For more information about HDCD, check out these papers
HDCD Technical Paper
The HDCD Technical Paper was presented at the 101st
Audio Engineering Society Convention in Los Angeles in
November 1996 by Keith O. Johnson and Michael W.
Pflaumer, the inventors of HDCD technology. This paper
will answer all the detailed technical questions you
might have about how HDCD works.
Abstract: A conjugate record and playback
system is described that enhances the resolution and
sonic performance of digital audio recording based on
linear pulse code modulation, while remaining compatible
with standard linear playback. Using additional
information encoded entirely in the program material, it
addresses both the amplitude resolution and sampling
rate limitations of the current commercial recording
Open HDCD Technical Paper in PDF format.
HDCD and Future Audio
The high accuracy of HDCD A/D and D/A conversion technology is
essential to realize the full potential of any digital
audio format. The Compact Disc is enormously successful,
with more than 1.3 billion discs and more than 100
million players sold annually, and will be a major
release format for at least the next 10 years,
especially with its quality substantially improved by
HDCD technology. In addition, new digital audio formats,
such as the audio-only version of the DVD, will benefit
greatly from the unequaled "life" and naturalness
provided by HDCD A/D and D/A conversion and HDCD
Read HDCD and Future Audio Formats.
HDCD Gain Scaling
The Gain Scaling Application Note explains one of the very powerful
methods used in the HDCD process to increase the
effective dynamic range of 16 bit recordings by up to
6dB. It describes the relationship between the HDCD
encoding option called Peak Extend and the complementary
decoding function called Gain Scaling.
Read HDCD Gain Scaling Application Note.
HDCD Decoder FAQ
The HDCD Decoder FAQ answers many common questions about the HDCD
process and provides interesting details on the HDCD
hidden code. The FAQ covers basic decoding functions
when playing back an HDCD encoded CD. The FAQ also
answers several common questions about implementing a
typical HDCD Decoder solution.
Read HDCD Decoder FAQ.