Q: Can’t I just convert my old sound effects libraries into HD?

A: Though we can convert our old libraries into audio files with numbers that represent high definition, this process does not truly make them hi-def: the dynamic range and frequency remain exactly the same as the CD-quality format the original libraries came in.

In fact, there is always an amount of signal degredation when performing sample rate conversions; another reason why converting our old libraries into HD is undesireable.

Q: All the HD terminology is confusing. What do the following terms refer to?

A:

• Intel High Definition Audio: Intel released this spec in 2004 that implements HD audio on PCs. IHD can handle up to 36-bit/196kHz audio.
• HD Radio: HD Radio is a trademarked name for digital radio technology developed by iBiquity, but actually stands for ‘hybrid,’ not hi-def. And just a reminder, ‘digital’ does not equal high definition. For both AM and FM, HD Radio transmits highly compressed audio with their proprietary codec called HDC.
• Dolby Digital True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, etc.: There are a great deal of HD specs, standards, and products mentioned these days. Most often, the abbreviation HD will indicate high definition audio playback capabilites or specifications (though as mentioned in the above HD Radio, this is not always the case).