Tokend

What do you recommend for keeping files unencrypted? Run FCT after every batch of uploads? Every now and then? Also, now that my files are unecrypted, can I stay with Win7 (presuming it works) for uploading new files and running FCT, or do I need the original SS-under-XP for that? (Pardon my naivt

Thanks so much, sfbp. I thought that I was faced with finding and re-uploading all my minidisc recordings. Your suggestion worked like a charm. Thank you, again. For those who, like me, don't know the in's and out's of MD file structures, copy protections, and file structures, the File Conversion Tool is on the SonicStage menu (duh!). I googled my brains out, looking for "Windows XP file conversion tool" before I understood what tool sfbp was talking about. Also, I may not have proceeded if sfbp hadn't indicated that this was a solution to MY problem, because the FCT talks about general OpenMG conversion, and doesn't say anything about operating systems. Listening to an uploaded minidisc recording under Windows7-64 now! Cheers, and thank you.

Hello fellow minidisc fans, I have been using SS 4.3 under WinXP. Recently, I installed Win7-64 in a second boot partition, and installed SS 4.3.01.14050. Next, I imported folders from the same HD location as the SS "My Library" under WinXP. This library includes some mp3's, converted from CDs by iTunes, and some personal minidisc recordings (oma's). All "My Library" personal recordings were uploaded to SS under WinXP, using an MZ-RH1. Under Win7, I can play the imported CD pieces, but when I try to play the personal recordings from My Library, I get "Cannot play back this track. Do you want to connect to the Internet and download the license for this track?" I click "No" and get "Cannot load the rights information for the selected tracks. The file format may not be supported by SonicStage (0000010d)" So, my questions are: (1) Could/should I have imported the personal recordings differently, so as not to confuse SS regarding the DRM settings? (2) Because both the WinXP and Win7 "My Library" refer to the same folders, did I screw up the DRM settings for both WinXP and Win7? (I'll report back when I've tried) (3) Do I have to re-import the personal recordings from MD into the Win7 "My Library" to satisfy DRM? (4) If so, should I overlay the existing files or create new ones? Thanks for any advice.

PROBLEM SOLVED: (In posting the following problem, I stumbled upon my own solution, so I no longer need help on this. I post the origninal problem and solution here, though, in case someone else can benefit.) PROBLEM: I'm hoping someone can help. Recently, I installed an external hard drive (Seagate FreeAgent), via Firewire 400. The drive comes up as drive N:, and all is well. However, upon starting SonicStage 4.0, I find that SS can no longer see my MZ-RH1. I think the RH1 used to be drive N. What's worse is that the computer, itself, can no longer see the RH1. When I connect the USB cable to the drive, WinXP boops and the RH1 springs to life. Device Manager shows "SONY HI-MD WALKMAN USB Device" as enabled and working properly. However, no drive letter has been assigned, and I can't see the RH1 in Explorer. I have rebooted and cold started. Still, no MD. SOLUTION: The problem was that Windows was using the same drive letter for two purposes: for the RH1, and for a shared network drive. I could see the network drive in Explorer under the drive letter, but not the RH1. To fix this, go into Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management. Select Storage > Disk Management. Find the confused drive letter assignment in the display of Disks. In my case, the RH1 showed up as Disk 6, drive letter O: (same as the network drive), and "965 MB Healthy." Well, inasmuch as the network drive is much bigger than 965 MB, and a MD is just about 965 MB, I figured this must be the problem. Sure enough, reassigning the drive letter of Disk 6 to an unused letter (L:) did the trick. Now I can see both the RH1 and the network drive in Explorer, and SS sees the RH1. I hope this helps someone

I did receive my unit, and all is well, now. But, this wasn't one of my more pleasant buying experiences. Besides my order (which did not result in a confirmation email), I sent an email requesting confirmation and shipping status. I got a reply saying it would ship on a certain day, but no acknowledgment that it did. Subsequently, I sent 3 or 4 more emails, requesting status and shipping information. No replies. I began to think that I had been duped. So, I sent an email with the message that, unless I heard from them promptly with the requested info, I would call my credit card company and cancel the purchase. The next morning, I got a phone call. The unit had shipped, and they gave me tracking info. All in all, their order processing seems to "work," though not sending order confirmations is inexcusable. Their post-sale communications leave a lot to be desired, though. They claimed that they had replied to all my emails, and that I should check my "junk mail" filter. I did, and there was nothing there. Besides, the one email had gotten through. I think the junk mail thing was a dodge. Just one person's experience, FWIW.

... MiniDisc Canada http://www.minidisc-canada.com/shopdisplay...rtable+MiniDisc There are new RH1s available from MDC. With the apparent demise of the RH1, I wanted a backup unit, and I didn't want the so-so mic that comes with the M200. I paid $309 USD. Price this morning is $307. LIP-4WM batteries are about $32. Used RH1s on eBay have been going for about $250-275, so I was happy to pay a little more for a new one. Just passing this info along in case someone else is trying to find a new RH1.

What do you suppose Sony means by "Be sure to use the Sony private charger to charge"? I presume it's Sony text, because I see the same verbiage on ads for the battery by many different vendors. Does anybody know if the LIP-4WMs at Minidisc Canada are the genuine article?

I'm looking to add another LIP-4WM battery or two for my MZ-RH1. I've done lots of reading here about eBay knock-offs, and such. I would also like to get an external gumstick charger with which to charge batteries. For one, charging externally would be safer than using the RH1's charging system, in case a battery malfunctions or leaks. What's more, ads for even a genuine Sony LIP-4WM caution me to "Be sure to use the Sony private charger to charge". Also, I would be able to charge more than one battery at a time with an external charger. However, I didn't receive a "Sony private charger" with my RH1. And, damned if I can find one online, not even on Sony's site. I can find external chargers for NH-14/etc. batteries, but not the LIP-4. Does anybody know where I can get an external LIP-4WM charger? BTW, Minidisc Canada advertises what looks to be genuine Sony LIP-4WM batteries for $35 CAD (~$32.75 USD). Of course, the eBay knock-offs look like "genuine" Sony batteries as well, so who knows. But, if this is legit, it's about half the price of these batteries at minidisco. LIP-4WM batteries for ~$33

Just wanted to pass this along... I just bought some Hi-MD discs from Musician's Friend ("Warehouse Moving Sale") for $5 each. Not sure how that price stacks up these days, but what with the recent, possibly end-of-HiMD-line news, mere availability of these discs at a decent price from a reliable source was worth it, for me to stock up a bit, just in case.... Gold MDs are $1.49; a pack of 5 MDs is 6.99. The MDs are in the "Recording" section of the sale. Musician's Friend sale

To you people who are complaining about the quantity and/or quality of information given by 1kyle and other posters: LIGHTEN UP!!! "I asked the same to 1kyle some month ago, but he didn't answer clearly..." "just a simple question: do you really boot from hi-md? if the answer is yes, can you descript how to do that?" "'I'd say this is at least not polite. Claiming it's possible and instead of answering very certain questions providing links to vast and very loosely related subjects" I have read this thread, and I find the information presented by 1kyle very helpful and useful. For your information, setting up an alternative boot device is a complex process. There are tools that make the process easier, but it's not as simple as dragging and dropping a file, as you guys seem to expect. Furthermore, the particulars vary with your particular machine and circumstances. Geesz. What do you want the guy to do, write you a detailed, custom manual that explains step-by-step exactly how to create a boot disk that covers YOUR particular circumstances? I think that you are the ones being impolite. Why don't you try appreciating what you are given instead of running off at the mouth about others' impoliteness? There. I just had to say that.

Thanks to all for this information. I have no reason not to use these cores, but was just curious about what purpose they serve. And, Happy Diwali to you too, Stuge.

Just got my new MZ-RH1!! It's my first Hi-MD, and I am SO looking forward not only to playing and recording, but also uploading all my old MD recordings to computer. What an utterly cool piece of technology. I had bought 10 Hi-MD discs a few months ago, when they were $4 apiece from Musician's Friend. So, with 40 bucks invested, I HAD to get the MZ-RH1. As I type, I'm listening to Flaco Jimenez from an outdoor concert a while back. Crowd noise, not so much left-right separation, and many other sound recording boo-boos, but it sounds completely fantastic. The only knock so far, if you can call it that, is, because it's so small and light, the RH1 doesn't have a high pounds-per-dollar value. :-) One question, though. The unit came with a couple of snap-closable ferrite cores, with instructions to wrap them around mic and line-in cords. The supplied USB charger cord and remote cord already had their own cores attached. What do these things do? What happens if I record without them? Or, what happens if I use them when I'm not supposed to? Thanks, and wheee!!! Go, Flaco.

Thanks for this information. This device almost makes up for Sony's omission of a battery pack sidecar. I have a few questions about using a device such as this: (1) Is the pack safe re over-voltage? (2) If so, does it have its own regulators, or does it depend on the RH1? (3) You describe using the battery pack as a charger, with the RH1 turned off. Can I use it, instead, as a supplemental battery pack? That is, can I use the RH1 while the battery pack is charging the internal battery? (4) If yes, any idea how much recording time I could expect with a fully-charged internal battery and 4 fresh AAs? Thanks.

Nothing personal, but I was dubious about this. So, I tried it. I speak no Japanese myself, but reading and deciphering the translation, would be slower for me than reading a college physics text book. Consider the following excerpt from a Babelfish translation of this site: Check out Sony Topics view point on the MZ-RH1 here: http://www.sony.jp/topics/walkman/himd/sasaji.html [ First half of first "paragraph" ] To tell the truth, carrying about MD walkman privately from work separated, it does not do that you inquire about tune it is. While riding in the streetcar, it does not do that first you inquire about music, and, even in the car stereo as for MD being not to have been attached, (laughing), MD to take care with private, it is few when you compare to the general user. It continues to use MD simply, with work directly. The use of MD on work site, in case of me, is limited to one. Doing recording at the studio, you record the last stage of job of that day in MD. Having that in the home, returning, after that you think of job furthermore dubbing it does what and so on. Simply, because I the work handle, music producer, the sound quality of CD focusing on think of phenomenon, the impression, simple sound recording simple playback equipment and material in regard to MD was strong. Entertaining, but not very informative.

Yes. I got my flimsy envelope of 10 loose disks today, just as you described. No packing materials whatsoever. I don't see any damage on visual inspection. I can't test the discs, though, because I don't yet have a Hi-MD drive (awaiting the RH1). Interestingly, the "Returns" notice inside advised me to retain all original packing materials, in case I need to return the shipment. I'm not going to return them over this, but the experience doesn't encourage me to continue doing business with Musician's friend.

(In my regular voice) I followed the link to Musician's Friend. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rec...ries?sku=244753 As of Tue, May 16, 2006, Musician's Friend is advertising a "Sale" at $3.99. There's no mention of a sale-ends date, and there's no listing for a quantity pack. No limit specified on quantity. Also, they mention that this price is a "Guaranteed Lowest Price," up to 45 days after the fact. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I bought some, and I don't even have a Hi-MD recorder yet! Anticipating an RH1 as soon as they're out...

As is: No Add AA sidecar: Definitely yes Add multiline remote: Emphatically yes Buying and charging extra batteries ahead of time will always be a hassle and a begrudging expense. Being able to go into any mini-mart and buy a 2-pack of AAs that will get me through an entire weekend easily is nirvana. So close.

Aarrgghhh!!! All those nifty features, and then this. Nothing is as simple and convenient as having a couple of fresh AAs in one's pocket to see one through a recording session. Is this the answer to the question "Now, what can Sony do to screw it up?"

kypfer & AllanH, Thanks so much for your replies. Let's see: one thumbs up, one thumbs down. Sounds like there's only one way to find out... If I can perhaps play mediator, the following from the cited white paper seems to indicate that you two are both right: "The focused sound will be recorded mono, while the environment will split into a left and a right channel!" This is great. This is perfect. If I read this right, it means that the tree full of red-winged blackbirds will be recorded as coming from everywhere (i.e., mono), while the loons to the left and geese to the right will stay where they are. Perfect. I'll be sure to post results when and if I get around to this. Sounds like a fun project. Thanks again for your help.

Hi, This topic isn't really Hi-MD-specific, but I've hung out here long enough to come to appreciate the expertise, spirit, and helpfulness of the forum's inhabitants. I hope this is OK. I would like to record high quality stereo sounds at a distance. I'm looking to get an RH10 and record nature sounds and such. I would like to rig a parabolic dish from Edmonds Scientific with a cigar-shaped stereo mic and attach it at the focal point of the dish. The thing is, I don't know if this will work. The side-to-side distance between left and right sources would be small, because the dish would be pointed at a small area. Still, I'd love to record, say, a "conversation" between two birds on a branch and preserve the left-right orientation, if I could. It seems like the sound waves entering the right side of the dish would get focused to the right side of the focal circle (assuming not a true point), and similarly for the waves on the left side. But, it could also be that small inaccuracies in the dish would steer some of the left waves to the right side, and vice versa. This would make for jumbled sound. If this is true, then would it work to put an acoustically reflective partition (say, aluminum) in the dish, effectively dividing it into two halves, left and right? This wouldn't necessarily steer errant waves to the proper side of the mic, but it would at least keep them from entering the wrong side of the mic, I would think. I'm guessing here, as you can tell. Thanks for any thoughts, Tokend

Thanks, Volta. Phew. Thanks.

Thanks, green. I must have dreamed that the 910 could do this. Your reply is timely, as I was just about to order the 910 before they disappeared from inventories (discontinued by Sony, I think). So, does the 910 offer any advantage over the 10, other than cost?

MDers, Much thanks for all the help and support I've derived from reading and occasionally participating in this forum. I feel a kindred spirit with the folks here. I have a MZ-B100 MD (built-in stereo mics and mono speaker). This device is just marvelous for on-the-spot recordings. I love it. What with the possible downsizing or outright curtailment of MD development, I have been wanting to buy a Hi-MD device for backup. I'm looking at the MZ-RH910 and MZ-RH10. I could have sworn that I read on this forum that an advantage of the RH910 over the RH10 is that the 910 can record directly in "old MD" formats--LP, LP2, LP4, and MDLP, without involving a computer. In contrast, I thought I remember that the RH10 requires a computer and software to do this. If true, this would be an advantage for me, in that MD disks recorded in MD mode directly to the 910 (in the field, away from computer) would be readable on the MD device. Maybe I'm going blind or perhaps just getting stupid, but I can't find any such discussion on this forum. What's worse, I just read the following from the Sony RH910 user's manual: "You can record on this recorder only in Hi-MD mode. It is not possible to record in MD mode. If you want to record in MD mode, ... connect the recorder to a computer and use the supplied software to record in MD mode." This, I think, directly contradicts my "understanding" of one of the differences between the 10 and the 910. What's the deal with standalone recording formats on the 10 and 910? Is there any difference? Did I make the whole difference thing up? If, despite the declaration in the manual, the 910 CAN record directly in MD mode, does this, in fact, mean that I can read and write such disks on my old MD? Sorry if these questions are redundant or ignorant, but I have become bleary eyed looking for answers. Thanks for any advice, Ken