I know Microsoft acquired HDCD from Pacific Microsonics but does Windows Media Player decode HDCD or merely recognize it? If it decodes then why doesn't it recognize HDCD-sourced .wav files as such?

I never went out and got any special kind of soundcard. I'm just using the integrated chip built into my motherboard (A-Bit) but when my cheapie computer speakers died and I hooked up the computer's analog out to an integrated amp I have in the same room I was more than a little surprised that it sounds pretty good (better than I expected, anyway). Another pleasant surprise came about when I added a DVD burner; it also decodes Dolby Digital (albeit, in stereo only), although not DTS. The only problem I have is when I'm multi-tasking sometimes I hear noise from the hard drive. Maybe a soundcard with an S/PDIF out would eliminated that (I have a Sony EP9ES digital pre/pro stored in my attic that would be nice to put back to some use)?

Also, does someone know of a plug-in or whatever to get Windows Media Player to recognize CD-Text?

NP: Andrew Bird's Bowl Of Fire - The Swimming Hour (yes, it's HDCD )