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For audiences to enjoy material such as films, sports video games and live events to the maximum, home TVs not just need outstanding photo quality but excellent sound quality also. Understanding this, market leaders are pursuing 3D audio development to include a much deeper level of immersion to entertainment experiences - bringing to life thrilling action scenes and capturing the quietest information of ambient noise.
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In other words, 3D audio makes listeners feel as if they're truly in the middle of the action. Typically just supported at particular places such as cinema or recording studios, 3D audio is making its way into homes to give audiences a brand-new way to experience their favorite content.

Samsung Electronics' sophisticated research study institute Samsung Research has been aiming to promote 3D audio considering that 2020. To this end, Samsung worked with Google to jointly establish Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF) - a sophisticated 3D spatial audio innovation that was embraced by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM)1 in October 2023. Samsung Newsroom took a seat with the group that established IAMF to hear the story of how the technology came to life.

▲ The Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research led the advancement of a requirement for audio technology. (From left) SungHee Hwang, JeongHoon Park and WooHyun Nam

A New Way To Enjoy 3D Audio at Home

Ambient noise exists everywhere - from the sound of shoes scraping on the walkway to the gentle hum of vehicles driving down the roadway. While this noise may appear unneeded in media, it's important in including depth and a sense of realness. 3D audio works to flawlessly mix ambient sound with discussions and other sound impacts to create a more vibrant and authentic entertainment experience.

"3D audio makes you feel as if you're really in the heart of the action by adjusting the strength, motion and vibrance of the noise," stated WooHyun Nam from the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research. "In this way, viewers are able to enjoy a more full-bodied noise that records the 3D aspects of the world around us."

▲ SungHee Hwang from Samsung Research's Visual Technology Team

Despite the advantages of 3D audio, it has been hard to use the innovation to home audio devices due to technological restrictions. "3D sound details from content can not be analyzed effectively by home audio systems such as TV speakers or sound bars, resulting in a somewhat minimal audio experience that lacks information from the original content," said SungHee Hwang from the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research.

To resolve this, Samsung worked diligently with Google to develop an audio option that would enable audiences to experience content audio as meant. "If the 3D audio information can be checked out by gadget producers, they can change the sound in audio devices - permitting for immersive audio experiences with standard TV speakers or sound bars in your home," said Nam. "By changing the audio to match the home gadget environment, listeners can experience audio just as the developer intended with no distortions or loss in quality."

An uniform requirement is required to send out and get audio information smoothly between developers and gadget makers. "Samsung and Google's particular know-how in devices and material made the business perfect partners to develop IAMF technology," stated JeongHoon Park, Executive Vice President and Head of Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research. "By coming together to develop this unmatched technology, we are paving the way for customers to take pleasure in 3D audio in their homes."

Three Characteristics of IAMF Technology: Vertical Audio, AI-Based Audio and Customized Audio

IAMF technology offers three unique functions that improve the audio experience.

▲ WooHyun Nam from Samsung Research's Visual Technology Team

1. Ability To Express Sound Vertically

Previous open-source audio codecs just supported horizontal noise expression. With IAMF technology, audio can now be revealed vertically so that noise is significantly multi-directional. "IAMF makes sound more sensible, by permitting listeners to hear audio in front, behind or to either side and also above or listed below them," stated Nam. "As such, when IAMF innovation is applied to home TV speakers and sound bars, it enables listeners to hear noises such as birds flying over their head on their TVs at home."

2. AI-Based Scene Analysis and 3D Audio Effects

IAMF utilizes AI and deep-learning technology to evaluate scenes and highlight certain aspects of the material - adjusting audio levels for more improved sound throughout the viewing experience. "In TV and film, there are particular scenes where the soundtrack or background music is the main focus," said Nam. "IAMF will stabilize the noise in these circumstances. Similarly, the technology will fine-tune audio when there is character dialogue to permit the listener to focus on the conversation."

In addition, IAMF technology provides optimal sound regardless of changes in the gadget environment. "By adjusting the scene analysis audio information according to the gadget environment, IAMF innovation enables listeners to enjoy the material's initial sound quality on basic home TVs," Hwang included.

3. Highly Customized Audio

Users will have the ability to freely change sound according to their preferences with IAMF innovation. Whether audiences are looking to amplify sound impacts from an action scene or boost dialogue, IAMF provides them the flexibility to customize material audio for a more personalized experience.

▲ IAMF analyzes data from material and allows viewers to adjust and personalize audio settings. When watching a sports video game, users can straight pick whether to stress the analyst's voice or the noises of the game itself.

3D Audio Across the Industry With Open-Source IAMF
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Open source is important to producing a unified standard across the industry. IAMF is the first open source-based audio technology standard adopted by AOM - meaning both business and independent material creators across the industry can access the innovation and expand its usage.

"In order to permit individuals to easily produce content with 3D audio technology, related innovation needs to be available to all," said Nam. "Providing a complete open-source structure for 3D audio, from production to delivery and playback, will permit a lot more varied audio content experiences in the future."

Similarly, Park highlighted how IAMF innovation will have a big influence on the audio landscape progressing. "Because we live in an age dominated by material production, IAMF will help lead, broaden and transform the 3D audio environment," he stated.

Success Accomplished Through Cooperation

Research on IAMF started in 2020 and took nearly four years to complete. Through a mix of perseverance and difficult work, the group had the ability to attain success.

"The project included numerous days of nonstop work, and there were times when we needed to work at night due to the time distinction between our office and Google's," stated Hwang. "Despite these obstacles, I was proud in the end. It was an excellent opportunity to work with developers from other countries."

The teams developed a sense of camaraderie along the method and built a strong foundation of trust and understanding. "A Google employee pointed out how this partnership with Samsung has actually been the most enjoyable partnership he had actually finished so far," Park recalled. "We had the ability to achieve this task because our teams trusted each other. I'm really happy with and glad for our staff member' efforts and their cooperation."

▲ JeongHoon Park, Corporate EVP and Head of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research

Additionally, Park applauded each employee's special abilities and know-how which assisted add to the development of IAMF. "WooHyun Nam was critical in proposing the technology advancement concepts while SungHee Hwang organized and documented our group's concepts in a precise way," he stated.

A Vision for 'Samsung Sound'

Upon its release, the Samsung Research group understood that the standardization of 3D spatial audio marked a new era of sound technology.

"Thanks to IAMF, we can begin researching innovations that will open up a world of audio possibilities," stated Nam. In line with this, the Samsung Research group is currently developing an advanced version of that can be applied to various sectors such as mobile devices, the metaverse, computer game and more.

▲ With their combined efforts and unrelenting determination, the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research was able to effectively develop a brand-new requirement for 3D audio.

Given the success of IAMF, the Samsung Research team is encouraged to develop better audio innovation for consumers. Each of the staff member shared their aspirations for the future of 3D audio.

Nam discussed his desire to create audio innovation that is more immersive. "I wish to develop a more innovative 3D audio innovation that makes users feel like they are really in the scene of a motion picture, TV show or live occasion," he stated. "I also intend to continue this research study up until 3D audio is applied to Samsung's smart devices."

More broadly, Hwang discussed how he hopes Samsung will be able to develop unparalleled audio technology that will place it amongst the ranks of other leading audio companies. "My goal is to develop an innovation that consumers will be able to quickly differentiate as 'Samsung Sound' when they hear it," he stated. "I am optimistic that the IAMF standard is a stepping stone toward this dream. "

"My hope is that Samsung's sound innovation will make it possible for customers to delight in an updated audio experience that is on par with that of present visual experiences," said Park. "I hope that content developers will use Samsung's audio innovation to make 3D audio content available. Additionally, we aim to develop a helpful environment that makes it possible for researchers to take on vibrant and amazing obstacles such as broadening Samsung's audio technology."

Technological standards such as IAMF will make entertainment more immersive for viewers throughout the board. The Samsung Research team is leading the way for innovations that will change the future of audio.

1 A non-profit industry consortium formed to develop and share technology for multimedia shipment, permitting creators to make use of the technology without fretting about expense. It is operated by an alliance of 38 business consisting of Samsung Electronics, Google, Amazon, Apple and Meta.