Samsung has revealed that it’s teaming up with Google to bring a new audio technology called Eclipsa Audio to its 2025 TVs and soundbars. This new sound system is meant to compete with the well-known Dolby Atmos, offering a 3D audio experience without the extra costs creators usually face with Dolby’s licensing.
A few years back, Google was already thinking about a new way to do surround sound, aiming to provide something that could replace Dolby Atmos. Their idea was to create an audio format that’s free to use, making it easier for everyone to enjoy top-notch sound without paying big bucks.
However, getting people to leave behind a popular name like Dolby isn’t simple, especially since Dolby has been around in TVs, projectors, and lots of other gadgets for years.
Now, Samsung has officially announced that Eclipsa Audio will be part of their new TVs and soundbars coming out next year. This move gives creators the tools to make sounds that feel like they’re coming from all around you, similar to what you might experience in a movie theater. With Eclipsa Audio, you can tweak where sounds come from and how loud they are, making shows and movies more exciting.
Samsung also shared that soon, people who make videos on YouTube can use Eclipsa Audio tracks. This means even everyday content could start sounding a lot better, not just big-budget stuff.
To make sure the sound quality is up to par, Samsung and Google are working with the TTA (Telecommunications Technology Association) to set up a certification process. This is kind of like how Dolby checks if a device can really deliver the Dolby Atmos experience, ensuring consumers get what they’re promised.
Samsung plans to include Eclipsa Audio in a wide range of their TVs for 2025, from the budget-friendly Crystal UHD to the high-end Neo QLED 8K models. It will be fascinating to see if other companies jump on board with this new audio format, or if they stick with the pricier but already popular Dolby Atmos.
Source – Samsung Newsroom
