rosjos

This needs some clarification...you cannot transfer .wav files to your HiMD unit using SonicStage - the software will convert the wav file to a compressed ATRAC file during transfer (the size / sound quality of the Atrac file will be dependant on your transfer settings). You can use Simple Burner software on your computer to transfer in full LinearPCM quality to you HiMD, otherwise it is down to realtime recording from CD or other source. Don't let the comments about transfer speed put you off getting a HiMD unit - itis not that slow, and the results are well worth it, whatever recording method you use.

To improve the quality of both audio and video on YouTube type "&fmt=18" in the address bar once you have selected the video.

Stephen, Unless I am missing something here, why don't you simply record on your new deck (to obtain the best quality recording you crave), then just use SS or SB to type in the names of your tracks (as you have already mentioned). Simple! It doesn't take that long... the automatic labelling solution being sought doesn't exist, and quite honestly this should not be an issue for 80 mins worth of tracks recorded at SP. Lazybones

The last of the ATRAC compatible walkmans (NW-S70X and NWA80X) support ATRAC Lossless (whereby the lossless file is transferred to the player). This gives uncompressed playback of music, saving some of the filespace that would be taken up by a full WAV file - but nowhere near as much as storing music at 352kbps (which is undistinguishable from full WAV IMHO). In terms of HiMD, if you rip CD tracks into Sonicstage at "ATRAC Lossless 256", then the 256kbps compressed segment is what is transferred to the player. Also, as stated above, it will allow uncompressed playback of a file from a PC or ATRAC compatible hard drive.

Yeah, but your explanation sounds better

Sonicstage / MD has always been gapless, so it is nothing to do with the version of SS that you are using. However, I am aware that gaps (very slight, not the obvious 'mp3' sized gaps) can be generated if you change the bitrate of the tracks when transferring across from SS to your MD, ie 352kbps on Sonicstage transferred to your MD/Walkman at 132kbps. The only other explanation I can offer is that the album was imported into Sonicstage in a format other than ATRAC, introducing gaps along the way. I would suggest re-rip The Wall into Sonicstage at the bitrate you intend to transfer to your HiMD/MD player, and you should find it is gapless on both SS and your MD. Hope this helps!

Andrew, The NH1 and it's unique USB connector will not charge through the Sony USB car charger you mention - it can only be charged through the cradle and appropriate 6v source (I have a car charger for the PSP which does the trick, but you might not want to lug the cradle around). I am/was in the same position as you - I prefer the more robust NH1 in the car, keeping the RH1 for recording duties in the house. However, I had to compromise. I bought Motorola RAZR charger for the RH1 which does the job in the car without mucking around with cradels and awkward connections. I can confirm it works fine. The only nuisance is the power source protrudes out of one side of the unit, and the audio out cable protrudes form another side, at 90 degrees to each other, which can be a bit awkward depending on space in the centre console of the car, and when handling the unit. You can pick upma RAZR car charger in Tescos for less than a fiver - the one I got is quite a small unit. Hope this helps.

Please accept my apologies, I never read your post correctly... These ones on ebay will do the job: - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-2-0-Cable-For-So...id=p3286.c0.m14 and... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-Cable-Lead-For-S...id=p3286.c0.m14 Any AA battery will do, but I actually use Sony branded, non-Walkman, rechargeable AA's which seem to offer better battery life. These same batteries also last longer than the supplied AA's in my Sony Cybershot digital camera.

There are better AA rechargeables that those issued with the player, and you can pick these up almost anywhere (try your local supermarket). The USB cable is not that uncommon, with several devices using the same mini plug - I would try somewhere like PC World, Curry's or the like (if you live in the UK!).

I've just ordered and taken delivery of another 5

Thought as much - at £1.99 they were never going to hang around long (even despite the apparent falling popularity of the format). My 3 discs arrived this morning. Deadwing: The only difference I have found is that the newer ones seem to provide a couple of mb extra space, for some reason. Deadwing: The only difference I have found is that the newer ones seem to provide a couple of mb extra space, for some reason. They still are shown to be available at this link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-HiMD-1GB-Mini...0572&sr=1-7

Amazon.co.uk is currently selling the 2nd gen blue 1gb discs for £1.99 a pop. Just bought 3, and manged to get free delivery on my order.

Off topic - Wizard, I see you like Goldfrapp and Depeche Mode...good man. What about the excellent OMD, Air, and Roysopp?

This use of tape over the holes is only necessary with the MD2000 metal cases into which I have transplanted Hi-MD discs. The hoes on the true Hi-MD discs have a wider second hole, which obviously allows for Hi-MD recognition (also, I remove the tape when recording is complete). But the interesting (or boring) thing that I have discovered is the use oif the tape over the holes with the MD2000 is only necessary when the unit is hooled up to the computer. If I use my transplanted MD2000 Hi-MD disc in my NH1 or RH1 reording digitally from CD the machines allow recording in the normal circumstances. But, I suppose unless anyone else has tansplanted Hi-MD into MD2000 this post will be of no use or relevance or interest

I've just quickly taken these snaps... The thing is, these are the disc I use least often!! One other thing, I found that I have to tape over the two small holes on the back of the disc (at the bottom, above the small plastc protector) before the Hi-MD player would recognise the disc and allow Hi-MD transfer.

Remember the metal MD2000's that were out a few years back.. http://forums.minidisc.org/lofiversion/index.php/t11962.html ...I managed to buy 6 at the time when they came out at my local Sony shop for £5 (each). I have since transferred 5 of them into Hi-MD discs - the best bit being that the metal MD's have screws so it makes the whole process easy and and without the need for messy glue. Also, the metal shutters (with red Hi-MD print) from the 1st gen Hi-MD discs matches the colour of the metal discs perfectly. One point of note though, once opened up I discovered these discs actually have plastic casings which appear to have been coated with "metal" / magnesium on the outside, so they really are plastic (btw I have kept one sealed disc in its original packaging. They really are THE best MD's ever released, and I wish I had bought more at the time ).

I've just re-read my rant again. To tone it down (for those who may have been put off), what I meant was the popularity of inferior and more fashionable portable devices has resulted in the demise of the great minidisc phenomena...yet another example in history of a Concorde moment (no "superSonic" pun intended - just simply that they invent/create the best, only to let it go and be replaced by the inferior).

SP records at 292kbps whilst HiSP is at 256kbps, on the more advanced ATRAC3+ codec. Having used MD for 10 years now I honestly cannot find much difference between the two. As far as recorded music is concerned I mostly use 352kbps (uploaded from the computer) and I find it hard to differentiate between that and CD. But, as has been stated so many times before on this forum, it is down to your own ears. If you are into minidisc (and I suspect you are if you have got this far) go for the MZ-RH1 - it has all the function syou could wish for (MD and Hi-MD recording options, plus the full upload facility for older SP recordings). It has top notch sound, including proper Line-Out feature (unlike alot of earlier Hi-MD units). The MZ-RH1 is the only MD unit still being manufactured, and will no doubt be the last. It is just a pity - and something that angers me - that the majority i-fad buyers are not real music lovers (and I make no apology in stating it is a fashion statement for many, since most i-pod buyers I know of had never listened to portable audio for years before it became the accessory to have) and the great invention that is (was) minidisc is fading as a consequence of tghe preference for flash and HDD portables. However, I am in it for the long haul and have stocked upon a couple of RH1's and plenty of discs. I will still be using MD long after most of the current batch of i-pods have been binned (or become broken).

I have bought a couple of batteries off ebay. I can also confirm they work fine. Bearing in mind that these batteries are spewcifically designed for a select few Sony electronics products I cannot fathom why anyone would go to the trouble of generating fakes! My only rationale around the price is that they have been "acquired from" the actual factory Just to confirm - like everyone else who has taken the gamble - these batteries are fine, and a hell of a lot cheaper.

The MZ-RH1 is now previewed on the Sony UK website. It mentions that it is available in black - there is no mention of a silver unit, and all images are of the black model! Has anyone in the UK (or elsewhere in Europe) enquired at their Sony Centre on the colour options, and the actual anticipated arrival date of the European model?

Your repair should be guaranteed for twelve months from the date of repair. Take it back and demand they sort it again.