Broadcast WAVE File Format, Version 2, with LPCM Audio

Sustainability of Digital Formats: Planning for Library of Congress Collections

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Broadcast WAVE File Format, Version 2, with LPCM Audio

Table of Contents

Identification and description
Local use
Sustainability factors
Quality and functionality factors
File type signifiers
Notes
Format specifications
Useful references

Format Description Properties

ID: fdd000359
Short name: WAVE_BWF_LPCM_2
Content categories: sound
Format Category: file-format
Other facets: unitary, binary, sampled
Last significant FDD update: 2024-04-21
Draft status: Full

Identification and description

Relationship to other formats
Full name	Broadcast WAVE file, version 2, with LPCM encoded audio.
Description	Broadcast WAVE file, version 2, with LPCM encoded audio.
Production phase	Used for content in initial, middle, and final states.
Subtype of	WAVE_BWF_2, Broadcast WAVE Audio File Format, Version 2
Contains	LPCM, Linear PCM
Used by	IMF_Package, Interoperable Master Format (IMF). IMF does not specify a version of Broadcast WAVE. Identified in Warner Brothers IMF specification as of January 2024.
Used by	MXF_RDD48, MXF Archive and Preservation Format Registered Disclosure Document (SMPTE RDD 48)

Local use

LC experience or existing holdings	The Library has many WAVE files in its digital collections - over 150 TB in 2023 - across numerous collections.
LC preference	The Library of Congress Recommended Formats Statement (RFS) lists Broadcast WAVE as a Preferred format for Audio - Media-independent (digital). The RFS does not specify a version of Broadcast WAVE.

Sustainability factors

Disclosure	See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.
Documentation	See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.
Adoption	See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.
Licensing and patents	See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.
Transparency	See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.
Self-documentation	See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.
External dependencies	See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.
Technical protection considerations	See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.

Quality and functionality factors

Sound
Normal rendering	Supported
Fidelity (high audio resolution)	See LPCM.
Multiple channels	See WAVE_BWF_2.
Support for user-defined sounds, samples, and patches	See WAVE_BWF_2.
Functionality beyond normal rendering	Not applicable.

File type signifiers and format identifiers

Tag	Value	Note
Filename extension	wav
Internet Media Type	See related format.	See WAVE.
Magic numbers	See related format.	See WAVE.
Pronom PUID	See related format.	See WAVE_BWF_2.
Wikidata Title ID	See related format.	See WAVE_BWF_2.

Notes

General
History

Format specifications

See Disclosure under Sustainability factors.

Useful references

URLs

See WAVE_BWF_2 and LPCM.

Last Updated: 06/10/2024