Overview: Audio devices and operating-system output
Audio devices and operating-system interfaces connect a player's output to its physical or wireless listening path.
Decoded samples still have to pass through a device interface, an operating-system audio path and, eventually, a signal converter or receiver. S/PDIF, USB and Bluetooth introduce different transport arrangements. The operating-system and exclusive-mode topics explain how software reaches those arrangements and where format or mixing decisions can occur.
Digital-to-analog conversion (DAC)
A DAC converts timed digital samples into an analog signal using conversion circuitry, reconstruction filtering, and an output stage.S/PDIF
S/PDIF transports a consumer digital audio stream whose framing can carry stereo PCM or supported encoded audio bursts.USB Audio
USB Audio defines discoverable audio streams and controls, with packet delivery synchronized to the sample clock used by the device.Bluetooth connections
Bluetooth audio uses particular profiles and transport arrangements to connect an audio source with a wireless listening device.Operating-system audio APIs
Operating-system audio APIs define how applications exchange audio with devices and system processing.Exclusive-mode audio output
Exclusive audio output grants an application a dedicated endpoint route that bypasses a shared mixer while retaining the device's format and timing requirements.