A Beautiful Revelation -- the Epic MZ-RH1 Arrives

[Berke]

Yeah ok, but that drop-off is above 19 KHz. Much better than a dropoff that starts @ 10 KHz. And after analysing the mp3-file that drop-off is also in the original mp3 (so this drop-off is caused by the mp3-encoding, not by the RH1 playing the file).

Yes, thats why MP3 is not a good audio codec as it always has that drop. The drop though is at 19KHz and should not be noticable by many people (some dogs might notice though). The old playback used to have a massive cut at the 10KHz point causing a loss of high frequencies (basically, imagine that drop point appearing half way along the graph and not at the end)

-edit- God this thread updates quickly....

Thanks Guys! I guess I was being too skeptic, simply not believing my eyes or something. Surely RH1 is a great gadget. It waters my mouth!

Ok, who wants to buy a M100?

[MDfreak]

Does this suggest that the LAME encoder is better than Atrac? Seems to me, that LAME, now, as opposed to your original chart, is closer to the PCM.

-Adam

No, this does NOT suggest that Lame is better than ATRAC3. First of all I did not use LAME for the second analysis because I could not get rid of the low-pass (even with -k argument) so I used the Fraunhofer mp3-pro codec. Furthermore a spectrum-analysis does NOT directly say anything about soundquality. Because mp3 and ATRAC are lossy formats and the human ear cannot hear frequencies that are close to each other an audiosignal can be totally different from the original (when looking to the waveform) but can sound almost the same. The same holds for the frequency-spectrum.

Also the differences are very small and the main differences are above what people can hear so everything in the chart above 19 or 20 KHz is not very relevant.

With the second-generation MD's differences began as low as with 10 KHz frequencies so that was a problem very well audible.

the human can ear up to 22kHz frequency.... at this frequency the loss of atrac & mp3 isn't too big....

22 KHz is very optimistic. 20 KHz is normally used and with music for most people a loss in audio above 17 KHz is already very hard to hear.

I also added some improved movies of the RH1's display:

Some little movies

- Display modes

- Navigating the menu

- Recording

These movies are coded in DivX 5 format.

Edited March 27, 2006 by MDfreak

[elenamor]

Okay...for those of us not so tech-savvy... could someone please just tell me if it's possible to do a high speed transfer via a Mac with the MZ-RH1? I am not so rich that I can buy a PC to replace my iBook just to get an MD player.

I want an MD player because after having three, yes three, iPods, I'm over it. They have their place, they're cute etc, but I want removable discs and a lifespan longer than a year (my last iPod lasted a year. Battery failure, class action suit etc still means no portable player anytime soon). I was happy with the iPod until I realized for all the money and annoyance, I could've had several MD players by now. If only they'd work with a Mac. I just want something that'll work. Period.

An answer for the mentally feeble please?

Thanks!!!!

[MDfreak]

Okay...for those of us not so tech-savvy... could someone please just tell me if it's possible to do a high speed transfer via a Mac with the MZ-RH1? I am not so rich that I can buy a PC to replace my iBook just to get an MD player.

I want an MD player because after having three, yes three, iPods, I'm over it. They have their place, they're cute etc, but I want removable discs and a lifespan longer than a year (my last iPod lasted a year. Battery failure, class action suit etc still means no portable player anytime soon). I was happy with the iPod until I realized for all the money and annoyance, I could've had several MD players by now. If only they'd work with a Mac. I just want something that'll work. Period.

An answer for the mentally feeble please?

Thanks!!!!

A high speed transfer of what?

[jadeclaw]

@angrierpenguin: All HiMD-recorders can be used on a Mac as external USB-Data-Drive, from MacOS 9 or later.

Upload of Recordings is possible from the MZ-M100/M10/RH1 with a specialized software, that is included. Download of music onto MD so that it is playable is not possible on the Mac, however, running the included MS-Windows-software (SonicStage) in VMWare or a similar MS-Windows-emulator might be possible.

[elenamor]

A high speed transfer of what?

I wanted to know if I could transfer music files to an MD from a Mac faster than real time (as in through the analogue jack).

[MDfreak]

@angrierpenguin:....Download of music onto MD so that it is playable is not possible on the Mac, ...

As I said before: the MAC-software for the RH1 will be different from that what we know from the M10 and M100. Sadly I cannot be more specific.

[elenamor]

As I said before: the MAC-software for the RH1 will be different from that what we know from the M10 and M100. Sadly I cannot be more specific.

Guess we'll have to wait and see. It'll give me time to save up for one.

[matthewricha]

Hi

MDFreak this what you have said (see below) about the MZ-RH1 on mdcenter.nl.....sorry if this has been discussed before, but I thinks it's unblieveable that the lovely OLED display on the unit does NOT display track titles on it! ...but only on the remote, that only has a 1 line display!! That is one major flaw of the MZ-NH1! Also that this reocrder doesn't support the 3 line remote, RM-MC40ELK. Yet another unit that needs the remote to function properly!.......

"Our findings up till now

a) Data transfer speed: when transferring a 135 MB file to the RH10 and RH1 the RH1 took about 136 seconds and the RH10 277. Conclusion: transferring data via Windows explorer is about 2x faster than with a 2nd generation Hi-MD.

Tested playback of mp3 vs. ATRAC3plus: I tested several music tracks in ATRAC3plus and mp3 format (both 256 kbps) and I could not hear any difference between them. The difference with the RH10 was clearly audibly. Conclusion: the "crippled" mp3 playback of the 2nd generation Hi-MD's is fixed (as far as my ears can judge):

c) the date-stamp/clock function is indeed back!

d) the RH1 remembers live-recording settings. E.g. when you change the recording level from AGC to manual it will remember it even after changing discs or turning the walkman off. The only time when the settings are lost is when removing/disconnecting the Li-ION battery.

e) during a recording you can adjust the mic-sensitivity and recording-level on the fly without interrupting recording.

f) line out function is available but the volume is still not so loud as the line-out of an MD-deck (but it is alright according to line-signal specifications).

g) first Hi-MD with Li-ION that is charged via USB. The USB cable and connecter are also used to connect the MD to the power-adapter (so no separate DC-in)

h) doesn't support 3-line remote of MZ-NH1 (only 1 line used.

i) touching the casing it seems to be magnesium.

j) the EU version will get the same accessoires/features as the JP model (only a volume-restriction in the EU because of stupid laws but that is only an issue until someone gets it's hands on the Service-manual).

k) releasedate in the EU: 3th week of may.

l) MAC-software will have more functions that we already know from the M10/M100.

m) besides recording-settings it even remembers the last display-mode you used.

n) disc/track/artist info only appears on the remote. "

LION

[MDfreak]

Hi

MDFreak this what you have said (see below) about the MZ-RH1 on mdcenter.nl.....sorry if this has been discussed before, but I thinks it's unblieveable that the lovely OLED display on the unit does NOT display track titles on it! ...but only on the remote, that only has a 1 line display!! That is one major flaw of the MZ-NH1! Also that this reocrder doesn't support the 3 line remote, RM-MC40ELK. Yet another unit that needs the remote to function properly!.......

"Our findings up till now

a) Data transfer speed: when transferring a 135 MB file to the RH10 and RH1 the RH1 took about 136 seconds and the RH10 277. Conclusion: transferring data via Windows explorer is about 2x faster than with a 2nd generation Hi-MD.

Tested playback of mp3 vs. ATRAC3plus: I tested several music tracks in ATRAC3plus and mp3 format (both 256 kbps) and I could not hear any difference between them. The difference with the RH10 was clearly audibly. Conclusion: the "crippled" mp3 playback of the 2nd generation Hi-MD's is fixed (as far as my ears can judge):

c) the date-stamp/clock function is indeed back!

d) the RH1 remembers live-recording settings. E.g. when you change the recording level from AGC to manual it will remember it even after changing discs or turning the walkman off. The only time when the settings are lost is when removing/disconnecting the Li-ION battery.

e) during a recording you can adjust the mic-sensitivity and recording-level on the fly without interrupting recording.

f) line out function is available but the volume is still not so loud as the line-out of an MD-deck (but it is alright according to line-signal specifications).

g) first Hi-MD with Li-ION that is charged via USB. The USB cable and connecter are also used to connect the MD to the power-adapter (so no separate DC-in)

h) doesn't support 3-line remote of MZ-NH1 (only 1 line used.

i) touching the casing it seems to be magnesium.

j) the EU version will get the same accessoires/features as the JP model (only a volume-restriction in the EU because of stupid laws but that is only an issue until someone gets it's hands on the Service-manual).

k) releasedate in the EU: 3th week of may.

l) MAC-software will have more functions that we already know from the M10/M100.

m) besides recording-settings it even remembers the last display-mode you used.

n) disc/track/artist info only appears on the remote. "

LION

If I'm honest with you I always use the 1-line remote of the N10 with my RH10 which has a 6-line display and when on the road I NEVER look on that HUGE display and have enough with the 1-line remote (also for navigation). So I do not mind Sony made the display on the RH1 for live-recording purposes and not for use during playback.

It is just like with a real MD-PLAYER like the EH1 and E10. They both have NO display on the unit itself.

[sharpsony]

The usual once:

PCM, Hi-SP and Hi-LP in Hi-MD mode.

SP, LP2 and LP4 in MD mode.

I think that that is enough choice for everyone to find an appropriate bitrate for recording.

So there is no mono recording capability in MD mode?

I hope though that upload of SP-mono recordings will be possible at least... Have you tested that yet?

Edited March 28, 2006 by sharpsony

[matthewricha]

If I'm honest with you I always use the 1-line remote of the N10 with my RH10 which has a 6-line display and when on the road I NEVER look on that HUGE display and have enough with the 1-line remote (also for navigation). So I do not mind Sony made the display on the RH1 for live-recording purposes and not for use during playback.

It is just like with a real MD-PLAYER like the EH1 and E10. They both have NO display on the unit itself.

I suppose I'm just used to my old MZ-R50 and R3 that could display text on the main unit with a nice clear display and also had a jog dial for entering text etc......does the MZ-RH1's remote have a jog dial like the MZ-NH1 for entering titles and navigating? …

....I agree with you that 1 line text isn't so bad on the remote, but would have liked at least some sort of title display on the unit itself. ...oh well

[Richard]

I suppose I'm just used to my old MZ-R50 and R3 that could display text on the main unit with a nice clear display and also had a jog dial for entering text etc......does the MZ-RH1's remote have a jog dial like the MZ-NH1 for entering titles and navigating? …

The RM-MC38EL (that comes with the RH1) does have a kind of jog dial for entering titles - admittedly it's a bit clunky but it works. You could also get the RM-MC40ELK whose jog-dial is slightly quicker to use I find.

[matthewricha]

The RM-MC38EL (that comes with the RH1) does have a kind of jog dial for entering titles - admittedly it's a bit clunky but it works. You could also get the RM-MC40ELK whose jog-dial is slightly quicker to use I find.

Fair doos! Thanks for your reply.

Does the OLED display on the unit turn off or just go dimmer after a while of no button pressing, or is

it configurable like the MZ-RH10 ?

Lion

[WaywardTraveller]

So there is no mono recording capability in MD mode?

I hope though that upload of SP-mono recordings will be possible at least... Have you tested that yet?

Through both reading all these pages (whew!) and experience with almost every Hi-MD unit to date, my understanding is that mono is supported via playback only with Hi-MD.

Despite what some people have said here, with Hi-MD (the RH1 seems to be no exception) you cannot record in the NetMD modes from the unit itself (you need SonicStage to convert to ATRAC3 modes). As far as I have read here, all legacy MD recordings (thus including mono) should be uploadable, even if they're converted to 256kbps or PCM.

Too bad it's not backpacker-friendly...what a sexeh beast this new machine is! I'll just have to wait until the ramblin's done..

peace

WaywardTraveller

[Richard]

Through both reading all these pages (whew!) and experience with almost every Hi-MD unit to date, my understanding is that mono is supported via playback only with Hi-MD.

Here's what I believe is the case (based on my own experience ) - 1st / 2nd Gen can all playback mono in NetMD mode. NH1 (and possibly other 1st Gen) can record in Mono from the unit in NetMD mode. The RH1 can record in all legacy modes in NetMD mode except mono.

Theoretically all legacy modes can be uploaded but will need to be converted as you say to PCM or Hi-SP (for SP) This has yet to be tested in depth. - Marck please correct me if I'm wrong.

PS: Don't quote me on this as I'm just as fatigued as everyone else trying to keep up with this thread.

[matthewricha]

Through both reading all these pages (whew!) and experience with almost every Hi-MD unit to date, my understanding is that mono is supported via playback only with Hi-MD.

Despite what some people have said here, with Hi-MD (the RH1 seems to be no exception) you cannot record in the NetMD modes from the unit itself (you need SonicStage to convert to ATRAC3 modes). As far as I have read here, all legacy MD recordings (thus including mono) should be uploadable, even if they're converted to 256kbps or PCM.

Too bad it's not backpacker-friendly...what a sexeh beast this new machine is! I'll just have to wait until the ramblin's done..

peace

WaywardTraveller

Except the MZ-NH1 which is the only Hi-MD unit that can record in legacy modes too: SP, LP2, LP4 and mono. Others can only through Sonic stage.

Lion

[Qwakrz]

Except the MZ-NH1 which is the only Hi-MD unit that can record in legacy modes too: SP, LP2, LP4 and mono. Others can only through Sonic stage.

Lion

All Gen 1 units could record in MD modes (SP, LP2 & LP4) from audio sources & did not need SS to do it. Some didn't have any direct record function though (NH600) and needed SS to put music on them

All Gen 2 units cannot record directly into MD modes (SP, LP2 & LP4) but could use SS to tranfer them onto a disc formatted in MD mode (SP was fake SP)

MZ-RH1 will record in SP, LP2 and LP4 modes + will be able to transfer them back to the PC.

All units that are able to record can do the Hi-MD modes (PCM, Hi-SP & Hi-LP)

Edited March 28, 2006 by Qwakrz

[The Low Volta]

just to add to qwarkz explanation: none of the HiMD machines that can record in the legacy formats (1st gen HiMD = the NH-models and the RH1) can do SP-mono! They can play it back, but recording in SP-mono definitely is a thing of the past...

*edit: sorry, this is absolute rubbish I was saying here! sorry...I guess I'm a bit too tired

Edited March 28, 2006 by The Low Volta

[mdmania]

just to add to qwarkz explanation: none of the HiMD machines that can record in the legacy formats (1st gen HiMD = the NH-models and the RH1) can do SP-mono! They can play it back, but recording in SP-mono definitely is a thing of the past...

I don't know why Mono recording is such a big deal. For one thing though, mono recording purpose was to extent the length of the minidisc and because of Sony was able to extent the recording time of minidisc, they felt that mono is not needed.

[matthewricha]

just to add to qwarkz explanation: none of the HiMD machines that can record in the legacy formats (1st gen HiMD = the NH-models and the RH1) can do SP-mono! They can play it back, but recording in SP-mono definitely is a thing of the past...

Sorry 'The Low Volta' but you are wrong. My MZ-NH1 can record in Legacy Mono, I've tried it! It then plays on my MZ-R50 and MDS-JB920.

Lion

[The Low Volta]

LION...you are absolutely correct! I just grabbed my NH900 and it does it too! I dunno why I was under the impression they couldn't...I guess I must have read discussions about the 2nd gen and misinterpreted them. SORRY!

still it shows that I really do not need this feature with HiMD! I just use HiSP and it gives me ample of time without compromising stereo or SQ

[Richard]

Sorry 'The Low Volta' but you are wrong. My MZ-NH1 can record in Legacy Mono, I've tried it! It then plays on my MZ-R50 and MDS-JB920.

Lion

Lion - this is getting a bit off-topic now but I did actually say this about 5 posts ago. The NH1 can record in mono..

[superboy]

Does anyone know when the RH1 will be released in Japan? Is it in April also, or is that for the US?

[WaywardTraveller]

All Gen 1 units could record in MD modes (SP, LP2 & LP4) from audio sources & did not need SS to do it.

Well shut mah mouth...I just tried it and I was completely wrong - I had no idea the 1st-gen units could record in all the legacy modes, incluidng mono. I stand utterly corrected, with a reminder to read manuals next time.

But to get back on topic...can I assume that the RH1 is capable of uploading all legacy recordings to PC including tracks recorded with SonicStage (previous versions)? Sorry if this has already been answered, but I don't recall reading it.

peace

WaywardTraveller

[matthewricha]

Lion - this is getting a bit off-topic now but I did actually say this about 5 posts ago. The NH1 can record in mono..

ok - sorry richyhu!

Does anyone know the answer to my question about how long the units display is on for? can it be permernantly switched on, like for example when an AC adaptor is plugged in? Does it cain the battery when on? Maybe the MZ-RH10 owners may know a little bit about these questions.

Lion

[MDfreak]

Well shut mah mouth...I just tried it and I was completely wrong - I had no idea the 1st-gen units could record in all the legacy modes, incluidng mono. I stand utterly corrected, with a reminder to read manuals next time.

But to get back on topic...can I assume that the RH1 is capable of uploading all legacy recordings to PC including tracks recorded with SonicStage (previous versions)? Sorry if this has already been answered, but I don't recall reading it.

peace

WaywardTraveller

All recordings can be uploaded except those made via SonicStage (so via USB) because Sony otherwise cannot see from the rights of the track if it is a "normal" track or a track e.g. bought via the Connect Music Store. A normal MD has to little means of registering copyrights. So because they cannot see the difference when downloading via SonicStage all recordings made via SonicStage are blocked from uploading.

All other recordings (analog line, optical and microphone) can be uploaded.

[mdmania]

All recordings can be uploaded except those made via SonicStage (so via USB) because Sony otherwise cannot see from the rights of the track if it is a "normal" track or a track e.g. bought via the Connect Music Store. A normal MD has to little means of registering copyrights. So because they cannot see the difference when downloading via SonicStage all recordings made via SonicStage are blocked from uploading.

All other recordings (analog line, optical and microphone) can be uploaded.

MDfreak,

I have a deck that transfer from CD to MD directly, my question is, will I be able to transfer the recorded material to a computer using the RH-1? TIA

mdmania

[Richard]

MDfreak,

I have a deck that transfer from CD to MD directly, my question is, will I be able to transfer the recorded material to a computer using the RH-1? TIA

mdmania

If it goes via optical in then the answer should be yes.

[mdmania]

If it goes via optical in then the answer should be yes.

I'm sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant internally like the MXD-400 recorder...thnx!

[MDfreak]

I'm sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant internally like the MXD-400 recorder...thnx!

I don't know if the deck marks the tracks as "track protected". In that case you cannot upload them but I think it doesn't. I think you can just remove the tracks without the deck giving a warning.

[dex Otaku]

All recordings can be uploaded except those made via SonicStage (so via USB) because Sony otherwise cannot see from the rights of the track if it is a "normal" track or a track e.g. bought via the Connect Music Store. A normal MD has to little means of registering copyrights. So because they cannot see the difference when downloading via SonicStage all recordings made via SonicStage are blocked from uploading.

All other recordings (analog line, optical and microphone) can be uploaded.

Completely untrue. All MD recordings contain SCMS info; pre-recorded discs should be marked "copy once, go no further", analogue recordings should be marked "copy unlimited [master]" &c.

The question is when Sony will respect SCMS, since it's the lowest common denominator in copy protection terms.

If they do, re-uploading netMD recordings should not be possible, nor should uploading [opticall] copied CDs.

Time will tell.

[MDfreak]

Completely untrue. All MD recordings contain SCMS info; pre-recorded discs should be marked "copy once, go no further", analogue recordings should be marked "copy unlimited [master]" &c.

The question is when Sony will respect SCMS, since it's the lowest common denominator in copy protection terms.

If they do, re-uploading netMD recordings should not be possible, nor should uploading [opticall] copied CDs.

Time will tell.

Untrue? This is what Sony staff told me: only NetMD recordings will NOT upload because it is not possible to decide if it is e.g. a track from Connect Music Store or it has another source.

That of optical recordings might be an issue but no mention of that by Sony staff.

As soon as I have the correct drivers for the RH1 I will test all posibilities.

[indeego]

Sony "dropped" SCMS with SonicSage 3.4, because you can do with your optical Hi-MD recordings whatever you want. I don't think they'll put it back into SonicStage again.

NetMD Checkouts/Checkins:

There should be another DRM information (besides SCMS) on legacy MDs, just remember the "TrackFromPC" messages on your, say, old MZ-N1. So I don't see the point why Sony should prevent you from uploading optical MD recordings - they just do not cotain this "PCbit".

I think the problem is: Sony cannot determin if this is a connectdownload or a normal NetMD track on MD (Hi-MDs contain this information). That is why NetMD uploads are possible with Hi-MD, but not with legacy MD.

[dex Otaku]

Untrue? This is what Sony staff told me: only NetMD recordings will NOT upload because it is not possible to decide if it is e.g. a track from Connect Music Store or it has another source.

Connect store downloads will be tagged one way [possibly with SCMS "no copy" only].

Self-made recordings will likely be untagged except for SCMS "master".

Optical copies from CD players will be tagged as "no copy" via SCMS.

Pre-pressed discs will be tagged as "copy-once" via SCMS.

What they're saying is straight-out bullshit. SCMS has been in there since day one, and while the method of discerning NetMD downloads may or may not use it [it would be logical to use it, since it would make the copy protection both backward and forward compatible] everything else should respect it [sCMS strippers notwithstanding].

Utlimately, the question isn't really whether SCMS works for all possible cases [it can, even for NetMD downloaded tracks], the question is whether Sony have decided to respect it. Making that decision would make a tonne of sense - because it would mean following the already well-established rules, and using information that is already contained in the bitstream of every single MD/LP recording in existence.

So yes, I will rather firmly assert that what they're telling you is absolute bullshit. It can be done, done very easily, and done with the assistance of technology THEY came up with in what, 1989?

only NetMD recordings will NOT upload because it is not possible to decide if it is e.g. a track from Connect Music Store or it has another source.

Further .. my argument isn't about the ability to upload traks that have been downloaded. As far as I'm concerned, if you have something in your library, and you put it on a disc, and want to vet it back because you dumped it from your library - tough luck! If you don't keep what you want in your library, then tough!

Addendum:

Connect store downloads will be tagged one way [possibly with SCMS "no copy" only].

should actually read,

Connect store downloads and if fact anything- downloaded from PC will be tagged "no copy" with SCMS and with the extra subcode bit that translates to "track from PC"

Sony "dropped" SCMS with SonicSage 3.4, because you can do with your optical Hi-MD recordings whatever you want. I don't think they'll put it back into SonicStage again.

Sony have actually not been respecting SCMS properly with SS since HiMD wias introduced. Had they been, a lot of the questions about what should be allowed and not would have been completely moot. This especially applies to optical recordings, since with most of use around here, they're just as likely to be first-generation recordings from an external ADC [sCMS master, copiable] as they are a copy from an audio CD {usually SCMS "no copy" beyond that point).

It really mystifies me how Sony could omit such a basis function when it can work in harmony with their DRM just fine, and it would solve most of the "unknown" problems {like "what was the source of this recording?". Allocating 3 bits of subcode would have gone a hell of a long way towards completely avoiding all of these issues altogether. Wishful thinking.

In any case, DRM has been relaxed at this point, makig much of this discussion entirely moot. It just seems stupid to me that they didn't respect their own damned rules in the first place.

[ozpeter]

Still no info on whether auto trackmark can be completely turned off on the RH1? Or have I missed something in scrolling through rather a lot of posts?!

[Sparda]

(to be relevant) Yes i agree SCMS and DRM is annoying.

Not trying to sound negative. For some reason the RH1 looks something like the old-school D-250 Discman (anyone agree?). Shouldn't they make a different design, oh say a 5 line oled display. The eject button looks quite dissapointing to me, seems easy to accidently press it, and it just plain looks ugly on a md , looks like an eject button for portable cassette. Just my 2 cents

[MDfreak]

Sony "dropped" SCMS with SonicSage 3.4, because you can do with your optical Hi-MD recordings whatever you want. I don't think they'll put it back into SonicStage again.

NetMD Checkouts/Checkins:

There should be another DRM information (besides SCMS) on legacy MDs, just remember the "TrackFromPC" messages on your, say, old MZ-N1. So I don't see the point why Sony should prevent you from uploading optical MD recordings - they just do not cotain this "PCbit".

I think the problem is: Sony cannot determin if this is a connectdownload or a normal NetMD track on MD (Hi-MDs contain this information). That is why NetMD uploads are possible with Hi-MD, but not with legacy MD.

Exactly! That is what I mean! On a normal MD a track can only be marked as "Track from PC" (some units call it "TrackProtected". But there is no difference between a normal track from the PC or music that is bought via some online shop.

[cocomitch]

I have had a MZ -NH 9OO since last February and it is easily the most used piece of audio hardware I have ever owned.

I play in a band so I have many live recordings using the NH 900 both with mics and line in.

I also use it to archive my entire CD collection -I currently have about 50 Hi- MD discs. There is no way that I would trust a computer hard drive to be completely safe long term with my music files, so minidisc is ideal for me as it is so durable. I've never yet had a single problem with any of my discs. I use it in the car , when I'm out and about walking -really the unit has had heavy every single day usage for over a year with no problems at all, apart from a slightly sticky menu button.

Units like I-Pod don't even come close to minidsc for me in terms of duarabilty and long term archiving solutions.

As soon as the new RH- 1 comes out, I'll be grabbing one as I also have hundreds of old style minidiscs just waiting to be archived. I have comitted heavily financially in to the whole minidisc deal so I will be looking to continue with this format for at least another 5 years.It really does blow all the alternatives out of the water -the new machine looks like it will be possibly the best MD yet, so I'll be first in the queue when they come out in the UK!

Long live MD!!

[MDfreak]

Still no info on whether auto trackmark can be completely turned off on the RH1? Or have I missed something in scrolling through rather a lot of posts?!

This function can NOT be turned off entirely, but... you can easily remove trackmarks to pause a track right at the beginning and hit the T-mark button. The recorder will then say "T-mark off" and the T-mark on which you paused the recorder will be removed.

How to make one track of a whole series of separate tracks? Pause the LAST track of the series and hit the T-mark button repeatedly. The T-mark off message will appear every time and you are removing those T-marks from the back to the front of the recording.

So it is very easy to remove trackmarks and it only adds trackmarks after a long period of silence in a recording so in most cases it is pretty logical to add a trackmark at the moment an new sound appears after a long silence.

Edited March 29, 2006 by MDfreak