Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF) scares Dolby Atmos?

Discover the future of sound with Samsung and Google’s collaboration on the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), a 3D audio technology built to revolutionize how we perceive, interact with, and enjoy audio. IAMF is tailored for home devices specifically designed so users can hear from all directions while customizing their experience and fine tune audio in an immersive way. With this revolutionary new audio model and formats that surpass its predecessors, explore what lies ahead through these impressive innovative sound technologies!

Key Takeaways

• Samsung and Google have unveiled the Immersive Audio Model and Format, a revolutionary audio technology that provides customizable audio, AI-based scene analysis, and vertical sound.
• This could be serious competition for Dolby Atmos AC-4, targeting the sudden explosion of home tv speakers
• IAMF facilitates the development of sound ecosystems by providing a standard for consistent high-quality experiences across platforms.
• Real-world applications are being used to provide immersive lifelike audio experiences with the potential to expand boundaries in virtual reality gaming & metaverse.
• Check out the GitHub Link for more info https://aomediacodec.github.io/iamf/

The Immersive Audio Model and Format

In 2020, Samsung and Google worked together to develop the Immersive Audio Model and Format (IAMF), an audio technology that processes sound data in order to generate immersive experiences. IAMF integrates customizable spatial audio and capabilities with AI-based scene analysis for creating vertical sounds. This allows users to experience optimal sound quality across various home audio setups without changing the original format of audio data in their models.

The new release marks a milestone moment for all sorts of audio possibilities, setting up its own unique benchmark when it comes to providing captivating 3D auditory journeys beyond the traditional left and right stereo channels. The best part: it is open source and more accessible than the competition.

Key Components of IAMF Technology

IAMF technology combines three features to create a supreme sound experience that is customizable according to user preferences and environment:

• AI-driven scene analysis,
• audio customization capabilities, and
• vertical sound.

This advanced solution makes it possible for any home audio device – including gaming consoles, mobile devices, home theater systems or even a simple Sound Bar – to enjoy the ultimate listening and playback experience.

Customizable Audio

Using IAMF’s customizable audio feature, users have the opportunity to hear a more immersive and tailored sound experience. They can fine-tune their 3D audio by adjusting dialogue, background, character dialogue, music and other audio data in individual layers independently to set desired volume settings for various mix configurations.

This provides playback listeners with an enhanced level of control over their tracks as they can accurately adjust specific elements within them according to how they wish them to be heard. By using this technology one could listen differently when watching sports. Isolating the game soundtrack from the commentary track while having access alters both volumes individually depending on what is being focused upon the mainstream audience at any given time!

IAMF offers multiple options that give people greater choice when dealing with intellectual material thus making sure of optimal usage of its functionality. From separating sounds between two headphones up until tinkering around levels subtly an audio track. The possibilities are endless thanks only to these technological advances which allow us to collectively extend our reach ever further into hearing than before!

AI-Based Scene Analysis

By using deep learning and AI technology, IAMF can analyze scenes to produce an immersive audio experience by making dynamic changes in sound elements. This includes altering audio levels, emphasizing certain aspects of the content as well and increasing effects when needed, such as during action sequences or to emphasize dialogue between scenes or parts of a movie scene. The use of this technology guarantees balanced sounds that are more realistic and tailored according to the video being played.

While I am deeply invested in the advancements of object-based audio, I firmly believe that the true unlocking of its potential lies in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the immense skill and expertise of countless audio engineers worldwide, the complexities inherent in fully optimizing object-based audio surpass the capacity of human capability alone.

Vertical Sound

IAMF technology offers an enhanced 3D sound experience through its focus on the vertical aspects of audio. This allows for a more genuine and immersive feel to sounds, like hearing birds flying above or explosions in movies, where one can not only hear sounds but also perceive height.

Such realism is something that sets IAMF apart from other technologies when it comes to creating engaging soundscapes as well as interacting with different kinds of audible phenomena. With this level of innovation coming out in such advanced technology, there’s no doubt that we are entering exciting times for audio exploration!

The Open-Source Revolution: IAMF for All

IAMF, an open-source audio standard that enhances sound experiences in 3D, is beneficial to multiple industries. It allows them to adjust the technology for their own specific needs. Integrate it into products or services and assemble a network of professionals working together to improve IAMF itself. The democratization of this type of audio tech opens up possibilities: increased participation by different entities during its development, more cost-efficient accessibility, and novel potentials when used as intended.

Expanding the Boundaries of Audio Experiences

In gaming, this innovative tool helps to amplify players’ entertainment by creating realistic sounds that are amplified by improved effects related to it so gamers get better out of their adventure time due to all these noticeable advantages which ultimately lead them feel much involved during gameplay sessions compared before when IAFM was not available yet.

Lastly, surely one cannot ignore the essential role that IAFM plays in developing the metaverse, offering users an unparalleled enjoyable vibrant sonic atmosphere through dynamic detailed balanced sound and high fidelity authentic environments they never had encountered earlier!

The Road Ahead for Immersive Audio Model and Format

The future of IAMF looks bright, with continual investigation and improvement targeting the evolution of immersive audio experiences across an assortment of industries and uses. New potentials for immersive sound are to be investigated while optimizing on technical resources used in improving upon this technology. It is projected that its implementation could extend into various industries such as manufacturing by offering users improved auditory products through robotics or additive production processes.

As research involving tech giants like Samsung and Google continues furthering developments within the IAMF space, it will inevitably shape how we view sound now and going forward – providing advanced audio levels of immersion unimaginable previously via multiple platforms. Unlocking boundless capabilities along the way.

Moving ahead, tremendous opportunities are waiting for one to take advantage of them. Thus making sure that everyone benefits adequately without leaving any stone unturned when incorporating state-of-the-art innovations related to elevating overall user experience triggered due interactions between man & machine powered mainly by Audio/Sound Technologies (such as – IAMF) at their core!

Summary IAMF (audio model and formats)

The future of sound is being revolutionized with Samsung and Google’s collaborative Immersive Audio Model and Format (IAMF) technology. IAMF offers customizable experiences in audio that are powered by AI for vertical usage in a variety of different applications, such as virtual reality, gaming platforms, or even the metaverse.

The possibilities created through this type of immersive audio are virtually endless due to deep learning technology and its continuous development, meaning we will be able to access increasingly engaging content that has been tailored to our individual needs more than ever before.

Expert perspective

As an expert deeply involved in the field of immersive audio, my perspective on the topic embodies a nuanced understanding of its potential advantages and limitations.

Pros of IAMF standard

On the positive side, the introduction of an open-source standard like IAMF represents a remarkable leap forward in democratizing advanced audio technology.

The absence of licensing fees is a significant boon, fostering accessibility and encouraging a broader range of manufacturers and developers to participate, potentially leading to more innovation and affordability in home audio devices.

Furthermore, the integration of AI-driven scene analysis is a notable advancement, promising automatic optimization of audio tracks for diverse content, enhancing the overall immersive experience for users. Read on my other article how AI can be used for immersive audio.

downsides of model and formats IAMF

However, amid these promising advancements, certain concerns linger. While the utilization of AI for scene analysis holds promise, there’s a concern within the audio community about its potential to override original artistic intent for certain scenes, potentially altering the auditory experience from what the creators intended. Additionally, the proliferation of yet another audio format raises apprehensions regarding compatibility and the need for widespread adoption across devices and platforms.

Moreover, while IAMF’s intent to grant users control over audio customization is commendable, some worry about the fine balance between AI-driven optimizations and individual preferences, fearing a potential loss of personalization or a steep learning curve for users to master this customization. As an expert in this field, I anticipate these aspects will be critical in navigating the balance between technological advancement and user-centric experiences in immersive audio.

Community feedback of the new era

The audio engineering and consumer community responses regarding the new audio technology showcase a mix of different layers of perspectives, highlighting both its potential benefits and potential drawbacks.

Positively, individuals are intrigued by the prospect of innovative audio experiences, especially without licensing fees, presenting a promising step toward more accessible and customizable audio. The possibility of a new standard ignites hope for improved sound quality, scene analysis, and user control, enhancing immersive home audio systems.

• “I think it’s very good that there will finally be a royalty-free standard.”
• “From there, genuine Dolby Atmos or Auro3D is already exciting.”
• “Whatever Samsung is planning for the future, I got exactly what I wanted.”

However, concerns exist. Some expressed skepticism about the fragmentation caused by introducing yet another audio format, fearing compatibility issues and hindrances to combining various audio devices and from various manufacturers. Others voice reservations about the potential drawbacks of overreliance on AI-driven scene analysis, fearing compromise in artistic intent or preferences. Additionally, comparisons to established formats like Dolby Atmos raise questions about the new format’s ability to gain widespread adoption and surpass existing industry standards.

• “And the next stillbirth from Samsung.”
• “If this concept is again something where everything comes from the front and works via reflection, they can shove it from the start.”
• “Samsung is so dumb, their refusal against Dolby Vision alone has driven away many potential customers in my circle.”

Frequently Asked Questions how IAMF makes sound

What are immersive audio formats?

Immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS, Auro 3D, and Sony 360 Reality Audio provide users with a realistic sound experience in order to create an immersive listening atmosphere. Such technologies are all based on different technical standards but result in the same effect of enhanced sonic immersion.

What is the IAMF format?

AOMedia provides IAMF, a royalty-free audio container specification along with an open-source reference software decoder that can be accessed on its GitHub platform.

How does immersive audio work?

Immersive audio gives a more full, intense sound as it makes the sound bars the music audible beyond just left and right stereo, recreating how the artist meant to hear audio be heard.

What is the difference between spatial audio and immersive audio?

Spatial audio provides an engrossing 360-degree soundscape allowing listeners, giving the impression that noise is coming from any direction as in a real musical performance. On the other hand, immersive audio does not possess this feature. It focuses on the sound bars providing robustness and clarity to existing sounds rather than creating virtual environments with them. Both these forms of sound manipulation render auditory experiences unequaled in quality and realism for listeners’ utmost satisfaction.

How does customizable audio in IAMF work?

Customizable audio is a feature provided by IAMF that enables users to alter the 3D soundscape according to their preferences with adjustable layers such as dialogue and music in the background of action scene or certain scenes.

What is AOMedia?

The Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) stands as a collaborative consortium that focuses on advancing media technology by developing open-source, royalty-free compression standards and formats. What sets AOMedia apart from its competitors lies in its commitment to fostering innovation while prioritizing openness and accessibility.

Board-level, Founding Members include Amazon, Apple, Cisco, Google, Intel, Meta, Microsoft, Mozilla, Netflix, NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics and Tencent. Visit www.aomedia.org

What is EAR?

The Ear Production Suite encompasses the Audio Definition Model (ADM) and introduces a specialized binaural renderer designed to enable the creation and reproduction of object- and scene-based audio programs. While ADM provides a standardized method for loudspeaker reproduction, headphone reproduction lacks a standardized approach.

The suite’s binaural renderer utilizes virtual loudspeaker rendering with windowed binaural room impulse responses (BRIRs) for object rendering, replacing delays in BRIRs with variable fractional delay lines per ear and object to mitigate comb-filtering effects. For diffuse sources, original delays in BRIRs are utilized to create a perceived extent.

To manage loudness changes between neighboring loudspeaker BRIRs, the system dynamically adjusts each source’s overall gain. This open-source C++ library, integrated into the VISR framework, allows real-time head-tracked binaural output, enhancing immersive audio experiences and serving as an integral component within the EAR Production Suite for advanced audio production and reproduction purposes.https://ear-production-suite.ebu.io/