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building The Hi-MD usage FAQ

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dex Otaku

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dex Otaku Newbie

dex Otaku

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I don't have the energy to go through all the questions here. So please, if you have 5 minutes extra, go through some old threads and post a reply on here with pertinent questions that have been asked and a link to the post they're from. Maybe if we build an index, this job can get done easier and we'll have fewer people asking the same questions over and over again. People are more inclined to look for answers if things are centralised.

If some of this gets assembled I'm willingto start building an FAQ from them.

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linzq Newbie

linzq

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What about something about the differences between the current Hi-MDs on the market. I've seen multiple posts about which ones take which batteries or which remotes, which have tuners, which are plastic/metal bodies.

Eg. http://forums.minidisc.org/viewtopic.php?t=6634

It might be nice to have one centralized explanation, and it might even cut down on the "which one should I buy" questions...

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dex Otaku Newbie

dex Otaku

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Let's try a different approach:

If you're a HiMD user, post a few questions or issues that you think are important enough to make available to anyone coming here. i.e. things that are in the "need to know" category for anyone using or looking at buying a HiMD.

The questions/issues can then be categorised and duties split so people can write different chunks of the FAQ.

Come on, people. Doesn't anyone care?

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Damage Newbie

Damage

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Complete HiMD Usage FAQ Structure. Please PM Damage or reply to the thread for new questions.

Note: New Questions are in bold.

General

1. What is HiMD?

2. What is the difference between MD and HiMD?

3. Can I play my old MD discs with a new HiMD unit?

4. Can I play my HiMD discs with my old MD unit? How about my NetMD unit?

5. What is the difference between 1GB blank and normal MD Blank?

6. Will there be HiMD blanks with bigger capacity than 1GB? How about smaller than 1GB but bigger than 300MB?

6a. Can I use my MD Data Disc with my HiMD unit as a floppy?

6b. Can I use my Video MD Disc with my HiMD unit in either Music or Data mode?

7. Is there a way to keep my old recordings while recording in new HiMD mode?

Units

1. What units are currently available?

2. Will there be other units?

3. Will there be units from XXXXXXX?

4. What are the differences between the units?

5. What are the differences between the "stick remote" and the "3-line remote?"

6. What is the Mic-in Line and why should I care?

7. What is the Optical Line In port for and why should I care?

8. Why does my unit have neither the Line-In or the Mic-In port? Can i still record with that unit?

Connectivity

1. Will my HiMD unit go faster if I use USB2.0 (or High Speed) port?

2. Can I directly connect my HiMD to my digital camera?

2a. To my Inkjet Printer with USB port?

3. Can I connect my HiMD to my PS2 and use that as a memory card?

4. Can I connect my HiMD to my Home Theater System?

4a. Does it play multi-channel audio?

4b. Dolby Digital, DTS?

4c. Dolby Surround?

Recording

1. Can I upload my old MD recordings with my Hi-MD unit?

2. Which microphones should I use with my Hi-MD?

2a. For Concerts and Live performances?

2b. Vocal Recordings or lectures?

2c. Stealthy Recording?

2d. Can I use my headphones as a microphone?

3. How should I record my CDs?

4. Can I still record in SP mode?

4a. Can I record in SP mode using my 1st Gen HiMD unit?

4b. Can I record in SP mode using my 2nd Gen HiMD unit?

4c. Can I record in MP3 mode with my 2nd Gen HiMD unit? What are the restrictions on those recordings?

5. How should I record my .MOD (or other random audio file) file from my computer?

5a. With my Sound Blaster (or Soundcards with no digital output)?

5b. With my SoundStorm Enabled Motherboard (or soundcards with digital output)?

6. Can I record a Dolby Digital track? How about DTS? How about Dolby Pro Logic?

7. Can I record my Super CD track?

8. Can I record my U2 DVD concert tracks to my HiMD*?

8a. Can I record my DVD-Audio tracks to my HiMD*?

9. Can I record from my TV? How about my Satellite TV Music?

10. Can I record from my FM Radio?

10a. My HiMD unit comes witha Radio Tuner. Can I record from that tuner to my MD?

11. What is T-Mark button for?

12. What is Download button for?

13. How do I adjust volume during recording, it's entirely too loud!

13a. For microphone recording?

14. How can I record music from (Insert any other estoeric electronic devices here)?

Disk Usage:

1. Can I use my HiMD with:

1a. Windows 200X/XP?

1b. Windows 98/ME?

1c. MacOS

1d. Linux?

2. Can I watch DivX/XviD/MPEG4 Movies with my HiMD discs?

3. What is the transfer rate with my computer?

4. Can I defrag my HiMD?

5. How can I determine if my disc has a bad sector? Can I use Scandisc or other disc repairing tools to determine this?

6. Can I attach and use multiple HiMD units as removable disks? For instance, can I attach and use files from my MZ-NH1 and MZ-NH600D?

Batteries

1. Why should I use rechargables vs. Alkaline or the new "Oxyride" batteries?

2. Which batteries should I use?

2a. AA Batteries?

2b. What is a Gumstick Battery?

3. Should I use a separate charger to charge my battery or is it okay to use the in-unit charger?

4. I can't recharge my Batteries!! Which batteries would you recommend that I use with my HiMD Unit?

4a. Li-Ion AA Batteries?

4b. Oxyride Batteries?

SonicStage

1. Can I use Sonic Stage to record my CDs to my MD?

1a. Simple Burner?

2. What modes are availble for me to record using Sonic Stage?

2a. Simple Burner?

3. What is Simple Burner? What is the difference between Simple Burner and Sonic Stage?

4. Why can't I record/rip/download in SP mode with Sonic Stage or Simple Burner?

5. What is the MP3 converter?

6. What is a better method of downloading MP3 than using Sonic Stage (or, is there a way to minimize loss of quality during transcoding process?)

7. What is "Create ATRAC CD for?"

8. What is "Create MP3 CD for?"

9. Can I use my other Sony Walkman with SonicStage 2.X?

9a. Clie

9b. Vaio Pocket

9c. Network Walkman

10. How can I get Sonic Stage to display my CDDB tags in other languages?

11. Can I transfer to multiple units at the same time? For instance, can I transfer to both my MZ-NH1 and HD1 for example?

12. Help! SonicStage just deleted my recorded tracks from the Justin Timberlake Concert I went to last week! What's going on!?!

Uploading

1. What recordings can I upload to my computer?

2. Must I always use Sonic Stage to upload my recordings?

3. What is this WAV Converter for Sonic Stage?

4. What is this HIMD Renderer b MarcNet's Software?

4a. Can I convert my uploaded recording to OGG, MP3, AAC, or other codecs?

5. Can I transfer my recordings to other units, like my Network Walkman or my Walkman CD Player?

6. How can I upload my NetMD to my computer? Can I do this faster than real-time?

6a. Why can't I use my USB port to upload my NetMD tracks to my computer?

7. Can I upload tracks that I downloaded from my friend's computer? My laptop?

7a. What is the authorized account function in Sonic Stage for exactly? Does that allow me to upload tracks from one computer from another?

8. What is Self-Uploading anyways?

Accessories

1. What headphones should I use with my HiMD?

2. What remote should I use with my HiMD?

3. Can I use my batterypack from other MD units? From my other Sony Units, My CD Walkman's Battery Case for example?

4. Can I use the Dock that came with my other HiMD units with other MD units? Vice Versa?

Misc.

1. What is HD Amp?

2. How can I activate Line Out mode? Does my unit have Optical Out?

3. Can I use Line Out mode with my Remote?

4. What is VPT Acoustic Engine?

5. What is the 6-band Equalizer? Will future units make use of Parametric EQs on CD Walkmans?

6. Does my HiMD use Type-S DSP that my NetMD player used? Which DSP does it use exactly?

7. What is Head-Fi Dogma #7? biggrin.gif

8. Are there any other devices capable of playing Atrac3/plus files?

9. What is transcoding exactly and why do a lot of people (some of them vehemently) hate it?

10. Are there any other forums I can visit to get more of my questions answered?

10a. Regarding MiniDiscs and HiMDs?

10b. Regarding Headphones and HiFi Systems?

10c. Regarding other Digital Audio Players?

Shopping

1. Where can I buy blanks for my HiMD?

2. Where can I buy XXXXXX for my HiMD units? What about Import Units?

3. What is the main difference between Japanese, American, European, and World Tourist Units?

4. Why do I need a voltage converter? Where can I buy one?

Paranoia

1. What is SCMS?

1a. What is SCMS Stripper*?

2. What is DMCA and why are some of the topics here potentially illegal to read and to discuss in the US*?

3. Can I download SonicStage without Connect.com components?

4. Does SonicStage "phone" home like Windows Media Player?

New Additions:

======

2ND Generation HiMD

1. What's the big deal with these units anyway?

2. What models are available?

3. What modes can I record in with these units?

4. Are there any restrictions in transferring MP3 files from my computer to my HiMD discs?

5. Can I play my HiMD discs full of MP3s on my 1st Gen unit?

6. What is Digital Amp and why should I be interested in it?

Note: Potentially dangerous questions under DMCA has been marked with an asterisk. You've been warned!

Edited by Damage
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dex Otaku Newbie

dex Otaku

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A wiki would be an excellent idea, but that's something I'll have to educate myself on the starting of. If you're already knowledgable on this, please throw some ideas in. This is a community, after all. And great job on the questions - that was way more than I was even asking for.

Anyone with any suggestions or modifications, please post them. Other contributions can only make this -more- useful, after all.

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Damage Newbie

Damage

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I'll get it started:

Disk Usage:

1. Can I use my HiMD with:

1a. Windows 200X/XP?

Yes. Just plug your unit with the supplied cable (NH1 only) or USB A to Mini-B cable (supplied with NH 900/800/700/600/D, NetMD units, and various small portable electronic gear) while your computer is on and operational. No drivers are necessary for this. This assumes the installation of the latest Service Packs for these OS, SP2 for XP, SP4 for 2000.

1b. Windows 98/ME?

Yes, but you will need a driver, which is supplied with the SonicStage package downloaded from the web at http://www.connect.com, or with the SonicStage CD that came with your unit. You will need the supplied cable as well.

1c. MacOS

Reports are, you can indeed use your HiMD as a removable disc with MacOS X by following the procedures for WinXP/200X.

1d. Linux?

Reports are, you can indeed use your HiMD as a removable disc with Linux by following the procedures for WinXP/200X

jadeclaw, of Minidisc Community Forum reports the following:

You don't have to reformat the disc, just enter the drive correctly as Superfloppy in fstab:

/dev/sdd /mnt/himd vfat umask=0,user,iocharset=iso8859-15,sync,kudzu,codepage=850,noauto,exec,users 0 0

My NH700 reports as /dev/sdd , it could be different depending on the number of other USB-drives connected, KDE checks on startup for this entry and creates an icon on the desktop, which allows for easy mounting.

Replace /mnt/himd with the directory, where you want to mount the drive.

For easy unmounting, add an icon, containing this line:

umount -l /dev/sdd

Of course, replace /dev/sdd with the device name, that your system reports.

Oh, and if you wonder, why I haven't added a partition number to the device name, it is simple: Minidiscs don't have a partition table. They are superfloppies...

Thread

2. Can I watch DivX/XviD/MPEG4 Movies with my HiMD discs?

Yes, however depending on the bitrate of the video file in question, it may or may not skip. The drive's optical unit must operate around 1.4Mbps (the bitrate of uncompressed PCM CD-quality audio), so if your DivX/XviD/MPEG4 files are less than 1.4Mbps, then it should play without any problems.

The author has tested this with a 500-600kbps DivX, and played without any skipping. Seeking speed was slow, however.

3. What is the transfer rate with my computer?

File transfers take on the average, 500-550 KB/s (that's Kilobytes per second, not kilobits per second). It took about 17 minutes to transfer 550 MB file to a 1GB HiMD using NH600D.

Thread URL - Will transfer you to T-Board.

4. Can I defrag my HiMD?

Yes, but only data files using the defrag features from your OS. Audio files, are limited to several files in your HiMD folder. All your audio data is stored as a single flat file (compare this with ATRAC3plus CD, where audio files are stored individually), so there is no way to defrag your audio tracks. No units currently offers this ability yet.

5. How can I determine if my disc has a bad sector? Can I use Scandisk or other disc repairing tools to determine this?

Apparently... You can presumably use Scandisk or similar tools to see if there are any problems with data structre or file structure. Whether or not they can determine if your MD has a bad sector is as of yet untested and unknown.

kurisu, the administrator of Minidisc Community Forum reports:

It fully scanned for bad sectors and didn't find any. Now to accumulate some and see if it'll repair ok.

More as it develops.

6. Can I attach and use multiple HiMD units as removable disks? For instance, can I attach and use files from my MZ-NH1 and MZ-NH600D?

Yes. If you were to plug in NH1 then NH900 to your computer, NH1 would be reported as Drive G: then NH900 as Drive H: (assuming your computer has 2 Hard Drives and 2 CD/DVD drives, for example).

Edited by Damage
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Christopher Grand Master

Christopher

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Shopping

1. Where can I buy blanks for my HiMD?

Oh, come on you charlatan. Haven't you tried a Google search, a Froogle search, a MDCF search, or a custom Minidisc.org google engine?

2. Where can I buy XXXXXX for my HiMD units? What about Import Units?

Well, a somewhat fair e-tailer is Audiocubes, who features outrageous and impossible to obtain MD/Hi-MD units at quite the cost, but they are efficient most of the time. Minidisco has my nod as the best overall e-tailer for Minidisc in the USA. They are really good people and you will never have a bad experience with them. I can freely say that and mean it. Another unused option is Dynaism , an e-tailer with a great reputation that can do custom orders like Audiocubes.Teamdigital is a pretty major player, and I'd put them behind Minidisco in terms of overall good experience. Don't forget Minidisc Australia for you Aussies. tongue.gif

3. What is the main difference between Japanese, American, European, and World Tourist Units?

Well, it depends. It seems as if Sony is experimenting with all of them, but the other companies don't have to worry about such, as they sell in limited regions. For the best information on this subject, please search the model name here at the forums, or through Minidisc.org via our Google search engine. World Tourist models are actually the best of them all and will never be outdone, ever. king.gif

4. Why do I need a voltage converter? Where can I buy one?

Voltage converters/transformers are used to convert electricity. North America and some other countries operate on 110V/120V AC 60Hz, while most of other countries operate on 220/240 volts AC 50Hz. Voltage transformers convert the power into different voltage, so your equipment can be powered at different countries without being damaged. Remember this.

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Damage Newbie

Damage

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Posted

kurisu, your answers have been incorporated into the FAQ biggrin.gif

---

Batteries

1. Why should I use rechargables vs. Alkaline, Lithium, or the new "Oxyride" batteries?

Several Reasons:

1. Save money! A NiMH rechargable battery has about several hundred to thousand recharge cycles. So, in best case scenarios, you'd save money by not buying hundreds, if not thousands alkalines that you would've purchased.

2. Save the environment: Less waste and potentially toxic materials are introduced to the environment by either improper disposal or eventual breakdown of the battery in the landfill.

3. Required by unit. Some units will only accept rechargable Gumstick or LiIon batteries, and therefore will not accept AA batteries. In this case, you're left to using rechargable batteries that came with the unit, usually.

2. Which batteries should I use?

2a. AA Batteries?

If you're out of rechargable AAs or in a situation where they can not be recharged, any Alkaline batteries will do in a pinch. Look for AA or LR6 batteries.

To get the most battery life however, the author recommends Energizer's Lithium AA batteries. On average, these batteries delivered additional 50%-75% playing time of normal Alkaline batteries. However, they cost nearly 2X the normal Alkaline battereis.

2b. What is a Gumstick Battery?

They are rechargable Nickel Metal Hydride batteries that looks like two sticks of gums stacked together. They can be obtained from e-tailers or on eBay.

3. Should I use a separate charger to charge my battery or is it okay to use the in-unit charger?

Usually, the in-unit charger is sufficient for recharging your batteries. They do not completely refresh your batteries Ni-MH batteries, which cuts down on capacity down the road. In unit chargers may not also charge your battery fully, especially in an older unit.

To get the most out of your rechargable Ni-MH batteries, drain them completely once every 2 to 3 months (more or less depending on your usagE), then charge them completely.

To get the most out of your LiIon batteries, keep your batteries topped off by charging constantly if possible. If your player or device has a fuel gauge (battery meter), it will help to drain your LiIon once in every 30 to 40 cycles (similar to 2 to 3 months) to calibrate the gauge.

Battery University has more information on how to take care of your rechargable batteries

4. I can't recharge my Batteries!! Which batteries would you recommend that I use with my HiMD Unit?

Any AA or LR6 Alkalines will do. Heavy Duty and other dry batteries are not recommended.

4a. Li-Ion AA Batteries?

Currently, the only Li-Ion batteries available on market are the Energizer Lithium. Batteries. Average cost for these is about $2.50 per battery (8 pack costs $20 on the average). However, of all AAs, they provide extra 50%-75% playing time, and maybe very useful on long recording sessions or extended trips where obtaining batteries maybe difficult

4b. Oxyride Batteries?

Panasonic-Matsushita has recently introduced these batteries. It differs from Alkalines by packing in the cells denser, there by giving constant power for longer duration than Alkalines. They are also cheaper than Lithium Batteries, with prices hovering around $1 per AA cell.

Another unexpected benefit to these batteries?

Reporters were also shown audio players powered by a regular battery vs. Oxyride. The one with Oxyride delivered a stronger, deeper bass, and Matsushita officials said some music experts express a preference for Oxyride.

They should be shortly arriving to your local retailers soon.

Panasonic's Oxyride Battery page.

Another report of the Oxyride Battery

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Damage Newbie

Damage

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Posted (edited)

Misc.

1. What is HD Amp?

HD Digital Amp is incorporated into NH900 and NH1. Basically it aims deliver higher quality audio through the headphone jack.

Opinions vary as to whether or not this makes actual appreciable difference in Sound Quality.

For those of you expecting the HD (High Definition) digital amp to make a major difference to the sound, or any digital amp for that matter, it's not really an issue. The primary reason that the digital amps are being fitted to portables these days is to prolong the battery life, and not necessarily to improve the sound. Certainly in the case of the NH1, the base sound quality is not significantly improved.

2. How can I activate Line Out mode? Does my unit have Optical Out?

Access menu by pressing the menu button on your unit (NH1) or by holding down the NAVI/MENU button on your unit (NH900). Scroll down to USEFUL (press enter at this point) then AUDIO OUT. You'll be then given the option to use either HEADPHONE or LINE OUT. Choose LINE OUT to enable LINE OUT mode. Note that you can not use LINE OUT mode with a remote attached, and is not availble for NH8/7/600 line of players.

There are no units with digital/optical out as of writing.

3. Can I use Line Out mode with my Remote?

No.

4. What is VPT Acoustic Engine?

VPT Acoustic Engine is a virtual surround simulator. Essentially, it enhances the sound stage of your headphones by altering them from the source. There are four settings:

Studio: Simulates recording STUDIO settings.

Live: Simulates LIVE performances.

Club: Simulates CLUB settings.

Arena: Simulates ARENA like settings.

Similar technologies have been used with TV sets, HT sets, etc.

Note that this can not be used in conjunction with 6-band equalizer, and is not available on all units.

5. What is the 6-band Equalizer? Will future units make use of Parametric EQs on CD Walkmans?

The 6-band Equalizer is a graphic equalizer for your HiMD unit. Each unit enabled with 6-band EQ can store two unique setting, CUSTOM 1 and CUSTOM 2.

It is unknown whether or not future units will use parametric EQs, but the current D-NE line of CD Walkmans do.

6. Does my HiMD use Type-S DSP that my NetMD player used? Which DSP does it use exactly?

According to the manual, the unit does uses Type-S DSP for ATRAC3 playback, along with Type-R DSP for ATARC recording and playback (the latter was incorporated into the Type-S DSP).

7. What is Head-Fi Dogma #7? biggrin.gif

ATRAC (All versions) suck, therefore, any and all ATRAC related product must suck by extension.

There are no ifs, ands, or buts about this Dogma, it is not to be questioned nor argued with, this is a dogma held true by everyone on Head-fi.org and Hydrogenaudio.net. Therefore, it must be true, and any and all things remotely related with ATRAC (from MDs to Real Audio) will suck.

There will be no more explaining of Dogma #7 happy.gif

8. Are there any other devices capable of playing Atrac3/plus files?

Yes. The current line of CD Walkmans and Network Walkmans can and does play ATRAC3/plus files. As of writing date, there was one PSYC line of mini-boombox that had ATRAC3/plus CD support.

You can find all of these products and descriptions on Sony's Online Catalog.

9. What is transcoding exactly and why do a lot of people (some of them vehemently) hate it?

Transcoding (audio or video) occures when you take a lossy-compressed file, decompress it, then recompress it using another lossy compression scheme. Each time you compress a picture, movie, or song using a lossy compression scheme (a CD track into a MP3 track, for example), the program discards lots of data in order to make the final file small as possible while retaining the quality requsted by the user.

Transcoding is frowned upon because it throws away more data. The final quality of the transcoded product is extremely worse compared to the original files.

The loss of quality, however, will indeed vary from person to person, and you may not notice any loss of quality at all in certain cases. YMMV

10. Are there any other forums I can visit to get more of my questions answered?

10a. Regarding MiniDiscs and HiMDs?

Minidisc T-Station Forum

10b. Regarding Headphones and HiFi Systems?

Head-Fi.org. Standard greeting: Welcome to Head Fi, sorry about your wallet.

10c. Regarding other Digital Audio Players?

http://www.ipodlounge.com

http://www.hydrogenaudio.net

http://www.dapreview.net

http://www.nomadness.net

Edited by Damage
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Damage Newbie

Damage

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Posted

Accessories

1. What headphones should I use with my HiMD?

This is perhaps the most loaded question on this FAQ. Each ear is unique to a person, and each person hears things differently. While your friend may like the deep, thumping bass offered by set A, you may rather hear all the details without being drowned by heavy bass.

Go to your local retailer and give the headphone testing section a whirl. Ask if you can use your MDP or other favorite music source and test them out (a reputable retailer, non national chain shops, should help you do so without too much hassle. If they put up a fight, don't bother, I'd hate to see what you'd have to go through on returns). If you like them, then who's to say that you made a bad decision?

Visit http://www.head-fi.org/ for more help in this manner, posters there, for the most part, are very knowledgable about headphones. Make use of the Search function both here in MDCF and there in Head-Fi. Be warned, you may end up spending more than you bargained for. However, you will most likely be satisfied with you purchase.

2. What remote should I use with my HiMD?

It is almost universally recommended that you use your HiMD unit with RM-MC40ELK. The three line remote, bundled with NH1 (all versions) and NH900 (World Tourist confirmed, US comes with a stick remote) makes navigating through your HiMD as easy as on unit controls. This remote can also display foreign characters, Chinese and Japanese, along with alpha-numeric, accented Latin characters, and punctuations.

If you have RM-MC33EL/K (until now, the high end LCD remote) or RM-MC11EL/K, they are also compatible with your HiMD unit. They work like they would with your older MD units, and there are no learning curve associated with them.

The Tuner Remote (MODEL NUMBER) is only usable with MZ-NHF800 model (or other HiMD models with FM/AM/TV functionality because of its unique connection to the unit vs. other remotes (tuner remote uses ++ shaped connector vs. -- shaped connector). They are not backlit, contrary to the photos implying otherwise. MZ-NHF800, however, can use other remotes without any problems.

Finally, all HiMD units can use any and all remotes mentioned above. They can be purchased separately (see Shopping section for more detail).

3. Can I use my batterypack from other MD units? From my other Sony Units, My CD Walkman's Battery Case for example?

Unknown. Only the MZ-NH900 can use AA battery pack, and I believe they are compatible with R500's (?) but needs further verification. The model number in the battery cover is T-251-895.

However, they are not compatible with D-NE900's AA Batterypack.

4. Can I use the Dock that came with my other HiMD units with other MD units? Vice Versa?

Apparently, no. MZ-NH1's dock is strictly for MZ-NH1, and model number (BCA-MZNH1) seems to indicate this as well. MZ-NH900's dock is strictly for MZ-NH900, and its model number (MCA-MZNH900) seems to indicate this as well.

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Christopher Grand Master

Christopher

Posted
Posted

Batteries, Shopping, Disk Usage, Misc., and Acessories are done pending verification and editing. Very nice, Damage; I really respect these contributions and I can already see that this will be an extremely invaluable resource for the community.

So, what's left? General, Units, Connectivity, Recording, SonicStage, and Uploading. I will start work on one in a moment as I'm really bored here at work.

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streaml1ne Newbie

streaml1ne

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Connectivity

1. Will my HiMD unit go faster if I use USB2.0 (or High Speed) port?

No, current Hi-MD units are not capable of transfer speeds higher than 500-700KBytes per second due to the read/write head of the drive and not USB speed.

2. Can I directly connect my HiMD to my digital camera?

No. Sony makes a flash card to minidisc adapter that will copy the contents of several memory media to the Hi-MD for archival purposes.

More information from SonyStyle can be found here:

http://tinyurl.com/456o2

2a. To my Inkjet Printer with USB port?

No. (What's the point??)

3. Can I connect my HiMD to my PS2 and use that as a memory card?

This has no effect with the original PS2 system. The PS2 sees nothing connected and the Hi-MD does not respond. Perhaps the new slim-line 'more capable' PS2 may work with Hi-MD.

4. Can I connect my HiMD to my Home Theater System?

Yes. You can connect the line-out or headphone out to your AVR using a 1/8" to RCA cable. Usually additional A/V inputs are supplied on modern AVR's. Tape inputs/outputs can be used as well.

4a. Does it play multi-channel audio?

No.

4b. Dolby Digital, DTS?

No.

4c. Dolby Surround?

Maybe. (Anyone know if this is the case? Can you encode PCM with Dolby Surround 'stuff'?)

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Damage Newbie

Damage

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Posted (edited)

4a, 4b:

No, with a caveat.

Data files on HiMD should play back as it was originally intended to (files that are dragged and dropped, not recorded or transcoded). Future Audio CODECs may incorporate surround data, and they should play back perfectly with your computer's assistance.

Recorded materials from digital surround streams (such as DTS and DD), no: Please see Recording Question no.6 for more details.

4c. Dolby Surround?

With PCM and SP (not HiSP) recording, you can record and play Dolby Pro Logic (unconfirmed with Pro Logic II) signals without apparent loss of surround encoding signals:

http://www.minidisc.org/faq_sec_4.html#_q37

Dolby ProLogic Surround is encoded in the stereo signal through phase shifting. Does the MD's transform coding interfere with the "Surround" information after recording and playback?

I have done extensive testing with this, and have yet to find a single instance where the MD encoding/decoding affected the Pro-Logic encoding in any way. In every test I did, the surround steering information remained intact, and the result sounded precisely like the original.

Scott MacLean (scottm -at- netbound.com, e-mail address may bounce)

More on the subject, thanks to the guru, dex Otaku

Dolby surround will work with any recording mode that uses true stereo [sP] or joint-stereo recording [as low as HiLP; part of how joint-stereo works is actually the same as how basic Dolby Surround encoding works, incidentally]. Loss of 'steering detail' will occur at lower bitrates, but both Dolby Stereo and Prologic-II recordings will work when played from HiMD.

All matrix-encoded stereo formats [Dolby Surround and otherwise] should work properly playing from HiMD; note that low-quality encoding will always affect the rear channels most obviously, as compressionartifacts tend to show up as out-of-phase signals/sounds quite frequently. This will show up as warbling sounds in the back channel. The solution is, of course, to use a higher bitrate for encoding.

Edited by Damage
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Damage

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Recording

1. Can I upload my old MD recordings with my Hi-MD unit?

Currently, no. It maybe possible that this function maybe enabled for fast uploading of MD and netMD recordings via USB port.

You can, however, record your MD materials back onto your computer in real time using audio editing tools, such as Cool Edit, Total Recorder, or Adobe Audition.

2. Which microphones should I use with my Hi-MD?

2a. For Concerts and Live performances?

2b. Vocal Recordings or lectures?

2c. Stealthy Recording?

2d. Can I use my headphones as a microphone?

3. How should I record my CDs?

Several Methods:

1. Digital to Digital.

Using your DVD set-top box, Playstation2, or your CD Walkman with optical line-out is probably the least error prone method of CD Recording. Using a TOSLINK to MINI optical cable (included in NH900, NH1, or obtained at your local electronics or discounters, such as Circuit City or Target), connect the TOSLINK end (shaped like "D" with a prong sticking out) to your DVD/PS2/XBOX's "Digital Out" port. Connect the mini-optical end (shaped like your mini headphone port, but in plastic) to your Digital IN port of your MD Player (white circle, right below the USB port).

In the event your DVD player only has Coaxial Digital out, you will need a converter from Coaxial to Optical. You should be able to obtain one at your local electronics shop.

Enable Sync Recording by going to your menu (REC Set->SYNC REC->ON) and if desired, GROUP REC (REC Set->Group REC->ON). Hit Record on your HiMD unit, your HiMD should be paused ready for the digital signal from your DVD/CD/XBOX/PS2. Press Play on your DVD/CD/XBOX/PS2 to record.

Track divisions will be entered automatically by track marks on your CD.Use of your PC is not recommended because certain sound cards will not properly transfer track marks from your CD to the MD. (MSI K7N-ILSR has been known to fudge this up).

2. Analog to Digital

DVD/XBOX with Breakout box:

Obtain a male RCA Stereo (Red/white prongs) to stereo mini-jack cable from Radio Shack, Target, or your favorite electronics store. Connect the male red/white prongs to your DVD player, then connect the mini-jack to Line-In port of your HiMD recorder. Press and Hold Pause while you hit record button to put the HiMD in paused record mode. Press Play on your DVD or XBOX, the hit pause on your HiMD.

2a. PS2/XBOX:

Steps are similar to steps outlined in no. 2, but you will need a female RCA Stereo cable to stero mini-jack plug. You should be able to obtain one from Radio Shack or your favorite electronics store. Connect the Red/White prongs from your console to your cable. Then proceed as outlined in Step no. 2.

2b. CD Walkman:

Steps are similar to no. 2, but you will need a mini-jack to mini-jack cable.

4. Can I still record in SP mode?

Yes, however, the disc must be in normal MD mode, and the record settings set properly (REC SET->REC MODE->SP). SP tracks are not supported by HiMD blanks nor MD reformatted to HiMD mode.

5. How should I record my .MOD (or other random audio file) file from my computer?

5a. With my Sound Blaster (or Soundcards with no digital output)?

5b. With my SoundStorm Enabled Motherboard (or soundcards with digital output)?

6. Can I record a Dolby Digital track? How about DTS? How about Dolby Pro Logic?

You can not record Dolby Digital on your HiMD because HiMD lacks the proper decoding chip to decode DD tracks (it will be translated into noise by your HiMD unit and will display that it can not record).

No HiMD Units has Dolby Digital or DTS decoder.

Regarding Dolby Pro Logic/Surround and DTS-encoded tracks:

The skinny on surround sound: It might technically be possible to ship the data for a DTS CD to a HiMD in PCM mode, though the forced resampling might munge the data. A HiMD deck with digital output -might- be able to play back this disc as DTS with suitable equipment. Not worth putting in the FAQ, really, but there it is.

Dolby Stereo, Pro Logic, and Pro Logic II all use the same basic standards for matrix-encoding their signal. Any system capable of true stereo encoding or joint stereo encoding [NOT intensity stereo] should work properly for playing back and stereo matrix-surround format. MDLP/LP2 should be capable of this, as well as HiSP, HiLP, and SP as well as PCM modes of recording.

Again, steering information [phase angle and/vs. intensity per channel &c.] will get progressively more damaged as bitrate is lowered as well as with any generation loss incurred by transcodings. In plain English, this means that it will work less well at lower bitrates, but it should still work. Again - compression artifacts will also be more obvious in the decoded rear channel.

Stereo matrix surround formats depend on the "stereo" part for campatibility. Anything that can encode stereo or joint-stereo properly should work with matrix surround. Period.

7. Can I record my Super CD track?

You should be able to record the CD-layer of a Super CD tracks with the methods outlined in Question 3. Likewise, you should be able to record analog Super CD Tracks with the methods outlined in Question 3.

Super CD digital recording methods are as of yet unconfirmed, but though to be not possible due to signal difference between Super CD signal vs. what MD can process digitally (insert Super CD specs vs MD recording specs here).

Note that this method will yield the same quality as normal Digital CD Recording since CD-Compatible layer on a Super CD is the same as a Normal CD Album and there will be no apprecible gain of quality on these recordings.

8. Can I record my U2 DVD concert tracks to my HiMD*?

Yes.

8a. Can I record my DVD-Audio tracks to my HiMD*?

Yes. Analog methods entail the same steps from Question 2.

9. Can I record from my TV? How about my Satellite TV Music?

10. Can I record from my FM Radio?

10a. My HiMD unit comes witha Radio Tuner. Can I record from that tuner to my MD?

11. What is T-Mark button for?

12. What is Download button for?

13. How do I adjust volume during recording, it's entirely too loud!

13a. For microphone recording?

Edited by Damage
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dex Otaku Newbie

dex Otaku

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3. What is the transfer rate with my computer?

File transfers take on the average, 500-550 KB/s (that's Kilobytes per second, not kilobits per second).  It took about 17 minutes to transfer 550 MB file to a 1GB HiMD using NH600D.

Thread URL - Will transfer you to T-Board.

See also: http://minidisc.org/hi-md_faq.html#_q104

Actual transfer rates are specified there for each disc format.

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dex Otaku

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9. What is transcoding exactly and why do a lot of people (some of them vehemently) hate it?

Transcoding (audio or video) occures when you take a lossy-compressed file, decompress it, then recompress it using another lossy compression scheme.  Each time you compress a picture, movie, or song using a lossy compression scheme (a CD track into a MP3 track, for example), the program discards lots of data in order to make the final file small as possible while retaining the quality requsted by the user. 

Transcoding is frowned upon because it throws away more data.  The final quality of the transcoded product is extremely worse compared to the original files.

The loss of quality, however, will indeed vary from person to person, and you may not notice any loss of quality at all in certain cases.  YMMV

Technically, transcoding is converting from any encoded format to another format. Ripping a CD [PCM -> atrac3plus, for example] is transcoding just as much as converting an mp3 to an atrac file is.

Perhaps telling the straight truth on that would only confuse people, though.

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Connectivity

1. Will my HiMD unit go faster if I use USB2.0 (or High Speed) port?

No, current Hi-MD units are not capable of transfer speeds higher than 500-700KBytes per second due to the read/write head of the drive and not USB speed.

2. Can I directly connect my HiMD to my digital camera?

Actually, it's due to the read/write limitations of the disc itself, as well as the transport. This is an important thing to note because part of the limitation is due to the magneto-optical format itself, not because they just made the head block or processing circuitry slow or something.

4a. Does it play multi-channel audio?

No.

4b. Dolby Digital, DTS?

No.

4c. Dolby Surround?

Maybe. (Anyone know if this is the case? Can you encode PCM with Dolby Surround 'stuff'?)

4a. No, but yes: HiMD cannot play any formats other than ATRAC/3/plus and PCM natively.

The yes part: any format that you can drop on the player as a file and play back using basically any player software you can think of can be played from the HiMD. The catch is that, as with mp3s drag & dropped from Explorer, these can't be played -by- the HiMD itself, or by SonicStage.

The long and the short of it is that you can play any file format [audio, video, or otherwise] while using HiMD as a data drive as long as the file's bandwidth doesn't exceed the HiMD's read speeds.

4b. See above.

4c. Dolby surround will work with any recording mode that uses true stereo [sP] or joint-stereo recording [as low as HiLP; part of how joint-stereo works is actually the same as how basic Dolby Surround encoding works, incidentally]. Loss of 'steering detail' will occur at lower bitrates, but both Dolby Stereo and Prologic-II recordings will work when played from HiMD.

All matrix-encoded stereo formats [Dolby Surround and otherwise] should work properly playing from HiMD; note that low-quality encoding will always affect the rear channels most obviously, as compressionartifacts tend to show up as out-of-phase signals/sounds quite frequently. This will show up as warbling sounds in the back channel. The solution is, of course, to use a higher bitrate for encoding.

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Recording

1. Can I upload my old MD recordings with my Hi-MD unit?

Currently, no.  It maybe possible that this function maybe enabled for fast uploading of MD and netMD recordings via USB port.

You can, however, record your MD materials back onto your computer in real time using audio editing tools, such as Cool Edit, Total Recorder, or Adobe Audition.

2. Which microphones should I use with my Hi-MD?

2a. For Concerts and Live performances?

2b. Vocal Recordings or lectures?

2c. Stealthy Recording?

2d. Can I use my headphones as a microphone?

3. How should I record my CDs?

Several Methods:

1.  Digital to Digital.

Using your DVD set-top box, Playstation2, or your CD Walkman with optical line-out is probably the least error prone method of CD Recording.  Using a TOSLINK to MINI optical cable (included in NH900, NH1, or obtained at your local electronics or discounters, such as Circuit City or Target), connect the TOSLINK end (shaped like "D" with a prong sticking out) to your DVD/PS2/XBOX's "Digital Out" port.  Connect the mini-optical end (shaped like your mini headphone port, but in plastic) to your Digital IN port of your MD Player (white circle, right below the USB port).

In the event your DVD player only has Coaxial Digital out, you will need a converter from Coaxial to Optical.  You should be able to obtain one at your local electronics shop. 

Enable Sync Recording by going to your menu (REC Set->SYNC REC->ON) and if desired, GROUP REC (REC Set->Group REC->ON).  Hit Record on your HiMD unit, your HiMD should be paused ready for the digital signal from your DVD/CD/XBOX/PS2.  Press Play on your DVD/CD/XBOX/PS2 to record. 

Track divisions will be entered automatically by track marks on your CD.

Use of your PC is not recommended because certain sound cards will not properly transfer track marks from your CD to the MD.  (MSI K7N-ILSR has been known to fudge this up).

2.  Analog to Digital

DVD/XBOX with Breakout box:

Obtain a male RCA Stereo (Red/white prongs) to stereo mini-jack cable from Radio Shack, Target, or your favorite electronics store.  Connect the male red/white prongs to your DVD player, then connect the mini-jack to Line-In port of your HiMD recorder.  Press and Hold Pause while you hit record button to put the HiMD in paused record mode.  Press Play on your DVD or XBOX, the hit pause on your HiMD.

2a.  PS2/XBOX:

Steps are similar to steps outlined in no. 2, but you will need a female RCA Stereo cable to stereo mini-jack plug.  You should be able to obtain one from Radio Shack or your favorite electronics store.  Connect the Red/White prongs from your console to your cable.  Then proceed as outlined in Step no. 2.

2b.  CD Walkman:

Steps are similar to no. 2, but you will need a mini-jack to mini-jack cable.

4. Can I still record in SP mode?

Yes, however, the disc must be in normal MD [also known as NetMD]mode, and the record settings set properly (REC SET->REC MODE->SP).  SP tracks are not supported by HiMD blanks nor MD reformatted to HiMD mode.

5. How should I record my .MOD (or other random audio file) file from my computer?

5a. With my Sound Blaster (or Soundcards with no digital output)?

5b. With my SoundStorm Enabled Motherboard (or soundcards with digital output)?

6. Can I record a Dolby Digital track? How about DTS? How about Dolby Pro Logic?

You can not record Dolby Digital or DTS tracks on your HiMD because HiMD lacks the proper decoding chip to decode DD or DTS tracks (it will be translated into noise by your HiMD unit and will display that it can not record). 

Dolby Pro Logic is stereo signal encoded with surround information.  ATRAC (not MDLP) has been known to properly record Dolby Pro Logic Surround tracks.  Please see Connectivity Question 4 for more details.

Dolby Pro Logic II recordings are as of yet unconfirmed (their use is limited thus far to games).  ATRAC3plus recording are as of yet unconfirmed (someone has Dolby Pro Logic Track we can test this with?).

The skinny on surround sound: It might technically be possible to ship the data for a DTS CD to a HiMD in PCM mode, though the forced resampling might munge the data. A HiMD deck with digital output -might- be able to play back this disc as DTS with suitable equipment. Not worth putting in the FAQ, really, but there it is.

Dolby Stereo, Prologic, and Prologic II all use the same basic standards for matrix-encoding their signal. Any system capable of true stereo encoding or joint stereo encoding [NOT intensity stereo] should work properly for playing back and stereo matrix-surround format. MDLP / LP2 should be capable of this, as well as HiSP, HiLP, and SP as well as PCM modes of recording.

Again, steering information [phase angle and/vs. intensity per channel &c.] will get progressively more damaged as bitrate is lowered as well as with any generation loss incurred by transcodings. In plain English, this means that it will work less well at lower bitrates, but it should still work. Again - compression artifacts will also be more obvious in the decoded rear channel.

Stereo matrix surround formats depend on the "stereo" part for campatibility. Anything that can encode stereo or joint-stereo properly should work with matrix surround. Period.

7. Can I record my Super CD track?

You should be able to record the CD-layer of a Super CD tracks with the methods outlined in Question 3.   Likewise, you should be able to record analog Super CD Tracks with the methods outlined in Question 3.

Super CD digital recording methods are as of yet unconfirmed, but though to be not possible due to signal difference between Super CD signal vs. what MD can process digitally (insert Super CD specs vs MD recording specs here).

Important note: any stereo analogue source that follows the general standard of home stereo equipment [eg. tape decks, satellite receivers, CD players, VCRs, another MD, &c.] can be recorded to HiMD. This should probably be the #1 answer in "what can I record from?" since the correct answer is basically "anything you have to right kind of cable to plug in to."

Another important note: while many receivers now have SACD convertors built-in, there is no way to directly copy the DSD stream digitally without using equipment made just for that purpose. It is possible [nay, easiest] to copy a stereo SACD by analogue means simply by using the correct kind of cable for your equipment. The same applies with DVDs, and in fact, any analogue source.

8. Can I record my U2 DVD concert tracks to my HiMD*?

Yes.

8a. Can I record my DVD-Audio tracks to my HiMD*?

Yes.

8a. See answer re: SACD. Copying DVD audio digitally may not be possible, depending on the format it was recorded in. Analogue copies [in stereo] are always possible.

9. Can I record from my TV? How about my Satellite TV Music?

You can record from any analogue source as long as you have the proper cabling. [An obvious exception to this is from turntables, which require a phono preamp to be recorded from.]

10. Can I record from my FM Radio?

You can record from any analogue source as long as you have the proper cabling.

10a. My HiMD unit comes witha Radio Tuner. Can I record from that tuner to my MD?

No. The radio [in the remote] does not have a feed going back to the recorder, so alas, this is not possible.

11. What is T-Mark button for?

Pressing it while recording will cause a track mark to be inserted; the track that was being recorded will be marked as ending, and a new track will begin.

12. What is Download button for?

I don't even know the answer for this. smile.gif

13. How do I adjust volume during recording, it's entirely too loud!

13a. For microphone recording?

Two interpretations for this:

A1: Turn down the volume control. The HiMD routes whatever input you are recording from straight to the headphone output, so you can hear what you're recording. The normal volume control affects the headphone volume while recording just as when playing back.

A2: The record levels are too high / the mic sensitivity is set incorrectly / the mic is too close to the subject. In this case, using manual record levels and setting them lower, switching the mic sensitivity from "high" to "low", or moving the mic farther from the subject should fix the problem.

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zerodB

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12. What is Download button for?

I don't even know the answer for this.  smile.gif

I believe the Download button is used to integrate with MD Simpleburner 2.0. When the download button on your unit is pressed, MD Simpleburner (if running in your system tray) will proceed to rip the audio of the current CD in your cd-rom drive to MD.

Someone please confirm?

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streaml1ne Newbie

streaml1ne

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Another important note: while many receivers now have SACD convertors built-in, there is no way to directly copy the DSD stream digitally without using equipment made just for that purpose.  It is possible [nay, easiest] to copy a stereo SACD by analogue means simply by using the correct kind of cable for your equipment.  The same applies with DVDs, and in fact, any analogue source.

8a. See answer re: SACD.  Copying DVD audio digitally may not be possible, depending on the format it was recorded in.  Analogue copies [in stereo] are always possible.

Too bad there's no analog means to easily downmix multichannel SACD to 2ch Stereo. At least with DVD-A most offer 2ch versions of the multichannel tracks.

Edited by streaml1ne
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dex Otaku Newbie

dex Otaku

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2-channel version on DVD-A, as with the compatibility layer on SACD, are completely different mixes of the same tracks.

Mixing down a 5.1 source to 2.0 channels != engineering a whole other take in stereo.

If you're listening in stereo, you want a stereo source. Downmixed multichannel is NOT a substitute.

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streaml1ne

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2-channel version on DVD-A, as with the compatibility layer on SACD, are completely different mixes of the same tracks. 

Mixing down a 5.1 source to 2.0 channels != engineering a whole other take in stereo.

If you're listening in stereo, you want a stereo source.  Downmixed multichannel is NOT a substitute.

Yea, I know, but sometimes it's multichannel or no channel, and it'd be nice to have the higher fidelity copy to listen to elsewhere besides the home theater. </pipe_dream>

Edited by streaml1ne
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I believe the Download button is used to integrate with MD Simpleburner 2.0. When the download button on your unit is pressed, MD Simpleburner (if running in your system tray) will proceed to rip the audio of the current CD in your cd-rom drive to MD.

Someone please confirm?

Correct, but I believe it works with older versions of SB, too.

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Damage Newbie

Damage

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Regarding Download button, someone can just cut and paste:

Only featured on the NH600D model (can anyone confirm for NH3D (?) model?), the download button allows instant recording from PC to your HiMD unit via SimpleBurner 2.0. One your HiMD unit is connected to your PC, and the SimpleBurner is running in your tray area, a popup box will inform you that it is ready for transfer. All you now have to do is press the download button on your unit, and transfer will begin automatically.

With other models, hold the T-Mark Button while toggling or pressing record. This will enable the same function as the download button. This works for all models with Record/T-Mark Button but no download button.

This function is not compatible with SonicStage 2.

Edited by Damage
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Damage

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Another important note: while many receivers now have SACD convertors built-in, there is no way to directly copy the DSD stream digitally without using equipment made just for that purpose. It is possible [nay, easiest] to copy a stereo SACD by analogue means simply by using the correct kind of cable for your equipment. The same applies with DVDs, and in fact, any analogue source.

Doesn't most, if not all SACDs, come dual layer (One CD-Redbook Layer, the other SACD specific layer, ala dual layer DVDs)? If that is the case, then you can just pop in a SACD then copy digitally on a MD as its been the case. Mind you, I don't have any SACDs to verify this one in any matter of the sorts.

dex Otaku, thanks for the info on Surround sound stuff, I will incorporate those info in the original post.

Finally, as for Satellite TV Music, I've tried this optical SP recording, and the final result was very poor (Dish PVR box, results were muddy, warbly, all seemingly indicates that it was very highly, ie low bitrate, encoded audio to begin with). I wrote this section, breaking things down to lot of electronics that most people would have but having very little to no experience recording such materials. Rather than just saying "get the right cable and record (though that is indeed the catch all answer to How do I record from XYZ?)" I think a little bit of handholding would work wonders to cut down redundancy in the forums.

Edited by Damage
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dex Otaku Newbie

dex Otaku

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Doesn't most, if not all SACDs, come dual layer (One CD-Redbook Layer, the other SACD specific layer, ala dual layer DVDs)?  If that is the case, then you can just pop in a SACD then copy digitally on a MD as its been the case.  Mind you, I don't have any SACDs to verify this one in any matter of the sorts.

dex Otaku, thanks for the info on Surround sound stuff, I will incorporate those info in the original post.

Finally, as for Satellite TV Music, I've tried this optical SP recording, and the final result was very poor (Dish PVR box, results were muddy, warbly, all seemingly indicates that it was very highly, ie low bitrate, encoded audio to begin with).  I wrote this section, breaking things down to lot of electronics that most people would have but having very little to no experience recording such materials.  Rather than just saying "get the right cable and record (though that is indeed the catch all answer to How do I record from XYZ?)" I think a little bit of handholding would work wonders to cut down redundancy in the forums.

If we were to wiki-ise this, and have inline media, the catch-all could work nicely.

Put a photo of an RCA output up and say, "If it has this coming out of it" &c. That way all people have to do is identify whether or not the plugs/jacks look the same.

And yeah, it may seem a copout, but really, the procedure for any recording is identical once you have the equipment hooked up. It's hooking it up that's different every time, so concentrating on what all those different pieces of equipment have in common is.. well, that's the idea. From my POV at least.

How does that go.. give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. Something like that.

Anyway, enough pontificating.

Incidentally, the SACD thing is true, as you said above. The important thing to note is that what you're ripping is a CD-compatibility layer, which will usually be a 2-track mastered version of the same recording, same as would come on a normal CD. I.E. in copying the CD layer of an SACD, you're gaining absolutely nothing over ripping a plain CD version, unless it was another remaster or something.

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Damage Newbie

Damage

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not entirely true

With my MZ-NH700 if Simple Burner is running in the system tray and a CD is inserted, it will pop up an info box with options. If this box is ignored or closed the display on the MD unit goes from

PC--MD to

D-L READY

PC--MD

at this point pressing the T MARK/REC button and pressing Enter (Play) it starts the download. Not one button but certainly somewhat automated.

Verify for other units please

Confirmed with NH1 and NH900. Since NH800 and 700 are essentially the same, you've confirmed for us for NH8/700.

Much appreciated ROMBUSTERS.

Edited by Damage
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