{"id":65637,"date":"2023-12-07T09:00:56","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T14:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/?p=65637"},"modified":"2024-03-11T16:38:09","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T20:38:09","slug":"movie-quality-audio-from-the-comfort-of-your-home-meet-the-leaders-of-next-generation-3d-audio-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/samsung-interview-movie-quality-audio-comfort-home-meet-leaders-next-generation-3d-audio-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"Movie-Quality Audio at Home: Meet the Leaders of Next-Generation 3D Audio Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"

For viewers to enjoy content such as movies, sports games and live events to the fullest, home TVs<\/a> not only need excellent picture quality but impressive sound quality as well. Understanding this, industry leaders are pursuing 3D audio development to add a deeper level of immersion to entertainment experiences \u2014 bringing to life thrilling action scenes and capturing the quietest details of ambient noise.<\/p>\n

Put simply, 3D audio makes listeners feel as if they\u2019re really in the middle of the action. Typically only supported at specific venues such as movie theaters or recording studios, 3D audio is making its way into homes to give viewers a new way to experience their favorite content.<\/p>\n

Samsung Electronics\u2019<\/a> advanced research institute Samsung Research has been striving to popularize 3D audio since 2020. To this end, Samsung<\/a> worked with Google to jointly develop Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF) \u2014 an advanced 3D spatial audio technology that was adopted by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM)1<\/sup><\/a> in October 2023. Samsung Newsroom<\/a> sat down with the team that developed IAMF to hear the story of how the technology came to life.<\/p>\n

\"SungHee-Hwang-JeongHoo-Park-WooHyun-Nam\"

\u25b2 The Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research led the development of a standard for audio technology. (From left) SungHee Hwang, JeongHoon Park and WooHyun Nam<\/p><\/div>\n

A New Way To Enjoy 3D Audio at Home<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Ambient noise exists everywhere \u2014 from the sound of shoes scraping on the sidewalk to the gentle hum of cars driving down the road. While this noise may seem unnecessary in media, it’s vital in adding depth and a sense of realness. 3D audio works to seamlessly blend ambient noise with conversations and other sound effects to create a more vibrant and authentic entertainment experience.<\/p>\n

\u201c3D audio makes you feel as if you\u2019re really in the heart of the action by adjusting the strength, movement and vibrance of the sound,\u201d said WooHyun Nam from the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research. \u201cIn this way, viewers are able to enjoy a more full-bodied sound that captures the 3D aspects of the world around us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"sunghee-hwang-samsung-research-visual-technology-team\"

\u25b2 SungHee Hwang from Samsung Research\u2019s Visual Technology Team<\/p><\/div>\n

Despite the advantages of 3D audio, it has been difficult to apply the technology to home audio devices due to technological limitations. \u201c3D sound information from content cannot be interpreted properly by home audio systems such as TV speakers or sound bars, resulting in a slightly limited audio experience that lacks detail from the original content,\u201d said SungHee Hwang from the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research.<\/p>\n

To solve for this, Samsung<\/a> worked diligently with Google to develop an audio solution that would allow viewers to experience content audio as intended. \u201cIf the 3D audio data can be read by device manufacturers, they can adjust the sound in audio devices \u2014 allowing for immersive audio experiences with standard TV speakers or sound bars at home,\u201d said Nam. \u201cBy adjusting the audio to match the home device environment, listeners can experience audio just as the creator intended without any distortions or loss in quality.\u201d<\/p>\n

A uniform standard is required to send and receive audio data smoothly between creators and device manufacturers. \u201cSamsung and Google\u2019s respective expertise in devices and content made the companies ideal partners to create IAMF technology,\u201d said JeongHoon Park, Executive Vice President and Head of Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research. \u201cBy coming together to develop this unprecedented technology, we are paving the way for consumers to enjoy 3D audio in their homes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three Characteristics of IAMF Technology: Vertical Audio, AI-Based Audio and Customized Audio<\/strong><\/h5>\n

IAMF technology offers three distinct features that enhance the audio experience.<\/p>\n

1. Ability To Express Sound Vertically<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Previous open-source audio codecs only supported horizontal sound expression. With IAMF technology, audio can now be expressed vertically so that sound is increasingly multi-directional. \u201cIAMF makes sound more realistic, by allowing listeners to hear audio in front, behind or to either side and also above or below them,\u201d said Nam. \u201cAs such, when IAMF technology is applied to home TV speakers and sound bars, it allows listeners to hear sounds such as birds flying over their head on their TVs at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"woohyun-nam-samsung-research-visual-technology-team\"

\u25b2 WooHyun Nam from Samsung Research\u2019s Visual Technology Team<\/p><\/div>\n

2. AI-Based Scene Analysis and 3D Audio Effects<\/strong><\/h5>\n

IAMF utilizes AI and deep-learning technology to analyze scenes and emphasize certain aspects of the content \u2014 adjusting audio levels for more enhanced sound throughout the viewing experience. \u201cIn TV and film, there are certain scenes where the soundtrack or background music is the main focus,\u201d said Nam. \u201cIAMF will balance the sound in these instances. Similarly, the technology will fine-tune audio when there is character dialogue to allow the listener to focus on the conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, IAMF technology provides optimal sound despite changes in the device environment. \u201cBy adjusting the scene analysis audio data according to the device environment, IAMF technology enables listeners to enjoy the content\u2019s original sound quality on standard home TVs,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

3. Highly Customized Audio<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Users will be able to freely adjust sound according to their preferences with IAMF technology. Whether viewers are looking to amplify sound effects from an action scene or enhance dialogue, IAMF gives them the flexibility to customize content audio for a more personalized experience.<\/p>\n

\"iamf-3d-audio-format\"

\u25b2 IAMF analyzes data from content and allows viewers to adjust and customize audio settings. When watching a sports game, users can directly choose whether to emphasize the commentator\u2019s voice or the sounds of the game itself.<\/p><\/div>\n

3D Audio Across the Industry With Open-Source IAMF <\/strong><\/h5>\n

Open source is crucial to creating a unified standard across the industry. IAMF is the first open source-based audio technology standard adopted by AOM \u2014 meaning both corporate and independent content creators across the industry can access the technology and expand its use.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn order to allow people to freely create content with 3D audio technology, related technology needs to be open to all,\u201d said Nam. \u201cProviding a complete open-source framework for 3D audio, from creation to delivery and playback, will allow for even more diverse audio content experiences in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Similarly, Park highlighted how IAMF technology will have a large impact on the audio landscape moving forward. \u201cBecause we live in an era dominated by content creation, IAMF will help lead, expand and transform the 3D audio ecosystem,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Success Accomplished Through Cooperation<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Research on IAMF began in 2020 and took nearly four years to complete. Through a combination of perseverance and hard work, the team was able to achieve success.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe project involved many days of nonstop work, and there were times when we needed to work at night due to the time difference between our office and Google\u2019s,\u201d said Hwang. \u201cDespite these challenges, I was proud in the end. It was a great opportunity to work with developers from other countries.\u201d<\/p>\n

The teams developed a sense of camaraderie along the way and built a solid foundation of trust and understanding. \u201cA Google employee mentioned how this partnership with Samsung has been the most enjoyable collaboration he had completed so far,\u201d Park recalled. \u201cWe were able to accomplish this project because our teams trusted each other. I\u2019m very proud of and thankful for our team members\u2019 efforts and their cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"jeonghoon-park-corporate-evp-head-visual-technology-team-samsung-research\"

\u25b2 JeongHoon Park, Corporate EVP and Head of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research<\/p><\/div>\n

Additionally, Park praised each team member\u2019s unique skills and expertise which helped contribute to the creation of IAMF. \u201cWooHyun Nam was instrumental in proposing the technology development ideas while SungHee Hwang organized and documented our team\u2019s ideas in a clear-cut manner,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

A Vision for \u2018Samsung Sound\u2019<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Upon its release, the Samsung Research team realized that the standardization of 3D spatial audio marked a new era of sound technology.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to IAMF, we can begin researching technologies that will open up a world of audio possibilities,\u201d said Nam. In line with this, the Samsung Research team is currently developing an advanced version of IAMF technology that can be applied to different sectors such as mobile devices, the metaverse, video games and more.<\/p>\n\n

Given the success of IAMF, the Samsung Research team is motivated to create better audio technology for consumers. Each of the team members shared their aspirations for the future of 3D audio.<\/p>\n

Nam touched on his desire to create audio technology that is more immersive. \u201cI want to create a more advanced 3D audio technology that makes users feel like they are truly in the scene of a movie, TV show or live event,\u201d he said. \u201cI also hope to continue this research until 3D audio is applied to Samsung\u2019s smartphones.\u201d<\/p>\n

More broadly, Hwang discussed how he hopes Samsung will be able to create unrivaled audio technology that will place it among the ranks of other leading audio companies. \u201cMy goal is to develop a technology that consumers will be able to easily distinguish as \u2018Samsung Sound\u2019 when they hear it,\u201d he said. \u201cI am optimistic that the IAMF standard is a stepping stone toward this dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy hope is that Samsung\u2019s sound technology will enable consumers to enjoy an upgraded audio experience that is on par with that of current visual experiences,\u201d said Park. \u201cI hope that content creators will utilize Samsung\u2019s 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\u2019s audio technology.\u201d<\/p>\n

Technological standards such as IAMF will make entertainment more immersive for viewers across the board. The Samsung Research team is paving the way for innovations that will change the future of audio.<\/p>\n

1<\/sup><\/a> A non-profit industry consortium formed to develop and share technology for multimedia delivery, allowing creators to utilize the technology without worrying about cost. It is operated by an alliance of 38 companies including Samsung Electronics, Google, Amazon, Apple and Meta.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For viewers to enjoy content such as movies, sports games and live events to the fullest, home TVs not only need excellent picture quality but impressive sound quality as well. Understanding this, industry leaders are pursuing 3D audio development to add a deeper level of immersion to entertainment experiences \u2014 bringing to life thrilling action […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":65659,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29743,29727,29718],"tags":[211,29663,766,125],"blue-badge":[],"class_list":["post-65637","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-product-home-entertainment-home-audio","category-product-home-entertainment","category-product","tag-audio","tag-google","tag-home-entertainment","tag-television-tv"],"acf":{"turn_off_retargeting":false},"fimg_mobile_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/05144524\/visual-technology-team-interview-featured.png","fimg_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/05144524\/visual-technology-team-interview-featured.png","primary_category":{"term_id":29743,"name":"Home Audio","slug":"product-home-entertainment-home-audio","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":29743,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":29727,"count":66,"filter":"raw","term_link":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/category\/product\/product-home-entertainment\/product-home-entertainment-home-audio\/","term_path":"product\/product-home-entertainment\/product-home-entertainment-home-audio"},"badge":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/84"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65637"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65637\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65659"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65637"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65637"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65637"},{"taxonomy":"blue-badge","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blue-badge?post=65637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}