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Topic: HDCD and Windows Media Player 9? (Read 4561 times) previous topic - next topic
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HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Has there been any conclusion whether WMP9 can play HDCD disks or is it only recognizing them?

I tried to play one, there was the HDCD logo, but my soundcard control panel (Revolution 7.1) still showed only 44.1 kHz (I thought they are supposed to be played at 88.2 kHz). Then I tried to record the output with Virtual Audio Cable 3 demo, but it created only 44.1/16 connection with recording soft.

This leads me to belive that WMP9 cannot play HDCD disks. AFAIK WMP9 cannot do bit perfect playback as the output always goes through kmixer.

I also wonder if WMP9 can properly play CDs with Pre-emphasis flag. Or any other player (Foobar?).

Tomas
 

HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Reply #2 –
Quote
I thought they are supposed to be played at 88.2 kHz

They're supposed to be played at 44.1kHz but at > 16bit resolution.
Let's suppose that rain washes out a picnic. Who is feeling negative? The rain? Or YOU? What's causing the negative feeling? The rain or your reaction? - Anthony De Mello

HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Reply #3 –
Quote
There were some inconclusive attempts a year ago: http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=5034

Thanks for pointing me to that thread. I did not have checked Use 24-bit audio for audio CDs in Options, Devices, Speaker Properties (what does it have to do with speakers anyway).

I will try to test it if I hear any difference.

Tomas

HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Reply #4 –
Quote
Thanks for pointing me to that thread. I did not have checked Use 24-bit audio for audio CDs in Options, Devices, Speaker Properties (what does it have to do with speakers anyway).

I will try to test it if I hear any difference.

Tomas


Try to download a document in M$.

HDCD seems to use a special bit to control a command which only HDCD decoder know, and the command can tell the decoder to 'do somthing' such as increase dB level ...

I didn't play HDCD in WMP 9 (I've a HDCD CD-Player) but I can tell you HDCD is a working technology, I've compare a CD with and without a HDCD decoder, the result is - you can hear the different.
Hong Kong - International Joke Center (after 1997-06-30)

HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Reply #5 –
Quote
Quote
I thought they are supposed to be played at 88.2 kHz

They're supposed to be played at 44.1kHz but at > 16bit resolution.

This is only true if you have an HDCD DAC. In fact it doesn't make much sense...
I'd rather say that they have to be played at 44.1 kHz 16 bits with a DAC capable of HDCD decoding, OR at 88.2 kHz 24 bits without a HDCD capable DAC.

HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Reply #6 –
My findings:

1. There is a big difference in volume. The playback with enabled HDCD decoding is quiter.
2. I was not able to record it with Virtual Audio cable. It would not even play, just skip the tracks. If I disabled the HDCD checkbox, it would play fine.
3. The sample rate stays always at 44.1 kHz. This is confirmed by the Revo control panel or by my external receiver if used S/PDIF. Unfortunatelly neither is displaying the bit depth, so I cannot tell if it really is 24.

Tomas

HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Reply #7 –
Quote
1. There is a big difference in volume. The playback with enabled HDCD decoding is quiter.

This is a sign that one of the two processes of HDCD decoding is at work. It should be quieter in some parts, but not on loud ones, providing more differences between quiet and loud parts than regular playback.

The other decoding process is the customized upsapling filter. Completely unuseful if your setup is not performing a bit exact playback (not resampled, not dithered).

HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Reply #8 –
Quote
Quote
1. There is a big difference in volume. The playback with enabled HDCD decoding is quiter.

This is a sign that one of the two processes of HDCD decoding is at work. It should be quieter in some parts, but not on loud ones, providing more differences between quiet and loud parts than regular playback.

I am afraid it is lower by about 6 dB all the time. During the quite parts or the loud ones. I am basing that on watching the output level bars of the Revo control panel.

HDCD and Windows Media Player 9?

Reply #9 –
Does any other player support HDCD ? Do my Sound Card also need to support it ?
And where can I find more about HDCD ?
I just found that I have a cd from Grant Lee Bufallo that show the logo HDCD on the back , but surprinsingly I never heard about this technology before.'

[Disregard my question , found all the info already  ]
Kind Regards , Tcmjr

Aka HellSnoopy