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HDCD technology was originally developed by Keith Johnson and Pflash Pflaumer

who owned Pacific Microsonics, it was later sold to Microsoft.

from the HDCD.com website:

HDCD-encoded CDs sound better because they are encoded with 20 bits of real musical information, as compared with 16 bits for all other CDs. HDCD overcomes the limitation of the 16-bit CD format by using a sophisticated system to encode the additional 4 bits onto the CD while remaining completely compatible with the existing CD format. HDCD provides more dynamic range, a more-focused 3-D soundstage, and extremely natural vocal and musical timbre. With HDCD, you get the body, depth, and emotion of the original performance—not a flat digital imitation.

HDCD-encoded recordings sound better on all digital player products because HDCD subtractive, dither A/D conversion and dynamic-filter processes yield a higher resolution signal with lower distortion. For HDCD CD releases, Peak Extend restorable soft limiting can increase resolution by allowing signal levels to be raised by up to 6 dB; Low Level Extend can improve resolution of low-level signals; and HDCD high-frequency dither improves resolution by 6 dB (one bit). HDCD-equipped players improve the sound of all digital recordings because HDCD decoding includes the HDCD precision up-sampling digital filter.

Q: Why should I listen to HDCD-encoded CDs on a player with HDCD decoding?

A: HDCD recordings will always sound better than conventional CDs when played on any CD player. You hear fuller, richer sound on all types of players, from portables to high-end systems, which is why so many top artists and engineers use HDCD technology. To bring out the full bandwidth and superb fidelity of HDCD recordings, a player with HDCD decoding should be used. HDCD recordings have a dynamic range and resolution and, best of all, the HDCD decoder chip used in consumer products also contains the HDCD high-precision digital filter that improves the sound quality of all types of digital audio recordings. This means that any A/V receiver, CD player, DVD player, and MiniDisc player equipped with HDCD will produce significantly better sound from your entire collection of CDs, DVDs, and MDs.


Q: Why does the HDCD decoder chip improve the sound of all CDs, DVDs, and MDs?

A: In addition to decoding HDCD recordings, the HDCD decoder chip used in consumer products also contains the HDCD high-precision digital filter that improves the sound quality of all types of digital audio recordings. This means that any A/V receiver, CD player, DVD player, and MiniDisc player equipped with HDCD will produce significantly better sound from your entire collection of CDs, DVDs and MDs.



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