio delivery via FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec). While streaming services like YouTube might opt for lossy formats to conserve bandwidth, there's potential for lossless Eclipsa content on physical media or high-end platforms. It's a step forward for purists who want that perfect studio-quality sound in their living rooms.
Hands-On Demonstrations
At CES 2025, demonstrations showcased Eclipsa Audio on TVs from TCL, LG, and Samsung, paired with soundbars like the LG S95TR, TCL Q85H, and Samsung HW-Q990D. The content, played through the YouTube app, included K-Pop videos and an updated THX "Deep Note" trailer, all encoded in Eclipsa Audio.
The demos highlighted a wide and immersive soundstage, with audio elements coming from all around the room. While there were some inconsistencies in how rear channels were presented—possibly due to individual soundbar setups—the overall experience was undeniably more enveloping than traditional surround sound.
Samsung didn't stop there. At their "First Look" event, they previewed their 2025 soundbars, the HW-QS700F and HW-Q990F, both sporting native Eclipsa Audio decoding. The demonstration with the HW-QS700F further emphasized the potential of this new format, setting the stage for what's to come in home audio entertainment.
Looking Ahead
Samsung's commitment to including Eclipsa Audio support in their upcoming lineup is just the beginning. With no licensing fees attached, it's likely we'll see other manufacturers jump on board. This opens doors for more devices—from TVs and receivers to mobile gadgets—to offer immersive audio without the added cost.
Moreover, YouTube's involvement is a game-changer. Being one of the first platforms to support Eclipsa Audio, content creators will have the tools to produce and share immersive audio experiences more widely. Given YouTube's massive user base, this could accelerate the adoption and popularity of the format significantly.
Technical Insights
Eclipsa Audio isn't just about adding more channels; it's about smarter sound delivery. An Eclipsa Audio bitstream can contain up to 28 input channels, which get rendered to your specific speaker setup. Whether it's fixed positions like orchestral microphones or dynamic elements like a helicopter swooping overhead, the format adapts to create a coherent and immersive experience.
For mobile and headphone users, Eclipsa Audio includes binaural rendering, ensuring that immersive sound isn't limited to those with extensive speaker setups. Plus, with support for content creation across consumer devices, users can craft their own Eclipsa Audio experiences, democratizing 3D audio production.
Arm's Contribution
Behind the scenes, Arm has played a pivotal role in optimizing Eclipsa Audio's performance, particularly focusing on efficiency for mobile devices and TVs. By enhancing components like the Opus codec and the IAMF library (libiamf), they've ensured smooth, real-time decoding even on devices with limited processing power.
Their optimizations have led to significant performance improvements across various configurations, meaning whether you're on a high-end system or an entry-level device, Eclipsa Audio strives to deliver a consistent and high-quality experience.
The Future Sounds Bright
The introduction of Eclipsa Audio marks a significant moment in the evolution of immersive sound. By offering a royalty-free, open-source alternative to established formats, it has the potential to broaden access and spur innovation in the audio space.
For us enthusiasts, this means more content, more device options, and ultimately, richer listening experiences. The move towards an open standard could also encourage more creators and manufacturers to experiment and push the boundaries of what's possible in home and personal audio.
In a landscape where audio technology often comes with hefty licensing fees and proprietary barriers, Eclipsa Audio offers a refreshing and inclusive path forward. It's an exciting time to be an audiophile, and we can't wait to hear what's next.
