The Successor to AC'97: Intel High Definition Audio

An anonymous reader writes "A few days back Intel announced the name to its previously dubbed 'Azalia' next-generation audio specification due out by midyear, under royalty-free license terms. The Intel High Definition Audio solution will have increased bandwidth that allows for 192 kHz, 32-bit, multi-channel audio and uses Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology 'which delivers the most natural, seamless and immersing 7.1 surround listening experience from any native 2-channel source'. The architecture is designed on the same cost-sensitive principles as AC'97 and will allow for improved audio usage and stability."

Comments

Is that 32 (20h) bit float?

[Thinkit3]

I've heard of floats used in audio before. Is this the upgrade to the usual 24 (18h) bit studio quality? Video cards are going towards a 20h-bit float as well for internal processing. Hmm, an audio/video card would be nice.