Eclipsa Audio

Eclipsa Audio (sometimes stylized simply Eclipsa) is an open-source immersive (3D) audio format and ecosystem, co-developed by Google and Samsung, built on the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF) specification under the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) standard. It is built to rival other licensed immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos as an open sourced alternative.

Official logo of Eclipsa Audio

History and development

The origins of Eclipsa Audio date to work by Google and Samsung (and contributors in AOMedia) to define a royalty-free framework for spatial audio under the working name IAMF.^[1]  The IAMF specification was adopted within the Alliance for Open Media, making it available under a royalty-free licensing regime.^[2]

In January 2025, Google announced Eclipsa Audio as the open-source branding of this immersive audio initiative.  Later in 2025, an open source plugin for digital audio workstations (DAWs) and editors was released, facilitating the creation and export of Eclipsa / IAMF audio content. Samsung also announced its intention to integrate Eclipsa Audio support into its 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars.^[3]

Technical overview

Architecture and format

Eclipsa Audio is based on the IAMF (Immersive Audio Model and Formats) specification.  IAMF serves as a container for spatial audio data rather than being tied to a particular codec; it can carry data encoded using common codecs such as PCM (linear), Opus, AAC, FLAC etc.  The format supports flexible “audio elements” including channel-based (e.g. surround sound layouts) and scene-based (e.g. ambisonics) rendering.^[2][1][3]

Metadata and mix presentations are included to guide how audio elements are to be spatialized for rendering on different speaker layouts and headphones. Eclipsa Audio supports up to 28 input audio channels (or “elements”) within a single bitstream, which can then be mapped dynamically to output devices. It includes binaural rendering for headphone playback, enabling immersive effects in less complex playback environments. ^[1][2][3]

Tools, plugins, and ecosystem

• The Eclipsa Audio project provides plugins for DAWs and editing software to author IAMF mixes.^[1]
• The source code for these plugins is publicly available (e.g. on GitHub).^[4]
• The Eclipsa Audio website offers downloads, documentation, and support for creators working with spatial audio.^[5]

Deployment and adoption

Samsung has publicly committed to embedding Eclipsa Audio support in its 2025 product line — encompassing its Crystal UHD to Neo QLED 8K TVs and accompanying soundbars.^[6] Samsung and Google have indicated plans to certify devices using Eclipsa Audio, working with organizations such as the Telecommunication Technology Association (TTA).^[6]

As of mid-2025, YouTube supports uploading content with Eclipsa Audio (IAMF) tracks, allowing creators to publish spatial audio content.^[1] Some industry and press comparisons frame Eclipsa Audio as a potential competitor to proprietary immersive audio standards such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, often noting that its open-source and royalty-free nature is a key differentiator.^[7] However, adoption beyond Samsung and Google's initial deployments remains to be observed in the medium term.^[8]