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.