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Whatever happened to HDCD?

Recently acquired a EAD DSP-9000-III . This has the ability to decode HDCD's. Went to the HDCD site - noticed my collection included a few HDCD's - played them . My test conditions are anything but controlled - but they do seem to sound better.
Since this system is fully reverse compatable with existing CD players - why hasn't it caught on ? Has this got anything to do with Pacific Microsonics being acquired by the maker of the worlds most extensive and continuously beta tested OS?
audiopile
tbg
5,263 posts
 
They are issued frequently. Joni Mitchell's two most recent are HDCD. Playing these the Lindemann is without peer.
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
I think you are correct that HDCD do sound better. The technology seems buried buy its new owner. However new formats like SACD and DVD-A seem to be getting all the attention. If all CDs were made like XRCDs or HDCDs and recorded correctly there might not be a change. That and the desire of the manufacturers to find a non-recordable system and discontinue the royalties paid to Sony/Phillips for CD technology (though I think this is running out). Many companies don't want SACD to succeed because it will further inrich Sony/Phillips.
dalekroberts
24 posts
 
Not being in the music business, I don't know why HDCD is not used more. Perhaps its not being marketed well by the technically inept boys in Washington. As a consumer, I own about 20 and they sound pretty good to me. I hope it doesn't disappear. HDCD releases are still coming out. Recent ones (last year) include The Mavericks (self titled).
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Yes, Microsoft now holds the patents for HDCD from when they bought Pacific Microsonics. Microsoft is trying to integrate it into online media.

If Sony/Philips had also owned HDCD, it would probably be part of every DAC chip made today, and would have been the standard long long ago. HDCD does not have the compatibility problems with Redbook like SACD does. HDCD is more like an enhancement or upgrade to Redbook, rather than a totally different technology like SACD. But SACD is the one being pushed hard because Sony/Philips does also own that (which is not catching on because of the added cost).
scottht
398 posts
 
I don't think that SACD will catch on. Don't hold me to it, But I just don't. The average Joe Shmo isn't buying into SACD. The audiophile already has a hi-rez format ( LP)
No need for SACD. I just don't believe there is a market for it. DVD-audio, well maybe. The avrage Joe Shmo does love DVD. Who doesn't? So the AVERAGE consumer will sit there and watch clips on his TV while listening to his Home Theatre in a box system. So DVDA does stand a chance.
I ahev several HDCD's, and they do sound very good. I would be very happy with more of those released and drop SACD.
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