Eclipsa Audio - Spatial Audio Format by Samsung and Google

[zeerround]

My next Eclipsa Audio experiment was to build this head tracker (<$20 US): https://github.com/trsonic/nvsonic-head-tracker

and a 3D printed mount to hang it on the top of the headphones.

I then tested with the Binaural Monitor VST in the EAR Production Suite in Reaper and it worked straight away. One button, "reset", to sync the position when you are looking straight at your monitor/center speaker and that's it. 3 Degrees Of Freedom head tracking.

This setup will allow you to virtually monitor, with headphones, a 7.1.4 (or whatever surround layout you want) mix.

This is an important capability for hobbyist immersive surround up-remixers as many would not have a way to monitor more than 6 or 8 channels from their PC.

No, it's not a Smyth Realiser A16. but it will get this job done.

 

[zeerround]

From Jan 20:

https://www.androidpolice.com/google-samsung-eclipsa-audio-in-android-16-update/

"Google recently announced plans to bring Eclipsa to Android devices. The change will be bundled along with an upcoming AOSP update, which will be Android 16 on the stable channel. "

...

"Google remained vague, but shared that native support for Eclipsa is on the roadmap for Google Chrome browser, YouTube, several TVs, and soundbars from multiple brands this year."

...

"Later this year, a brand licensing program will start, so buyers have some assurance of quality when buying from a manufacturer with Eclipsa on the label. "

 

[zeerround]

And also from Jan. 20:

https://www.provideocoalition.com/free-eclipsa-audio-plugin-coming-to-avid-pro-tools/

"To simplify the creation of Eclipsa Audio files, later this spring Google will release a free Eclipsa Audio plugin for AVID Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation. The company also plans to bring native Eclipsa Audio playback to the Google Chrome browser as well as to TVs and soundbars from multiple manufacturers later in 2025. Eclipsa Audio support will also arrive in an upcoming Android Open Source Project (Android AOSP) release. Matt Frost, Jani Huoponen, Jan Skoglund, Roshan Baliga from the Open Audio team believe “that Eclipsa Audio has the potential to change the way we experience sound. We are excited to see how it is used to create new and innovative audio experiences.”"

 

[zeerround]

Some update tidbits here:

https://www.tomsguide.com/tvs/forget-dolby-atmos-lg-tvs-and-google-tvs-are-getting-a-direct-rival

more TVs, VLC Support, AVRs, Pro-tools plugin, etc.

Hmm, AVR support via firmware update would be nice, but of course limited to newer models.

Not that we have any commercial content yet, but I have released HDMI Audio Bridge (for Windows) which can (next version, already working here) decodes Eclipsa audio and shoves it to your AVR/soundbar etc. as Dolby Atmos.

https://www.quadraphonicquad.com/forums/threads/hdmi-audio-bridge.37188/

 

[zeerround]

From Feb 20: https://news.samsung.com/global/eclipsa-audio-ushering-in-a-new-generation-of-3d-sound-with-samsung

No real new news, I guess. But I like this part:

"Eclipsa Audio’s open-source framework sets it apart from other 3D audio technologies by allowing anyone to create 3D audio content without paying royalties. Following its debut at CES 2025, the technology has been met with enthusiasm from content creators and has gained momentum across media platforms and online communities." [emphasis mine]