I've not checked, but it *sounds like* they have improved the encoder - ie, there are *no changes* required for playback. Much like Dolby S encoding, which is decoded by the dolby B decoder.

...which would mean it's already supported. Microsoft have done this with WMP8, which has an improved encoder to give CD quality at 64k and near CD quality at 48k (or so they claim). See the windowsmedia developer site for more info. They claim playback compatibility with their existing codec (for audio, at least).

Hugo