What is the use of SPDIF

[Emma.J]

Hello...

While working with some parts of my Windows XP computer like DVD or CD drive a saw a output called SPDIF.

I have heard this word many times and i just know that it is some how related to sounds or audio. But what is it actually and what is the use of SPDIF ?

Thanks in advance.

[Rawko]

SPDIF stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interface. It is a standard audio transfer file format.SPDIF is used for transporting stereo digital audio signals on PC audio cards, CD players, DVD players, car audio systems, and other systems which transmit or receive stereo digital audio. It allows the transfer of audio from one file to another without the conversion to and from an analog format, which could degrade the signal quality. Maintaining the viability of a digital signal prevents the quality of the signal from degrading when it is converted to analog.

[deoWo]

SPDIF is part of a larger collection of international standards known as IEC and defined by IEC 60958 (often referred to as AES/EBU), where it is known as IEC 60958 type II. In many cases, however, the computer provides a SPDIF connection capability, unused due to unfamiliarity of user's or technician that assembled the computer.The most common connector used with an S/PDIF interface is the RCA connector, the same one used for consumer audio products. An optical connector is also sometimes used.

[RoninBlade]

S/PDIF is essentially a minor modification of the original AES/EBU standard for consumer use, providing small differences in the protocol and requiring less-expensive hardware. If your sound card has a SPDIF input and your CD-ROM drive has a SPDIF output, instead of using the analogue connection you should opt for a SPDIF connection. SPDIF data is transmitted as a stream of 32-bit data words. A data frame consists of 384 words in total, with 192 data words transmitted for the A stereo channel, and 192 data words transmitted for the B stereo channel.