Author Topic: HDCD decoding  (Read 56208 times)

Steven

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I have created a DSP plugin that can decode HDCD encoded files. It is based on the HDCD decoder provided by the author of the foobar HDCD decoder (kode54).
When this plugin is enabled, and a HDCD encoded file (including HDCD encoded files that have been converted to a lossess format like FLAC or ALAC, WMA Lossless, but not TAK) will be decoded on-the-fly. The MusicBee status bar will show when a HDCD file is being decoded- if the file has peak-extensions enabled then that will show in the status message

1. The plugin itself should be placed in the MusicBee Plugins folder
https://getmusicbee.com/download/plugins/mb_hdcd.zip
2. enable the plugin, either from the Equaliser and DSP window, or Preferences/ Player/ Equaliser & DSP

To enable HDCD decoding when ripping a CD:
https://getmusicbee.com/download/plugins/hdcd_ripping.zip
unzip into the MusicBee application folder
Last Edit: December 29, 2021, 02:42:15 AM by Steven


superstar19

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Thanks.  Unfortunately, my setup probably isn't optimized to take full advantage, but I have several HDCD encoded Grateful Dead discs so I'll give this a try.

p-mob

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Hi Steven.
Do the actual (beta)versions of MB support HDCD direct, without using this patch?
I have some FLAC-HDCDs in my collection. Would be nice to use them, as they were thought to be used.
Thanks!
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Steven

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you only need the plugin. I have updated the instructions

p-mob

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p-mob

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Another question:
The plugin is active, and I have done some FLAC 24 Bit Rips with MB.
But on playback MB does not show anything HDCD related.
MB Version ist latest 2.1 Pre. HDCD plugin is set active.
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Steven

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if its 24bits then its already decoded and nothing for the plugin to do

p-mob

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Now i got it.
That means, it has to be decoded as 16Bit without the option for HDCD, right?
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Steven

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yes - if you rip a HDCD disc without the HDCD option ticked, then the plugin will detect and decode as HDCD (if detected)

p-mob

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But:
If I rip a HDCD with the option ticked (24Bit) i get a error for every track.
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Steven

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For the error, you would need to provide more details such as what the error says and if there is anything in the error log around the time you do the rip (help/ support/ view error log).
If the disc really is a HDCD disc, it should not matter whether you tick the HDCD option or not - it should still be ripped without error, but if the option is ticked then it will be decoded to 24 bits with the HDCD sound enhancements already applied. If you have acccurate rip checking enabled i expect it would fail to make an accurate rip match.
Last Edit: June 23, 2013, 11:46:47 AM by Steven

p-mob

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The error log does not contain anything regarding the error messages when ripping a HDCD with 24Bit.
The ripped FLAC works fine, but You are right, AccurateRip fails.
The disc was 100% a HDCD (Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits).
HDCD was printed on disc and cover.
I did this test with another HDCD i have, and it gives the same result.
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Steven

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accrurate rip will only make a match if other people have submitted results HDCD decoded to 24 bits.

p-mob

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You are right. The errormessages came from using AccurateRip.
I deactivated it, and all errors are gone.
Nice to know.
Thanks!
MusicBee ROCKS!