Samsung and Google are shaking up the world of immersive sound with Eclipsa Audio, their ambitious answer to Dolby Atmos. Set to launch in 2025, this open-source 3D audio format will debut across Samsung’s entire 2025 TV lineup and make its way to YouTube, offering content creators and viewers a whole new level of auditory immersion.

First introduced at the IAMF (Immersive Audio Model and Formats) conference in 2023, Eclipsa Audio faced delays that postponed its original 2024 release. However, with CES 2025 around the corner, Samsung and Google have officially unveiled their new audio technology, setting the stage for a game-changing year in home entertainment.

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Eclipsa Audio Makes Its Mark on Samsung TVs

Samsung isn’t just introducing Eclipsa Audio—it’s going all in. Every TV in its 2025 lineup, from budget-friendly models to flagship QD-OLED and 8K “QLED” displays, will come equipped with Eclipsa Audio.

By offering broad compatibility, Samsung aims to democratize immersive audio, ensuring that this technology is available to a wide range of consumers.

“We are proud to lead the industry with the integration of Eclipsa Audio into our 2025 TV and soundbar lineup,” said Taeyong Son, EVP and Head of the R&D Team at Samsung’s Visual Display Business. “This innovation opens new possibilities for immersive audio experiences and reinforces our commitment to shaping the future of home entertainment.”

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Eclipsa Audio and YouTube: A Creative Revolution

Starting in 2025, YouTube will allow creators to upload content in Eclipsa Audio, enabling new levels of storytelling and audience engagement. The platform is positioning itself as a key driver for the format’s success, empowering creators to craft rich, immersive audio experiences.

However, there’s a limitation—viewers will need a 2025 Samsung device to experience Eclipsa Audio. This exclusivity could slow adoption initially, especially when compared to Dolby Atmos, which is supported by a vast range of devices and streaming platforms.

“We believe Eclipsa Audio can redefine how we experience sound,” said Jim Bankoski, VP of Engineering at Google Chrome. “It’s an exciting opportunity for creators to explore new dimensions of audio innovation.”

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The Bigger Picture: Project Caviar

Eclipsa Audio isn’t a standalone effort—it’s part of Project Caviar, Samsung and Google’s bold plan to challenge Dolby’s dominance in the AV space. Alongside Eclipsa, the project includes HDR10+, an alternative to Dolby Vision that delivers premium visuals without the added licensing fees.

Together, Eclipsa Audio and HDR10+ represent a cohesive strategy to disrupt the industry, offering consumers and content creators high-quality, royalty-free solutions for immersive entertainment.

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Why Eclipsa Audio Matters

What sets Eclipsa Audio apart? Its open-source and royalty-free nature, backed by the Alliance for Open Media (the group behind the AV1 video codec), makes it cost-effective for manufacturers and attractive for creators. This approach could give it a competitive edge over Dolby Atmos, especially as Samsung integrates the format across its entire TV lineup.

Samsung plans to showcase Eclipsa Audio in live demos during CES 2025, offering a hands-on preview of what’s to come. This first look will be crucial in building momentum and awareness around the format.

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The Road Ahead

As Eclipsa Audio gears up for its 2025 debut, the tech world will be watching closely. Can Samsung and Google’s joint effort gain enough traction to challenge Dolby Atmos? Will its integration with YouTube and Samsung TVs be enough to drive widespread adoption?

With CES 2025 serving as the launchpad, one thing is clear: Eclipsa Audio is here to make waves, and it’s only the beginning of a new era in immersive sound. Stay tuned!