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High Definition Compatible Digital® (HDCD®)
is a patented encode/decode process for delivering the full richness and
detail of the original microphone feed on Compact Discs and DVD-Audio.
HDCD has been used in the recording of more than 5,000 CD titles, which
include more than 250 Billboard Top 200 recordings and more than 175
GRAMMY® nominations, (View a list of the HDCD Grammy nominees in 1998,
1999, 2000,
and 2001) and
account for more than 300 million CDs sold.
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. Tell
me more.
HDCD technology was originally
developed by Keith Johnson and Pflash Pflaumer, two preeminent
technologists in the audio arena. In 1996, they founded Pacific
Microsonics, Inc. (PMI), a California-based audio technology licensing
company, in order to improve the quality of digital audio recordings and
playback while remaining compatible with established digital formats.
In September 2000, Microsoft Corporation acquired PMI. Microsoft will
incorporate PMI's pioneering technology into future offerings for the PC,
will make it available for a wide range of consumer devices, and will
continue to support and develop the existing products. This technology
brings to Microsoft unique strengths in digital audio signal processing
that are increasingly important as digital media becomes a primary source
of entertainment.
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