Is Samsung's new sound technology a true rival to Dolby Atmos?

On January 3, 2025, Samsung Electronics officially announced their plans to integrate a new 3D sound technology called Eclipsa Audio into their 2025 range of televisions and soundbars. This announcement was made in anticipation of the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The Eclipsa audio system represents a significant upgrade in sound technology, as it will be available across Samsung's product lineup, including their affordable Crystal UHD models, advanced 4K Quantum Dot OLED TVs, and flagship Neo QLED 8K models. While specific details regarding the Eclipsa Audio-enabled soundbars were not disclosed, the company emphasized the open-access nature of the new audio format. Starting in 2025, content creators will be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio tracks to the widely popular video-sharing platform, YouTube. This strategic decision reflects Samsung's commitment to fostering creative engagement within the community and enhancing overall audio experiences for viewers. Taeyong Son, the Executive Vice President and Head of the R&D Team of Samsung Electronic’s Visual Display Business, expressed pride in the innovation, stating that the company is leading the industry in immersive audio experiences. He emphasized that this development not only enriches the home entertainment landscape but also reinforces Samsung's ongoing mission to shape the future of technology in this sector. Ultimately, the introduction of Eclipsa Audio is likely to bring Samsung into competition with industry leaders like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as consumers increasingly seek advanced sound technologies for at-home viewing. This is particularly timely as major technology events like CES create an ideal platform for announcements that capture audience interest and set the tone for the upcoming year.