Google, Samsung, and ARM, along with the Open Media Alliance, which develops the video coding technology AV1, have announced the launch of the sound format Eclipsa, designed to spread volumetric sound. The format is based on the specification IMF (Immersive Audio Model and Formats), developed by Open Media participants and having open maintenance. Using Eclipsa does not require payment of deductions. Samsung has confirmed its support for Eclipsa on TVs and sound panels for the 2025 model year, including TV models Crystal UHD and NEO QLED 8K. Google will allow users to download videos on YouTube with sound tracks in the Eclipsa format.
The Eclipsa format aims to distribute spatial (immersive) sound content, creating a sense of complete presence and delivering high-quality sound on various devices. The presence effect is achieved through the use of algorithms for natural sound reconstruction, considering sound wave propagation in three-dimensional space. Metadata inclusion in the media container is necessary to recreate the sound scene or mix sound.
The Eclipsa format can be used for streaming broadcasts and playing saved sound data. It supports representation based on channels or sound scenes, as well as mixing different representations. The sound flow in Eclipsa can include up to 28 input channels, both fixed (e.g., a microphone in front of an orchestra) and dynamic (e.g., the sound of a helicopter flying). The format is not limited to specific codecs – the specification suggests using OPUS or AAC (MP4A) for lossy sound coding, and FLAC or LPCM for lossless coding.
The use of standard codecs facilitates integration with existing playback and streaming systems, and enables the creation of spatial sound content using open VST plugins, such as Ear Production Suite, for spatial speaker placement, and Binaural monitoring for directional sound source determination. Several mixing configurations can be included to adjust volume settings for different playback modes. Signal rendering algorithms like EAR and Bear can be utilized to play content considering spatial speaker layout or simulate volumetric sound in headphones.