PCM audio
Pulse-code modulation, or PCM, represents an audio waveform as a sequence of numerical samples.
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Audio streaming reference
Definitions, mechanisms, examples and practical guidance for audio concepts used in streaming and player setup.
A focused reference
Audio concepts.
AAC
Advanced Audio Coding, or AAC, is a family of lossy audio coding technologies widely used for streaming and stored media.
Explore →AC-3
AC-3 is a lossy audio coding format commonly known as Dolby Digital.
Explore →E-AC-3
Enhanced AC-3, or E-AC-3, is a lossy audio coding format associated with Dolby Digital Plus.
Explore →FLAC
FLAC is a lossless audio coding format: decoding a valid FLAC stream reconstructs the original PCM sample values supplied to its encoder.
Explore →Opus
Opus is a lossy audio codec designed to handle both speech and music across a broad range of operating conditions.
Explore →Stereo
Stereo is an audio presentation with two channels, conventionally left and right.
Explore →5.1 audio
A conventional 5.1 audio layout contains five main channels and one low-frequency-effects channel.
Explore →Audio passthrough
Audio passthrough sends a supported encoded audio stream onward for a downstream device to decode, rather than decoding it into PCM in the player.
Explore →Downmixing
Downmixing combines an audio presentation with more channels into one with fewer channels, such as turning 5.1 sound into stereo.
Explore →Audio sample rate
Audio sample rate is the number of sample instants represented per second in a digital audio signal, commonly expressed in hertz or kilohertz.
Explore →Audio bitrate
Audio bitrate measures how much encoded audio data is represented per second, usually in kilobits per second.
Explore →Dynamic range compression
Dynamic range compression reduces differences between quieter and louder parts of an audio presentation.
Explore →Loudness normalization
Loudness normalization adjusts programme level toward a chosen listening target so transitions between items are less abrupt.
Explore →Lip sync
Lip sync is the timing relationship between a picture and its associated sound.
Explore →Audio drift
Audio drift is a synchronization error that changes progressively as playback continues.
Explore →Bluetooth audio delay
Bluetooth audio delay is the time introduced while sound is encoded, transported, buffered, decoded and processed through a wireless audio path.
Explore →HDMI ARC
HDMI Audio Return Channel, usually called ARC, allows a television to send sound back to a compatible receiver or soundbar through a designated HDMI connection.
Explore →HDMI eARC
Enhanced Audio Return Channel, or eARC, is an HDMI return-audio capability designed to support more demanding audio transport than ordinary ARC.
Explore →Optical audio
Optical digital audio commonly refers to a TOSLINK connection carrying a digital audio interface over light.
Explore →Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is a spatial audio presentation technology that can describe sound placement beyond a conventional fixed channel layout.
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