AV Formats & Technical Standards

AV Formats & Technical Standards Terms explains the key formats, codecs, containers, and display standards used in audio and video production. It’s written for editors, engineers, streamers, and media professionals who manage files, export settings, and streaming workflows.

The glossary covers terms like H.264, MP4, codec, resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate, and digital containers. Each entry breaks down what the term means, how it applies in real-world production, and why it matters for playback, quality, or compatibility. If you’re creating, compressing, or distributing audio-video content, this guide helps you make format choices with clarity and confidence, without technical jargon.

Audio Formats & Quality Labels

Encoding – Converts raw PCM into AAC, MP3, or FLAC so streams hit target bitrates.

AIFF – Apple’s uncompressed PCM wrapper that keeps bit-for-bit fidelity and supports embedded metadata.

FLAC – Lossless codec that compresses 50 % while preserving every bit.

HD Audio – Marketing term for sample rates above 44.1 kHz and bit depths over 16-bit.

Hi-Fi Audio – Playback chain focused on minimal distortion and flat response across 20 Hz-20 kHz.

High-Res Audio – Files above CD quality, e.g., 24-bit/96 kHz FLAC sold on audiophile stores.

Containers & Export Formats

Audio Export – Your last chance to pick sample rate, bit depth, and interleaved or split stereo files.

Audio File – Any digital container (WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3) that stores PCM or compressed data plus tags.

Data File – Any computer-readable container in audio, which often means session-side XML or JSON metadata.

File Format – Defines container, codec, and metadata rules so devices know how to read the data.

XMF – Container bundling MIDI, audio, and metadata so songs re-render correctly across devices.

Interfaces, Drivers & Conversion Hardware

Audio Driver – The low-level software layer that lets your DAW talk to the sound card with minimal latency.

Audio Jack – The 3.5 mm or 6.35 mm connector that carries unbalanced stereo or balanced mono signals.

Clocking – Syncs sample-accurate timing across converters so AD/DA jitter stays inaudible.

DAC – Converts digital samples to voltage so speakers can reproduce the waveform.

HDMI – A single cable interface carrying uncompressed digital audio, video, and metadata up to 8 K/60.

Metadata & Packaging

ID3 Tag – Version 2.4 supports synced lyrics and chapter markers for podcasts.

J-Card – Folded cassette inlay showing track list, credits, and artwork.

Streaming & Delivery Parameters

Bit Rate – The number of bits per second that determines file size and fidelity in a compressed stream.

Bitrate – Often variable (VBR) or constant (CBR) depending on target platform specs and buffer strategy.

Block Size – In USB audio, the packet length is negotiated between the driver and the interface.

Buffering – Managed by HLS or DASH segment queues to prevent rebuffer events on mobile devices.

Video Codecs & Display Standards

AVC (H.264) – The dominant video codec that pairs with AAC audio for YouTube and OTT delivery.

High-Definition – Consumer video resolutions of 720 p and 1080 p, demanding higher audio bitrates too.

HDR – Expands video contrast – metadata tracks like HDR10 or Dolby Vision guide playback.

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