Whatever happened to HDCD?

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).

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.

Thanks folks - this at least let me know that my impression that the format was dead was inaccurate. I still find it puzzling that it isn't used more - given the no pain backwards compatability .

again thanks

We just came out with a HDCD Tube CD Player at Eastern Electric
www.eeaudio.com

We think it still sounds the best .

Interestingly the Dick's Picks series from the Dead are all HDCD. My player is not though, so I can't say if the HDCD sounds better or not...