TheSoulMaster Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 Having purchsed 7 years ago an MZR-50 (which is still fully functional & in immaculate condition) & then a MZ-NH1 & also a mds-jb930, I am still a huge md fan. However, I did recently get a NW-A3000 mp3 player at xmas time becuase I thought the md had come to it's lasts legs,but then we get the new Sonicstage which has completely blown me away & restored my faith in md.So what next for md - will Sony really abandon this fantastic format, will I need to eventually discard / junk my near £1000 investment in md equipment & 400 md's of recorded md's ? or should I hold off in the hope that Sony might, just might, wake up to the fact the md is still a popular & viable product globally ?Just interested in comments from fellow md'ers (plus what's this all about some April announecement from Sony ref MD - is that wishful thinking or BS ??)Tks,TheSoulMaster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tekdroid Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 So what next for md - will Sony really abandon this fantastic format, will I need to eventually discard / junk my near £1000 investment in md equipment & 400 md's of recorded md's ?Use it until it meets your needs best. If other units or technology take that place, use them instead.It really is that simple.April announcements? Dunno. New models normally come out every year, so that sounds about right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezra4no1 Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 (edited) Use it until it meets your needs best. If other units or technology take that place, use them instead.It really is that simple.It really isn't that simple and I think you are missing the point.If I hear him correctly I think what he may be really asking is, "Should I keep digging a deeper whole or bale out?"I had a few thousand dollars in MD equipment and became discourage by Sony's actions. Of course all of that MD equipment could of still have been used today and worked fine, but truth is, Do you really want to keep building and investing your time and money in an 8-track collection if 8-track is bound to fail? Well that is what MD is today. Why invest yor time in recording on to another 200 minidiscs only to see Sony leave the technology 1 or 2 years from now? For me.. it was too much of a gamble, so I baled and sold all my equipment and am happier with my Mp3 Player. I gave Sony a chance and it was too little, too late. Even now with all the improvements with Hi-MDs there are still rumors that Sony my just drop the whole thing. Edited February 25, 2006 by Ezra4no1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pug Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Minidisc suits my needs and will continue to suit my needs for quite sometime. I now have enough blank discs to last me a hell of a long time several good working units.Sure technology moves on but as it shifts I'll be hanging on picking up older units. I just can't justify spending 200 quid on any type of portable audio equipmet and 2-3 years ago I dreamt of owning 909's 910's N1's etc. Now these units are all well within budget. I've just bought a Panasonic 220 from Ebay (plus another 30 discs) for a ridiculously cheap price - and as long as i can get top end MDLP units and discs I'm a happy man. I just need to wait another 2 years for top end HI-MD units to come down to a ridiculousy cheap price.If Sony drops the whole thing I'm not sure how much of an effect it will really have on me. In ten years time I may well be a bit of a dinosaur but I don't mind too much as long as I can get hold of blank discs.CheersPug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky191 Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 (edited) I don't care if its obsolete if I find it still useful. However as a player its simpler, easier and more efficient to use a MP3 player these days. Edited February 23, 2006 by Sparky191 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrazyIvan Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 MD just works for me. I'll keep on using it until it stops working for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATELETRONICS Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 md is awesome and i will never stop using it even if its not supported anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 The only thing i would say the MD has over mp3 players is just that...they dont record (well the cheaper ones dont)they are just players.I started a thread saying i have given up on MD and was going over to mp3 but i found i couldnt get one that records for anywhere near the cost of my new RH10.Im still going to get a mp3 player (just noticed today Dixons are doing the little Q-bee 1gb player for £39) to playback my recordings once i transfer them from the MD because i think the Solid state mp3 players are more convenient to slip in a pocket for say jogging or just walking about. much less to go wrong.Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1kyle Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 (edited) I think the 8-track tape was a bad example. I've still got a Record deck that can still play 78 RPM's as well as albums and 45's. I use this from time to time and I'm not going to throw it away any time soon.I have a really top end high end MD deck and a bookshelf unit -- these will last me for ages yet even if the whole format IS dropped (which I don't think it will be). I have portable units as well and enough blank disks to last almost a lifetime so even if Sony does its worst I'll still be able to use the MD's for years to come.Some older equipment STILL works great even if newer technology is available.After all we can still ride horses even though cars have largely replaced the horse for travel,and in spite of people showing me those big buly personal organisers that seem to be a hugely popular gadget for the younger generation -- a notebook and ball point pen still works perfectly for me.Don't get rid of ALL equipment just because something newer comes along --it's not always BETTER.Also the big bugbear with MP3 players etc --apart from the sound quality which IMO is questionable is that to do anything useful with them you have to use a computer -- I like to listen to a high end deck on high quality speaker withoou a computer ANYWHERE NEAR ME.Cheers-K Edited February 24, 2006 by 1kyle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezra4no1 Posted February 25, 2006 Report Share Posted February 25, 2006 I think the 8-track tape was a bad example. I've still got a Record deck that can still play 78 RPM's as well as albums and 45's. I use this from time to time and I'm not going to throw it away any time soon.Exactly, and thanks for proving my point about the 8-track. Doesn't matter that you still use it, but does matter that it is a dead technology. If Sony ends the MiniDisc, I'm sure there will scores of people around the world that will keep using the absolete technology for years and probably decades. And if MD technology keeps working for them, much like those people who use vintage 8-tracks, LPs, in 45s and 78s, or let it be the betamax or Laserdisc than go ahead. I never suggessted that it all needed to go away - just that it is or would be a dead technolgy, much like the Sony Clies and if you have to ask if MDs are worth sticking with, than perhaps it's not, because you are going to love MDs for what they are or you going to hate them for what they are not.And truth is... for the same price of a decent Hi-MD player, they do have Mp3 Playes that can record from all sources, optical, lines in and out, and live..and the fact that all it takes it plugging them to your computer through your USB and worry about no conversions because you already have the Wav file really is a big Plus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblueraja Posted February 25, 2006 Report Share Posted February 25, 2006 Don't get rid of ALL equipment just because something newer comes along --it's not always BETTER.Exactly!! I joined the ranks of MD just over a year ago and a big reason is that despite the 'dying' nature of support, releases, etc, it's a GOOD, solid product!! I love the durability of the discs, the sound quality, etc... and Sony FINALLY did the software right (SS 3.4). It's all I want. I don't care if there's a 3,000 GB iPod that cooks dinner, I still want to spin a little disc in a beautiful square-like box and even get strange looks for doing it... I care not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainbow69 Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 I've used md's for 10+ years now...and I've got to say that it'll go down in history as the BetaMax format for audio that didn't make it...but tried. MD is a good technology, but Apple at the industry just as Microsoft ate the Apple. I use my 3rd gen ipod all the time...but I just purchsed today the RH10 HI-MD for data storage purposes...and maybe some music. It'll function for a storage device for me 1GB for $7 on an MD as opposed to 1GB on a Memory Stick for $90...but the player/recorder looks nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblueraja Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 I just purchsed today the RH10 HI-MD for data storage purposes...What an insult to the device. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky191 Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 .... 1GB for $7 on an MD as opposed to 1GB on a Memory Stick for $90...Plus the cost of the device.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e1ghtyf1ve Posted February 27, 2006 Report Share Posted February 27, 2006 What an insult to the device. Indeed. Storage as the primary reason given for purchase just isn't right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainbow69 Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 MEH! It's not a thing... I use my iPod to play my music at work. I'm going to use the MD for my old 74min MD music collection and new Hi-MD to store my photos. I just wanna clear out my hard drive and saving all those RAW files from my Camera...it needs to go somewhere. Not on a CD/DVD because those damage too easily. PLUS I have 50 blank MD's that have been sitting in my room for the past 8 years unopened, unused.I have the right to spend my money for whatever reason/purpose. How I see fit to use my gear is up to me alone.Truth be known, the cost of the device is negliable. My first gen Aiwa has been working great and will for many years to come. I expect the same for the RH10.What do you ppl do to store your family/vacation photos? Hard drive? CD? DVD? Tape?Oh wellz...B&H sent it out today. Toooo late to cancel Can't wait for it to arrive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblueraja Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 What do you ppl do to store your family/vacation photos? Hard drive? CD? DVD? Tape?I backup photos on CDRs or DVDRs... as long as they are stored well, they should last until the next storage medium... I'd be afraid to store photos on MD discs mainly for some odd compatability issues we could have 10 years down the road w/ MD portables & Windows 2016 or whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazer78 Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 i had given up on MD, after my mzr-501 broke after one year and my mzr-900 in 2 years. Then i got my mz-nh1 and its so damn good. Currently deciding whether to get the Sharp MD-DS55 player, or the Sony MZ-E630 player lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainbow69 Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 (edited) I backup photos on CDRs or DVDRs... as long as they are stored well, they should last until the next storage medium... I'd be afraid to store photos on MD discs mainly for some odd compatability issues we could have 10 years down the road w/ MD portables & Windows 2016 or whatever.Bill Gates projected that within 5 years time, all memory will be solid state devices and we see that trend growing as the 8GB CF card is growing in demand these days. Not only that, we also see Sony dumping the MD format in Australia and Canada and fairly soon elsewhere in the world. Optical drives like MiniDiscs are more costly to manufacturer than solid state devices like mp3 players. Gates believes that there will no longer be any optical drive units. Well, in that case...you know what? I don't believe that CD/DVD/BlueRay/HD DVD drives will be an issue by the time we roll around to Windows 2016 or whatever.The only fear I have is the unreliability of HiMD as I've noticed lots of ppl here talking about transfer failure. I may end up storing my pictures on 74/80min MD's instead.USB is 'Universal Serial Bus' for a reason. That (v.2.0) and firewire run at about the same speed. It'll most likely be the last hard connection medium we'll see as everything is becoming wireless. There is no worry that manufacturers will stop using USB. It's too widespread in just about every electronic device from cameras, phones, music players, etc.Those at DPReview.com agree that CD and DVD are poor storage medias for photos, however not as poor as Hard Drives. Aging effects of DVD's/CD's and it's susceptibility to damage is large. Tape is agreed to be the best form of storage but who in the right mind will buy a tape drive? The next storage medium will likely be a solid state nonvolatile memory storage device. Where I live is dry and static is a problem. I've had my issues and resulting loss of info with dead USB keys because of static, as well as entire drives being erased after I went thru airport security gates. Don't get me wrong. The MD's primary function is to play music/record. I'll use it for that purpose But when I go to yoga class, dance class, and when I workout...it won't be with the MD cause I wanna focus on my exercise instead of having to change discs. Edited March 1, 2006 by rainbow69 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblueraja Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 But when I go to yoga class, dance class, and when I workout...it won't be with the MD cause I wanna focus on my exercise instead of having to change discs.What kind of Yoga/Dance are you doing that would require more than 13 CDs?? (HiMD), or even 3-4 CDs on standard... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainbow69 Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 (edited) hehehehehe just the fact of carrying my entire moosic collection on one device instead of on a bunch of discs feels better for me...in case my mood changes. loland everyone at my clubs have our ipods strapped to our arms (like a secret club). lol...we're so sexy edit: let me clarify that. we're sexy not cos of the kinda music player we use. we're just hotties! lol Edited March 1, 2006 by rainbow69 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcou Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 The only fear I have is the unreliability of HiMD as I've noticed lots of ppl here talking about transfer failure. I may end up storing my pictures on 74/80min MD's instead. I never lost one DATA/music that I had transfered to Md or Himd since 1995! ( but I've learnt to use only Sony or TDK discs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky191 Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 I have a Apple Quadra bought in 1994 still running as originally bought, 12mb ram/230mb HD. Still perfect. never lost anything on that either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainbow69 Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 I have a Apple Quadra bought in 1994 still running as originally bought, 12mb ram/230mb HD. Still perfect. never lost anything on that either.1994? My Aiwa F70 is from 1998...and I've never lost anyt data on any MD's either. Hence, my recent purchase of the new HiMD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky191 Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 Well it might have been 1993. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDGB2 Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 and everyone at my clubs have our ipods strapped to our arms (like a secret club). lol...we're so sexy edit: let me clarify that. we're sexy not cos of the kinda music player we use. we're just hotties! lolSounds a bit silly to me... Baa! One of us, one of us.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vxla Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 So I'm thinking about getting a new MD recorder after my MZ-N707 has been getting flakey on me, and my MZ-N1 won't play out (I dropped it and now the audio out doesn't work).Does the MZ-RH910 allow for transfer between the device and computer via USB so I don't have to sit there and analog out between the device and computer? My only reason for having this is to record performances that I do (I'm a musician) and don't use the device for anything else. I just keep the MD recordings around in case I need them in the future, but mostly everything gets imported as an MP3 from the device with Audacity as the intermediary.Or should I look at other recorders? I don't like Sony because they push DRM so heavily in all their products, but MDs are wonderful. Are there any solid-state devices that compare in just writing a raw .wav file and being able to pull it off the device?Thanks!- Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A440 Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 Does the MZ-RH910 allow for transfer between the device and computer via USB?- EricYes it does. Welcome to Hi-MD. You need to upload through SonicStage, which is now more reliable than the version that came with your MZ-N707, and then convert to .wav. As for other .wav recorders, if you want to pay more you can investigate the M-Audio Microtrack and the Edirol R-1, but both are first-generation devices and have some quirks (like noisy microphone preamps). Or you can look at www.core-sound.com for its PDA recording setup. http://www.core-sound.com/pdaudio_system/1.phpBut minidisc seems like the least expensive, most portable option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcou Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 To be free of all type of DRM you need to use Sonicstage 3.4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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