Audio interfaces survey

Hi,

I'm currently working on a very general survey of digital audio
interfaces, but i'm unfortunately lacking practical experience on the
subject. It would be very kind if those who are willing to could briefly
tell me about the typical issues they encounter when dealing with sound
cards (latency, D/A and A/D conversion, etc.) or provide pointers to
ressources that could help me in my *quest* (apart from those wich have
already been given here a few months ago).

One of the points that i would like to clarify in my study is the
history of professional audio interfaces. It is easy to find on the web
several overviews of PC sound cards history (which originates in the
need for sound in games) but i'm wondering whether manufacturers like
digidesign, echo (and much others) come from the same domain or rather
from professional applications (digital recording and editing,
electronic music, etc.)

Do you think of other and maybe more appropriated places where i should
ask these questions?

Thanks a lot.

Best,
Olivier