This part of ISO/IEC 11172 specifies the coded representation of high quality audio for storage media and the method for decoding of high quality audio signals. The input of the encoder and the output of the decoder are compatible with existing PCM standards such as standard Compact Disc and Digital Audio Tape.
This part of the ISO/IEC 11172 is intended for application to digital storage media providing a total continuous transfer rate of about 1,5 Mbits/sec for both audio and video bitstreams, such as CD, DAT and magnetic hard disc. The storage media may either be connected directly to the decoder, or via other means such as communication lines and the ISO/IEC 11172 multiplexed stream defined in ISO/IEC 11172-1. This part of ISO/IEC 11172 is intended for sampling rates of 32 kHz, 44,1 kHz, and 48 kHz.