What audio formats does S/PDIF support?

S/PDIF Audio Format Support

S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) supports several audio formats:

Uncompressed Audio

  • Two-channel PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) up to 24-bit/195kHz
  • Stereo audio with high fidelity and no compression

Compressed Multi-Channel Audio

  • Dolby Digital (AC-3) up to 5.1 channels
  • DTS (Digital Theater Systems) up to 5.1 channels
  • DTS 96/24 (higher quality DTS)

Limitations

  • Cannot support lossless high-bitrate formats like Dolby TrueHD
  • Cannot support DTS-HD Master Audio
  • Limited bandwidth (unlike HDMI) restricts it to compressed surround sound

Transmission

  • Available via optical (TOSLINK) or coaxial connections
  • Carries both audio data and basic copy protection information

S/PDIF remains popular for audio-only connections, but HDMI is preferred for home theater systems that require full lossless audio support.


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