Suggestions To Sony For Md To Survive

[ndj]

I have an original MD component deck and player only walkman. I'd only upgrade to a new HiMD if it was:

1) fully backwards compatible

2) could upload songs off original MD discs onto a computer hard-drive

3) could edit songs and song titles on the computer

4) could download songs back to a minidisc in all MD formats including the original SP (for compatibility with my "old" component deck)

5) could drag and drop onto MDs from a computer with no laborious software shuffling.

6) have I missed anything?

Why do I think that's not going to happen?

[atrain]

I have an original MD component deck and player only walkman.  I'd only upgrade to a new HiMD if it was:

1) fully backwards compatible

2) could upload songs off original MD discs onto a computer hard-drive

3) could edit songs and song titles on the computer

4) could download songs back to a minidisc in all MD formats including the original SP (for compatibility with my "old" component deck)

5) could drag and drop onto MDs from a computer with no laborious software shuffling.

6) have I missed anything?

Why do I think that's not going to happen?

←

1/ they do playback & even record in netmd modes via sonicstage

2/ never going to happen.

3/ you can do both of these.

4/ aside from SP all other modes are supported. false or netmd SP [lp2@132kbs] will playback in your older gear.

5/ ipods don't do this. i agree SS could be a lot better.

[saaron]

I have an original MD component deck and player only walkman.  I'd only upgrade to a new HiMD if it was:

6) have I missed anything?

Why do I think that's not going to happen?

←

7. Ability to record/edit LP2 discs WITHOUT Sonic Stage.

8. Cross-platform support for Sonic Stage, i.e., replace with a platform-neutral (java) application or port to Mac OS X/Linux -- remember that it is an electronics company and not a front for the Vaio business. After all the original Walkman didn't force people to buy Sony tape recorders to create tapes that played in it, now did it?

9. Open the format to enable different software for encoding in different audio or data formats.

10. Create a full product-line, including component decks, shelf systems, boom boxes, and car decks. Staying a portable-only format looks like a hedge and doesn't encourage people who are already established MD consumers to upgrade as the format could be abandoned in an instant.

I think Sony's fundamental problems stem from their schizophrenic behaviour since acquiring Columbia. They used to be a pure play electronics company and even fought in court to be able to produce machines (betamax) that I doubt they'd even consider building today because of the copyright issue. So, instead of something that could have existed on a level playing field with CD and potentially replaced it by being an open format suitable for both data and audio, we ended up with something that whilst brilliant as a replacement for tape, is still hobbled because of the media arm's desire to protect IP. It's really a pity that Phillips or Sharp didn't invent MD because they would have had no such issues and probably wouldn't have bothered with the pre-recorded media and everyone might be using MD instead of CD-R/W.

It's a missed opportunity, but it might not be too late for Sony to open the format and play up the fact that you don't need a computer to use it and it's more durable and can store more data than CD (in HiMD format). Of course, I'm sure Sony Music and Sony Pictures would continue to prevent such a thing from happening.

[Christopher]

Sony has already opened things quite a bit in my opinion. Maybe a blowout before the demise..

[saaron]

Sony has already opened things quite a bit in my opinion.

←

Could you be more specific? I've really not been keeping up on HiMD developments since I've seen little change in the hardware output, i.e., until the announcement of a deck from Onkyo, nothing but portable units.

[Breepee2]

1) Lossless format like Apple, Atrac Lossless or something

2) Usable, stable and reliable software like iTunes

3) Personal wish: Linux software (if software is still needed)

[Matty]

I actually think the new SonicStage (3.1) is every bit as simple and stable as iTunes. Its way simpler than the old versions and it actually doesn't crash.

Edited May 26, 2005 by Matty

[Syrius]

Three words:

AD-VER-TISE!

I'm so sick of seeing the Ipod silhouettes everywhere. How many ads for MD or Network Walkmans?

Seriously. Sony reminds me of the guy who goes to church and prays so he can win the lottery, but never buys a darn ticket.

[jonny mac]

1. Redesign Sonistage from the ground up - produce a fully working and reliable product. Re-name it to get rid of the SS ghosts...

2. As Syrius said - advertise the format for it's many advantages over flash, CD and HDD

3. ATRAC3+ 128kbps/160kbps codec to surpass LP2

4. Open ATRACand release the DRM currently imposed

5. Support for Macs (and possibly linux)

6. Greater capacity discs (if technically feasible)

7. Amps with output of 8mW at 32 ohms (or more)

8. Get other companies involved so it doesn't look like just Sony flogging a dead horse (appearances count)

9. Make the full range of HiMD units and their accessories available in all regions

Edited May 26, 2005 by jonny mac

[The Low Volta]

darn Jonny, you clearly have been thinking about this

and by the way: I couldn't agree more!

greetings, Volta

[Hironiemus]

1)All of the above

2)Possibility to easily copy MDs (would probably happen if Sony opens the format)

3)New prerecorded discs

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Note for the prerecorded discs:

They should do something like the SA-CD for MD; Hi-MD recorded in Linear PCM, which can also be played in old SP-Players, since many people still own their equipment