Attempting to provide 3D audio to a wider audience since 2020 has been Samsung’s long-term goal. To achieve this, Samsung and Google collaborated to create Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), a cutting-edge 3D spatial audio technology that was approved in October 2023 by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM). To find out how the technology was created, Samsung Newsroom had a conversation with the IAMF development team. Entertainment will become more immersive for all spectators, all thanks to technological standards like IAMF. Technologies that will transform audio in the future are being developed by the Samsung Research team.
In order to establish a single industry standard, open source is essential. As AOM’s first open source-based audio technology standard, IAMF enables access to and expansion of the technologies used by corporate and independent content creators in the sector. AOM, a conglomerate of companies that includes Amazon, AMD, Arm, Apple, Google, Huawei, Intel, LG, Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, OPPO, Snap, Tencent, Vivo, WD, and Zoom, has embraced spatial audio technology. It’s feasible that it may be combined with HDR10+ in the future to compete with the proprietary formats Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
There are three main characteristics of IAMF technology:
- Vertical Sound Expression Capability:
The only sound expression that was supported by earlier open-source audio codecs was horizontal. Thanks to IAMF technology, audio may now be presented vertically, resulting in a more multidirectional sound.
- AI-Powered 3D Audio Effects and Scene Analysis:
IAMF adjusts audio levels for better sound quality throughout the viewing experience by analyzing scenes and emphasizing particular portions of the material using AI and deep learning technologies.
- Extremely Tailored Sound:
With IAMF technology, users will have complete control over sound to suit their tastes. The ability to alter content audio for a more individualized experience is provided by IAMF, which allows viewers to adjust conversation or augment sound effects from action scenes.
To make dialogue easier to comprehend for the viewer, it might, for instance, highlight dialogue in situations with a lot of background music. Also, it can optimize audio quality by adjusting the sound according to the equipment (TV, speakers, or soundbar) that is reproducing it. The sound may be customized by users using IAMF to suit their preferences.
JeongHoon Park, Executive Vice President and Head of Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research, stated, “My hope is that Samsung’s sound technology will enable consumers to enjoy an upgraded audio experience that is on par with that of current visual experiences. I hope that content creators will utilize Samsung’s audio technology to make 3D audio content accessible. Additionally, we aim to create a supportive environment that enables researchers to take on bold and exciting challenges, such as expanding Samsung’s audio technology.”
Thanks to “Samsung Newsroom“
