Pale Blue Ego;275677 Wrote: > I know the resulting file isn't true 24-bit, but it *is* a > properly-decoded HDCD wav I'm not sure we can be sure that it's "properly decoded", since the HDCD specs are "secret". As I understand it, hdcd.exe was reverse engineered without a real specification in hand, and while it applies dynamics processing using probably "correct" algorithms, it does not apply filter algorithms, which apparently are also part of the "secret" HDCD spec.
In fact, the patent contemplates digital output of the decoded signal from a CD player (although I know of none which do). It states that the decoded output would be at 88.2 KHz sample rate, probably with the intention that the various digital filter algorithms it can specify would up-sample. Certainly, hdcd.exe does not do this, and I don't think Windows Media Player does, either. Microsoft now owns HDCD, so they should know, but maybe they're just being sloppy... Personally, I'm sort of "on the fence" as to whether I think the result of hdcd.exe is always an improvement. I'm extremely glad it was written, and am glad I now have the option of using it. Under the circumstances, it was a great achievement, but the damn Microsoft secrecy surrounding the official specs makes me wonder if any of us can truthfully say that it results in a "properly decoded WAV". -- Timothy Stockman ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Timothy Stockman's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8867 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=32967 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
