Microsoft and HDCD ??

Sugerbrie, does that mean I can install a soundcard(I have no idea what came installed) in my laptop-(an IBM A31p from ~2001, and was good when bought)- and listen to HDCD recordings directly off the laptop to my stereo?

Basically, Windows Media Player 9 and higher can decode the HDCD information on all computers.

But, to really get the HDCD quality sound output you need at least a 24bit sound card.

Psacanli -- how insightful! OK, here's the deal: I do use Wadia equipment, which does not decode HDCD's per se, however, because Wadia uses proprietary software to do D/A conversion (rather than an IC chip) their DAC's don't throw away (filter out) the HDCD information (bits). So although there's no 'HDCD' graphic when playing an HDCD, the HDCD sonic benefits still come through in all their glory!