LG Embraces Eclipsa Audio: A New Era for Spatial Sound?
LG is making a surprising move, adding support for Eclipsa Audio – a direct competitor to Dolby Atmos – to its 2026 TV lineup and rolling it out to select 2025 models via a free software update. This decision marks a significant shift, especially considering LG’s historically cautious approach to adopting audio and video formats outside of its preferred ecosystem.
What is Eclipsa Audio and Why Does it Matter?
Developed by Samsung and Google, Eclipsa Audio is an open-source, royalty-free 3D audio format. This is a key differentiator from Dolby Atmos, which requires licensing fees. The lack of royalties allows manufacturers to adopt the technology based purely on its technical merits, potentially leading to wider availability and lower costs for consumers.
Currently, Eclipsa Audio is gaining traction on YouTube, and is set to be integrated into Android 16. Samsung believes Eclipsa Audio can open up immersive audio experiences to content creators who may find the cost of Dolby Atmos prohibitive. This focus on accessibility could democratize spatial audio, making it available to a broader range of content.
Which LG TVs Will Get the Update?
All of LG’s 2026 TVs will support Eclipsa Audio natively. For 2025 models, a free update (version 33.30.80 or newer) will add support to the following series:
- LG G5
- LG C5
- LG CS5
- LG QNED9M
The format will operate with both the TV’s built-in speakers and compatible soundbars, such as the Samsung HW-Q990F, when connected via HDMI.
Why the Change of Heart for LG?
LG has traditionally been selective about adopting new formats, often prioritizing Dolby Vision in the HDR space and remaining hesitant about alternatives like HDR10+. The company’s reluctance to support HDR10+ stemmed from a belief that Dolby Vision offered a superior experience and a lack of compelling content in the HDR10+ format.
However, the situation with Eclipsa Audio appears different. The key factor seems to be YouTube. As YouTube becomes an increasingly popular platform for TV viewing – even surpassing Netflix and Disney+ in some regions – LG likely recognizes the need to support Eclipsa Audio to deliver the best possible experience to its users on the most popular streaming app. Samsung’s commitment to the format, coupled with Google’s integration into Android and Google TV, further strengthens the case for LG’s adoption.
Beyond LG: The Expanding Eclipsa Ecosystem
LG isn’t the only manufacturer jumping on board. Eclipsa Audio is also slated for integration into Google TVs from TCL and Hisense, and potentially Sony and other manufacturers in the future. This widespread adoption suggests that Eclipsa Audio is poised to turn into a significant player in the spatial audio landscape.
The Future of Spatial Audio: A Two-Horse Race?
While Dolby Atmos remains the dominant force in spatial audio, Eclipsa Audio presents a viable alternative, particularly for content consumed on platforms like YouTube. The royalty-free nature of Eclipsa Audio could encourage wider adoption among content creators and device manufacturers, potentially challenging Dolby’s dominance. The competition between these two formats will likely drive innovation and ultimately benefit consumers with more immersive audio experiences.
Did you know?
Samsung developed Eclipsa Audio, in part, given that they felt Dolby Atmos was too expensive for smaller content creators to utilize effectively.
FAQ
What is Eclipsa Audio? Eclipsa Audio is a royalty-free 3D audio format developed by Samsung and Google, designed as an alternative to Dolby Atmos.
Which LG TVs support Eclipsa Audio? All LG 2026 TVs will support it. Select 2025 models (G5, C5, CS5, QNED9M) will receive support via a software update.
Is Eclipsa Audio better than Dolby Atmos? That depends on the content and your preferences. Eclipsa Audio offers a compelling alternative, especially for content on platforms like YouTube, and its open-source nature could lead to wider adoption.
Where can I find content that supports Eclipsa Audio? Currently, YouTube is the primary platform offering Eclipsa Audio content. The format is expected to expand to other platforms in the future.
Will I need a new soundbar to experience Eclipsa Audio? No, Eclipsa Audio will work with your TV’s built-in speakers or compatible soundbars connected via HDMI.
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