ClearOne Digital Media - Manual (Page 5)

It is important to note that there is a difference between a file format and a codec. The job
of a digital codec is to perform the encoding and decoding of the raw audio data. While the
data itself is stored with a specific audio format in a file. Although most audio file formats
support a single type of audio data that is created with an audio coder, a multimedia
container format such as MKV or AVI may support multiple types of audio and video data.
Interfaces on the other hand commonly define a physical connectivity standard by which
various signals may be interconnected. Following are a few of the most common interface
types found in audio, video, network and control systems.
Digital Audio
AES/EBU - The digital audio standard frequently called AES/
EBU is officially known as AES3 and is used for carrying digital
audio signals between various devices. Several different
physical connectors are defined as part of the overall group of
standards such as IEC 60958 Type I Balanced – 3-conductor,
110-ohm twisted pair cabling with an XLR connector, used in
professional installations (AES3 standard). The IEC 60958 Type
II Unbalanced – 2-conductor, 75-ohm coaxial cable with an
RCA connector is often used in consumer audio applications.
Finally, IEC 60958 Type II Optical – optical fiber, usually plastic
but occasionally glass, with an F05 connector, may also be
found in consumer audio applications.
S/PDIF - A related system to AES/EBU, S/PDIF was developed
as a consumer version using connectors more commonly
found in the consumer market such as RCA connectors in
the case of 2-conductor 75-ohm coaxial cable. S/PDIF also
supports optical fiber termination and is found widely in
consumer applications.
pg 5 StreamNet Digital Media and System Design Reference Guide
Common AV Signals and Interfaces
RCA
XLR
Toslink Optical