evonb

Thank you all for your suggestions! I have installed the latest SonicStage software. This seems to have made the difference. I can now transfer files that are imported into it to my Mini-disk player. And this version of software "found" the audio book files I downloaded from our public library website in Media Player and imported them into SonicStage. However, when I hit on transfer, a box popped up that said the files were unrecognizable. I really think Overdrive and Microsoft have put some sort of coding with these files. They can only be burned to CD or transferred to selected devices (which do NOT include iPods let alone the Mini-disk player). So I have the option of burning each book part to a CD and THEN importing the CD to SonicStage and THEN transfer to my Mini-Disk player. All this testing has been a great way to avoid working. Again, thanks for all your insigts. Edwinna

Ok, I opened Sonic Stage and pulled down the import menu, but Sonic Stage can't find any files in Windows Media Player or in Overview. I now suspect that Microsoft has put a block on transferring out of these programs. I still can't download anything onto my Mini-disk using the USB cable..... Thanks for you instructions. Edwinna

Ok, first off, I confess to being less than knowledgeable about uploading to my NH900. I usually do realtime transfers of audio books, etc. from my CD player, my tape player or my laptop. I haven't had any problem with this using the digital connection cord, it just takes forever... So here are my two problems: 1. Our public library has introduced free downloads of audio books. I tried to do a transfer of the downloaded files using the USB connection cord. The program the library supports to download the files is Overdrive. They are played back on Windows Media player. The files are WMA files and require a device supporting a bit rate of 32 kbps. The Media Player recognizes the NH900, but the files didn't transfer. After fiddling for an hour or more, I tried transferring the files to SonicStage, or at least I tried to open one of the files within SonicStage. They seem to be "hidden" from that software. Maybe the WMA files are not compatible with SonicStage and the MiniDisk? 2. I attempted to troubleshoot to see if I could download something else. I tried to transfer a music file (wav and mp3) from the Media Player to the NH900 again using the USB connection to see if there was a physical problem. The device was recognized and seemed to transfer the file -- at least the Rec symbol came on and the read out seemed to indicate that the file was transferring. However, at the end I unhooked the NH900 and hit enter. Nothing. The disc, which was blank/erased now read "No Track". I tried and tried different files, and the same thing happened. I finally gave in, recognizing that the computer gods zapped me again, and staggered off for the solace of a diet Pepsi. Any pointers, suggestions, etc., will be greatly appreciated that correct the error of my ways. Edwinna

Yup, thanks to you and Syrius, I'm up and running and recording like mad! I've tested the recorder on my tape deck and that's working as well. I will try out the Windows software that you mentioned to do transfers from SonicStage. Thanks again for all your advice! Edwinna

I'm sorry. I wasn't clear. I gave up recording off my Mac. With the RH900, I've only tried recording off my laptop PC - Windows machine -- with no result, as I unclearly explained in my original message. I understood that the RH900 wasn't Mac-friendly. However, I will download the Mac software that A440 mentioned and try that. If I understand you both, I should connect the optical cable and try that way to capture audio playing on the Web using my Windows laptop and also check to see if Optical Out is enabled on my Mac. Do I understand this correctly as well -- that SonicStage can only be used for existing files -- files that have been downloaded onto my computer? And that the USB cable is used to upload these files from my computer through SonicStage and onto my MD? Thank you so much for your patience with my techno-challenged questions. Edwinna

I just received a MZ-NH900 Hi-MD to replace my MZ-R900. In the past, I just connected the optical cable to my computer and recorded whatever I wanted (in real time) from the Internet (book review programs, soccer interviews, etc. -- not music). However, when I upgraded my Mac to OSX, this method no longer worked. It absolutely didn't work from my laptop PC. Also, the R900 was breaking down. Recording with the old machine worked from my CD player and from my tape player (I record talking books from the library and listen to them in the car or while walking). So, with this new machine, I received a USB cable and an optical cable. The instruction manual says to use the USB cable and the SonicStage software to download files. The instructions are mainly for music files. When I tried to record a Daily Shop clip from Fresh Air (a radio program) in real time, just by pushing the record slider, it wouldn't engage/record. The file was being played on RealAudio (the default player for this program). So then I tried to save and import the file into Sonic Stage. This didn't work. The file was an M3U or dmg (I probably have the name wrong) and Sonic Stage wouldn't recognize it. I tried to import the file into iTunes, didn't work. I tried Jukebox, didn't work. I read the manual again and scrolled through the SonicStage help file. I just couldn't find a clue for how to record off the Web. I'm totally flummoxed on how to record the programs I enjoy. Any hints, instructions, etc. would be most gratefully accepted. Thanks in advance! Edwinna

Why should one wait for the second generation? Or is the same reasoning as for cars -- never buy a model that only been on the market for 1 year. I was almost ready to buy a NH-1, but now I'm wondering what the next generation might offer ... besides a higher price.

I just read your review -- very informative. I've been debating whether to buy a NH1 or a RH900. I had almost decided to buy a NH1 until I read the last sentence - that HI-MD's do not work with Macs! Yikes! Do you mean the SonicStage software only? or that Mac users can't record from the Web or iTunes using the Optical cable? I presently use a R900, which is breaking down - not recording properly anymore. For the last three years, I've not had a problem recording off my tape player, the Web or from my CD player. Yet another complication.... evonb

Thank you all for responding so quickly. And also for correcting my Hi-MD reference. Always a wake up call for an editor. I now understand the different recording modes and software. Now, just the big decision is left - the NH900 or the NH1.... EvonB

so what do I need the SonicStage(?) software for? Edwinna

Hi - I have a question about the new MI-HI models and recording. I have a MZR-900 that I love, but it is breaking down. I had it repaired once, but don't really want to put more money into this machine. I'm thinking of buying one of the new MI-HI models that has a "line in" function for recording off my tape player and my CD player (I mostly record audio books, listen and then erase when finished) and off the Web (primarily "talk"). I recorded or downloaded without problems from tape or CDs just through a cable between the minidisk player and the other machine. For the Web, I used the supplied Xitel digital link cable. I've read various descriptions of recording onto one of the MI-HI models, which sounds as if I now have to use special software supplied by Sony, or if not, I have to convert the files I want to download into a format recognized by the software before it can be recorded onto the mini-disk. Am I confused? Do the new models no longer accept the former simple transfer from tape, CD or Web? Thank you for any help!!! Edwinna