IEC 61937-2:2021

Overview

IEC 61937-2:2021 - Digital audio - Interface for non-linear PCM encoded audio bitstreams applying IEC 60958 - Part 2: Burst‑info - defines the burst‑info elements used to identify and describe compressed (non‑linear PCM) audio bitstreams carried over consumer digital audio interfaces specified by IEC 60958 (for example S/PDIF and AES3 consumer usage). This third edition (2021) is a technical revision that cancels and replaces the 2007 edition and subsequent amendments. It clarifies how content information about the burst‑payload is signalled and adds new audio data‑types to reflect modern codecs.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Burst‑info structure: defines the fields that describe the content of a burst‑payload so receiving equipment can interpret and route compressed audio correctly.
• Data‑type, subdata‑type and extended data‑type: enumeration and use of these fields to identify specific codecs and stream formats. The 2021 edition has activated the extended data‑type field in Pe.
• Audio data‑bursts: normative descriptions for how different codec bitstreams are encapsulated in bursts (tables list supported formats).
• New audio data‑types: additions include MPEG‑D USAC, ACX, ACX HBR2, ACX HBR4 and ACX HBR8, enabling support for newer high‑efficiency and high‑bit‑rate audio formats.
• Normative references: links to IEC 60958‑1/‑3 and other parts of the IEC 61937 series that define format‑specific burst payload rules.

Note: This summary does not reproduce protocol bit‑level details; implementers should consult the full IEC 61937‑2:2021 text for mandatory field sizes, values and tables.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Audio and consumer electronics manufacturers (AV receivers, soundbars, Blu‑ray players) implementing digital input/output hardware that must carry compressed audio over S/PDIF or AES3.
• Firmware and driver developers who parse burst‑info to identify and demux incoming compressed streams for decoding or passthrough.
• Broadcast and content distribution engineers ensuring interoperability when transporting Dolby, MPEG, DTS and newer codec streams over digital links.
• Test labs and conformity assessors verifying correct burst encapsulation and metadata signalling against IEC requirements.
• System integrators and AV installers troubleshooting passthrough and format recognition issues between source devices and decoders.

Related standards (applicable)

• IEC 60958‑1 / IEC 60958‑3 - Digital audio interface (general and consumer applications)
• IEC 61937‑1 - General rules for non‑linear PCM bitstreams over IEC 60958
• Other parts of the IEC 61937 series (format‑specific rules for AC‑3, MPEG audio, DTS, AAC, MAT, AC‑4, MPEG‑H, etc.)

Keywords: IEC 61937-2:2021, burst-info, digital audio interface, non-linear PCM, IEC 60958, S/PDIF, data-type, MPEG-D USAC, ACX, audio data-bursts.