A data stream, to be processed by a compatible system that operates on bits at a constant bit rate, for representing a plurality of different-type signals synchronized with each other, said different-type signals being represented in the data stream in the form of digital data, characterized in that each of said different-type signals is represented by a bit stream designed to be processed at a bit-use rate which varies with the information content of the signal itself and with the bit-use rates for said plurality of different-type signals being independent of each other, the digital data being organized in a series of data blocks among which are data blocks containing different numbers of bits in respective ones of multiple bit streams, the bit streams being distributed among the data blocks such that bits of each bit stream, after being operated upon and buffered by a compatible system, are at all times available for use as required for proper reconstruction of the respective represented signal.