What Plays What -- Confusion

[1kyle]

Hi -- I've got a little confused now over what exactly which group of models will play and record what.

As far as I have it I think it works something like this.

Pre Net MD models -- Record and Play back SP only.

Net MD models such as the MZ-N10 will record and play back in SP/LP2/LP4

First gen Hi-MD models such as MZ-NHF800 and NZ-NH1 will record and play back LP2/LP4 and HI-MD modes only (inc PCM)

Later models will record and play back HI-MD modes (inc PCM) only .

(Don't care about MP3 compatability).

I also understand that some newer models don't have a line out --which makes playing in a car radio or other external equipment with an AUX / Line in not possible.

As yet no models have an Optical Out.

From this dogs dinner of a mess there must be some rather strange shenanigans going on at Sony -- The Minidisc is a very convenient format and much more flexible than Hard Disc or memory type players.

So I'm hanging on to my MZ-N10 (net MD) and MZ-NH1 (HI-MD) for now -- I also have the MZ-NHF800 which is useful when I'm travelling as it has a radio as well and uses standard AA batteries so I don't have to worry about re-charging problems.

The NHF800 is my "Backup machine".

I'm passing on the current 2nd gen stuff untill we are a bit clearer in the direction we are heading.

I certainly want a decent LCD screen, a remote and a Line out as a must and ideally I would like at least play back of LP2/LP4 until some decent high end shelf systems with HI-MD come out as well as car units.

My Hi end stuff plays MDLP fine so I'm not giving up on that until something better comes along which it hasn't yet.

I've got money waiting to burn a hole in my pocket Sony --what are you waiting for !!!! --.

Cheers

-K

[The Low Volta]

Hi -- I've got a little confused now over what exactly which group of models will play and record what.

well, seems to me you've got most of it correct, not all (but I know very little about pre-Hi-MD models so not sure about that part)

Later models will record and play back HI-MD  modes (inc PCM) only

they will play back older MD-modes too and can download them through SS (only fake SP though)

(Don't care about MP3 compatability).

couldn't agree more

I also understand that some newer models don't have a line out --which makes playing in a car radio or other external equipment with an AUX / Line in not possible.

"not possible" is way too harsh... "not as clear/good" or "not as easy" is better, as you can still connect through the headphone out, turn off all eq'ing and raise volume to max with the line-out lacking models

So I'm hanging on to my MZ-N10 (net MD) and MZ-NH1 (HI-MD) for now...I also have the MZ-NHF800...I've got money waiting to burn a hole in my pocket Sony --what are you waiting for !!!!

←

dude, now I'm jealous! I've got a NH900 and...nope, that's it and I haven't got any money left

greetings, Volta

[Breepee2]

MD -- SP only

MDLP -- SP, LP2 and LP4

NetMD -- SP, LP2 and LP4 though USB

[Damage]

MD: SP, and some models, MONO mode (some models).

MDLP: SP, LP2, LP4, MONO mode.

NetMD: Same as MDLP. SP via SonicStage only for Downloading only units.

HiMD (NH series): PCM, HiSP, HiLP, 48kbps (via USB only), all MDLP/NetMD Modes. Does not record in Mono, IIRC.

Can record HiMD Formats (PCM, HiSP, HiLP) on HiMD formatted disc AND

Can record MD Formats (SP, LP2, LP4) on MD formatted disc

HiMD (RH series): Same as NH series on playback plus MP3. Can only record in PCM, HiSP, HiLP. 48kbps, LP2/4, and SP via SonicStage only.

Unit can only record onto HiMD formatted disc in HiMD mode.

Note on Line-Out: To say that the 2nd gen HiMDs or RH series lacks a true line out is correct, but that can be said for most modern MD Players/Recorders. That doesn't stop you from taking the same steps, but since the line-out toggle is no longer there, it involves few more steps.