What Is S/PDIF? A Basic Definition
S/PDIF stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interface. In the photo above, the S/PDIF port is on the right side.
S/PDIF is an optical audio cable format that allows the transfer of digital audio signals from device to device without needing to convert to an analog signal first. This is beneficial since such a conversion can hurt audio quality.
S/PDIF ports are included on some motherboards, particularly a lot of high-end motherboards, although they are rarely used. You can also find them on certain laptops and desktop gaming PCs, sometimes in the same jack as the headphone jack.
This article is part of the Tom's Hardware Glossary.
Further reading:
- Dissecting the Modern Motherboard: Connectors, Ports & Chipsets Explained
- How to Choose a Motherboard
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Scharon Harding has over a decade of experience reporting on technology with a special affinity for gaming peripherals (especially monitors), laptops, and virtual reality. Previously, she covered business technology, including hardware, software, cyber security, cloud, and other IT happenings, at Channelnomics, with bylines at CRN UK.