I'm thinking of getting one of the new Hi-MD models (prob. the 900), but I'm not sure I understand what the problem is with transferring recordings from the MD to PC (actually I'm on a Mac, so that's another issue altogether).
Here's what I *think* I understand so far. The Hi-MD models allow high-speed transfer of digital audio directly to PC, but then that digital audio can only be played back using Sony's own software (I forget what it's called), and it can't be burned to WAV (or AIF) *yet*--not until Sony releases its Wave Converter software later in the year.
Ok...so here's where I'm confused. My interest in getting a Hi-MD is for live recording. So am I to understand that I cannot record some live music and then burn it to cd-r because of Sony's copyright protection encryption??
Question 2: I'm on a Mac, as I said. Sony doesn't support Macs. So...what can I do? I have an Edirol UA-30 audio interface that accepts line/mic/optical ins, and it connects to my P-book via USB. So am I all set? The Mac will recognize the UA-30, so (presumably!) any audio that I send into it can then get dumped onto my HD. I also have MOTU hardware (828 MKii) that has all kinds of digital ins and outs (maybe analog, too...I forget. Haven't even used the thing yet), so surely one way or another I can get my audio onto my computer. If not, someone please tell me now before I buy one.
But the other big question still remains: Can I burn my audio to disc, or is this copy protection crap going to prevent me from doing what I want? And even if Sony does release this Wave Converter software, again, it'll be for PC users, not Mac users. *Not* too bright, if you ask me.
Thanks!