A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) is a Bluetooth profile designed to standardize wireless stereo audio transmission between devices. It enables high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth by designating one device as the transmitter and another as the receiver. For example, in TVs such as those from Panasonic, A2DP support allows Bluetooth headphones to connect for wireless audio playback.
To clarify, Bluetooth is a protocol for wirelessly exchanging information between devices, and this protocol includes various profiles tailored for different purposes. For instance, Bluetooth mice and keyboards utilize their own specific profiles.
Since Bluetooth is not suitable for video streaming, it focuses primarily on audio or information transfer between devices (e.g., Bluetooth trackers). Audio is typically compressed using codecs such as MP3 or AAC. When the transmitter and receiver connect, they negotiate the codec and configure compression settings like bitrate and sample rate to optimize audio quality.
A2DP is also widely supported by phones, particularly with the advent of Bluetooth standards capable of transmitting audio at higher data rates. This advancement has led to the proliferation of Bluetooth headphones that rely on A2DP to receive audio streams from phones or other compatible devices. In this setup, the phone acts as the transmitter, while the headphones function as the receiver.
Recent developments, including support for high-quality codecs like aptX HD or LDAC, have further enhanced the A2DP profile’s ability to deliver superior audio quality, making it an essential component of modern wireless audio solutions. TV and headphone manufacturers commonly implement this profile in their devices. However, consumers are often more familiar with Bluetooth versions (e.g., Bluetooth 5.2) than with the A2DP profile itself.
