MZ-RH Questions (easy if you own one!)

[richthebeard]

Hi there, I have been researching Hi-MD players on this forum for quite a while, but have some questions about the RH range that, although they may be answered somewhere here, I can't seem to find definitive answers for. Feel free to point me to relevant posts if i've been stupid.

Background

I currently own a MZ-N1 which is a great little player but has a few flaws:

- Transferring recorded tracks to PC is a pain

- Having to convert .mp3s to upload them

- Having to have music from CDs in .omg format (if i want to avoid the last problem)

So I am looking at selling the MZ-N1 and buying a Hi-MD recorder. I initially liked the NH1, but although it seems like good pieces of kit I am leaning towards the RH range for battery life and mp3 compatability (questions on those later). I need a mic in, so that lead me ot either the RH910 or RH10.

Questions on the RH10 and RH910 (in order of significance)

1) Can I drag-and-drop mp3s? or do i have to go through SonicStage? Could you point me to somewhere with a Hi-MD mp3 overview?

2) Are uploads from analogue sources on Hi-MD to PC restricted to once only? Does the original file on the Hi-MD get deleted?

3) I have read that mp3 playback only works with MPEG1 encoding. Obviously you don't know my mp3 collection, but what is the likeleyhood of having to re-encode? What happens with mp3s encoded with MPEG2 etc?

4) Is a standard USB connector used? Can I connect and download/upload mp3s etc. to other PCs without drivers?

5) I only have USB 1 available. Is that a problem (besides "it'll be slower")?

6) I know there are dimensions and weights online, but could someone who has experienced a MZ-N1 and/or the RH910/10 let me know the physical differences in laymans terms (i.e. "it's a bit lighter / fatter / heavier / thinner / more spiky")

7) Do they both use gumstick batteries and come with external AA battery pack like my MZ-N1?

8) Can I play MDs through my PC speakers via USB (i.e. if i try playing tracks on my MZ-N1 using SonicStage, audio only comes through the MD player, not the computer)? If so, is this possible for standard-format MDs or just Hi-MD formatted MDs? Is this clear enough, or entirely incomprehensible?

9) Is the difference between the RH910 and RH10 purely aesthetic and supplied battery?

10) Is it worth upgrading?

11) Strategy - I'm not worried about buying a second-hand player, but would the best place to buy be ebay? If so, should I bag a pre-christmas bargain or wait for those unwanted xmas gifts?

Thanks very much for any help, the forum in general has also been extremely useful.

Rich

Edited December 10, 2005 by richthebeard

[akijikan]

What I can answer:

4) Yes

5) No, the MD unit only does USB 1.1, not 2

7) Yes

9) Yes

11) Prices on all electronics are usually lower after christmas

[sebastianbf]

1) you have to transfer mp3s through SonicStage. There are a couple of post discussing the quality of mp3s played in 2nd generation Himds. My recommendation: go with ATRAC.

2) you can upload the file all the times you want with the last SS version 3.3. The file will stay ion the recorder too.

6) umm.... i had a mzr900 and i think it's very similar in size and weight with the mzn1. So, the 2nd generation recorders are bigger and heavier. Try to look for reviews in the pictorial section of the forum. I think there you'll find some pictures comparing mzrh10 with other smaller models (maybe the mzn1 or a similar model in size).

8) incomprehensible. lol, just kidding. you can hear songs through computer speakers only when the disc is recorded in himd mode. If it's recorded in standard format you can only hear the songs through your headphones connected to the recorder.

10) it's up to you.

[Richard]

3) I have read that mp3 playback only works with MPEG1 encoding. Obviously you don't know my mp3 collection, but what is the likeleyhood of having to re-encode? What happens with mp3s encoded with MPEG2 etc?

And the answer to the final question is indeed only MPEG1 44.1khz sample rate CBR/VBR 32-320 kbps. Anything else like MP2 must be converted to Atrac via Sonic Stage or re-encoded from the original source to MPEG1.

[Human]

richthebeard

9) Is the difference between the RH910 and RH10 purely aesthetic and supplied battery?

=========================================================

Look at my post /answer\ to blue it my post - maybe it will be of some help to You, I put them both together to see the differences.

posted in this Thread: "Hi-MD"

posted by: blu

Posted In: Ladies and Gentlemen... RH10 or RH910?

My ansver ::: (Human) ::: Posted on: Nov 18 2005, 01:59 AM in Forum: Hi-MD Post Previev: #78596

Sony MZ-RH10 Features:

Sony MZ-RH910 Features:

EDIT: here is the link, I hope it will work

http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=13186

Edited December 10, 2005 by Human