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An endec is a device which both encodes and decodes video or audio, or other signals, either with the same or separate circuitry or algorithm. The combining of these names is a portmanteau.

The general difference between an endec (encoder/decoder) and a codec (compressor/decompressor or coder/decoder) is that hardware is usually considered to be an endec, while software is considered to be the codec.^{[dubious – discuss]} Similarly, the word "encoding" is usually used for hardware, while "coding" is usually used in regard to software.

A program (or hardware) which uses a compression algorithm to create MPEG audio and/or video is often called an encoder, and one which plays back such files is a decoder. However, this is technically a codec, especially if performed in software.

Examples of encoders, decoders, and endecs:

• a modem is an endec, likewise a modulator is an encoder and a demodulator is a decoder
• an Emergency Alert System unit is usually an endec, but sometimes just a decoder
• a stereo generator used in broadcasting is an encoder
• A combination ADC and DAC would technically be an endec, though they are usually called CODECs
• Hardware that encodes data bits to a run length limited line code, and decodes the line code back to data bits, is an endec.^[1]
• When implementing the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) protocol, often an endec is used between the UART and the optoelectronics^[2][3].

Other things which are encoded or decoded:

• MIME, to send binary files over text email
• PGP, using a cryptographic algorithm

[edit] See also

• encoder
• decoder

[edit] References

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