This standard specifies data type specific format requirements for several types of data bursts that may be carried within an AES3 interface according to SMPTE ST 337. Included are descriptions of the data type (defined in SMPTE ST 338), the format of the burst_payload for the data type, the coding of data type dependent fields in the burst_preamble, and additional data burst and bitstream formatting requirements not defined in SMPTE ST 337. This includes specific synchronization methods which may affect formatting.

This standard covers generic data types which include null data, time stamp data, user defined data, pause data, and utility data which may include video frame synchronization information.