vaiofreak

Ye, I noticed that too, only the MD with camera was on sale for like $250 in DC SonyStyle store.

Here is a great deal for one of these if anyone is interested: $69 at UBID Compared to the original price tag of $200, 70 bucks is not bad at all. Still loving it.

I use VAIO Media on my VAIOs to share music, photos and video on my wireless network. And as someone stated above, DRM music cannot be streamed over your network, which really sucks because I have some hefty library bought from Sony Connect. I also utilize VAIO Roomlink (VGP-MR200) that is connected to my Hi-Fi receiver and 5.1 speaker system in the living room and by using the Roomlink I can stream and listen to any non-DRM music files. It has a neat GUI as well.Let me know if you have any other questions. P.S. I am sure there are other applications besides VAIO Media that can handle your music distribution over the network, just do some Googling.

Sony has introduced Network Audio System in summer of 2005. And again thanks to Sony's skillful marketing (sarcastically speaking), I learnt about it just a few days ago in February of 2006 by browsing MySony site. There was a press release in Europe and that's about it. I do not think Sony USA has ever done anything about promoting it here. You might ask what is so great about this system? Well, when you first look at it, the design looks kind of futuristic. It has a network function allowing you to stream your music from any PC in the house and what's more, it is even compatible with iTunes. This can be done by using your wired LAN or if you attach a wireless converter (that is my setup at home), you can enjoy your streaming wirelessly. Another plus, it also has a WEB RADIO function, allowing a user to stream any internet radio station. As you will see in the pictures, the unit has omni-directional speaker system which creates a wide acoustic field. Here are some short descrtiption of the system: Sony’s NAS-CZ1 Network Shelf System allows you to stream music from your PC to any room wired w/ Ethernet within your home network. Fitting nicely on a shelf or table top, the NAS-CZ1 is versatile when it comes to enjoying your music in various locations of your house. The NAS-CZ1 also includes a single CD compartment for playing your favorite CDs and is MP3 (CD-R/RW) Playback compatible. Rated at 40 Watts (in operation) and including 4 tweeters and 2 subwoofers, the NAS-CZ1 provides you with powerful, clear sound ideal for any single room. NAS-CZ1 supports non-secure music files in the MP3, WAV, S/B, ATRAC®, ATRAC3Plus®, WMA, and ACC formats. Compatible with playback of these non-secure music files with following jukebox applications: iTunes, Sonicstage, Windows® Media Player, and Musicmatch™. Features: * Stream Music from your PC to any room wired w/ Ethernet within your home network * Create up to 5 custom user profiles * Create 4 types of Play lists automatically * Single Disc CD & MP3 (CD-R/RW) Playback1 * Hi-Fi Audio Driven by 360 degree Omni-Direction * Store and play your favorite Songs with included Remote Control * Supports non-secure music files in the MP3, WAV, S/B, ATRAC®, ATRAC3®, WMA, and ACC formats. Compatible with playback of these non-secure music files with following jukebox applications: iTunes, Sonicstage, Windows® Media Player, and Musicmatch & trade. Specifications Audio * Frequency Range: FM: 87.5-108 MHz * AM: 530-1710 kHz Inputs and Outputs * Analog Audio Input(s): x1 (Rear Mini Plug) * Ethernet Port: x1 (Rear) * Headphone jack: x1 (Side Mini Plug) * Antenna Terminal(s): x1 (Rear FM) * Antenna Terminal(s): x1 (Rear AM) Power * Power Consumption (in Operation): 40 Watts * Power Requirements: 120 Volts AC, 60 Hz Speaker * Driver Unit: x6 (4 Tweeters and 2 Woofers with 2 of the Tweeters aimed to the rear) The supplied M-Crew software that can be installed on several PCs allows to register your music with the system. When you start the Network function on the player it will search for available servers and let you choose which one you want to use. If you are like me that has several VAIO systems in the house, it can also use VAIO Media servers. You can also choose to have it automatically connect to one specific M-Crew server. User Profile (up to 5) allows different users select their preferred server and therefore music stored. Organize your Playlists, Albums, Favorites, etc. Nice Info Panel shows all kinds of info from network state and configuration to Music titles: Top: Connections in the Back: Neat Remote: Documentation and Software Sony also threw in a long thin network cable and Loop Antenna Screen Shots of the Software: Supports AtracPlus up to 256 kbps as you see in the above screen shot. WEB RADIO set up screen: So as you see it is an interesting model. You can always stream/play your music from your desktop but you cannot always place it in your living room (unless it is a pretty VAIO PC ) as it messes up with your decor or your Mom's decorating style.

Hey guys, I ended up with an extra 1 Gig MS Pro Duo High Speed and would like to get rid of it for $95 (shipping included). This is a High Speed version of MS Duo Pro (MSX-M1GN) and it is Sony branded, not SanDisk. Send me a PM or email, if you want it. You can see a pic of it here Edited: MS Size

Here is my follow up. Sorry it took a while to reply. I have installed SonicStage 3.3 and I was not able to playback the MD inserted into the MD drive, MDs will only playback under SonicStage Premium. I was able to transfer songs imported from my CD and converted to different formats (MP3, Atrac Lossless, etc) to MD with no problem. SonicStage 3.3 recognizes MDs of the PCV-MXS20 as a NetMD. I have also connected my MD Player MZ-N1 to the MXS20 and SonicStage 3.3 again recognized as NetMD, had no problems transfering songs and playing them, but with no sound. I did the same procedure with my VAIO notebook - same results. So in conclusion, as kurisu noted only HiMD players are able to playback tracks via USB. I do not have one yet, so I cannot confirm that. When I connected my N1 to MXS, SS Premium recognized it as an External Device (NetMD) in its interface as well. Hope this helps.

Hey guys, Ishii pointed me out this discussion thread to see if I can help. I also own one of those fine and rare VAIO PCs - MXS20. For how much Sony has charged people initially for those PCs ($2700 just for the MXS and speakers), one would think they wiould support and provide updates regularly. Unfortunately, SonicStage Premium as a nice piece of software with its enhanced features (therefore the name Premium) got stuck on version 1.1 in the US and in Japan they kept supporting it till version 1.5.07 I believe. I have tried using 1.5.07 but due to the lack of knowing Japanese, it was frustrating at times and I reverted back to 1.1. By the way, SS Premium will not install or work properly on any other VAIO or non-VAIO computer because of its specific features tied exclusively to MXS series with built-in MD and FM tuner, Digital Optical In and Out. Also, SS Premium and SS Mastering Studio are not the same. OK, to your questions: I have personally never tried using SS 3.3 and MD playback, I normally used SS Premium or MiniDisk Player applications only. However, I did upgrade the Minidisk and Sony Digital Audio Board firmwares acquired from SS Premium 1.5 JP. So not sure if the upgrades will allow you do what you tried with SS 3.3, I need to test it and see. When I get to testing I will post my results and see if it is worth upgrading the firmwares.