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A Beautiful Revelation -- the Epic MZ-RH1 Arrives

Christopher

By Christopher,
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himd_anxiety Newbie

himd_anxiety

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but I also think that it's probably a sign of scaling back and Sony being cautious with it's niche market products.. we'll see.

For me, that much is undeniable. There is little intrinsically good about offering just one model of a type of technology. When MiniDisc and Discman were at their respective heights, the trademark, highly successful marketing strategy was to offer several models that differed primarily in appearance. I agree that it becomes confusing when the technology is already unfamiliar, which is certainly the case with today's Hi-MD. I, however, relished the different looks. I detest the uniformity in today's iPODS. They all would be designed identically, but for the different colors. It makes it less interesting, less aesthetic and more monolithic. Sony has emulated Apple's penchant for unformity with variable colors in its Network Walkman lines, its MP3 bean players, and the small MP3 player with the OLED display and the FM radio. It becomes boring. Nothing sexy about it at all. It makes me reminisce about the days when "Sony Style" was indeed true, distinctive, and could be regarded as an extension of individual personality. It used to catch my eye when someone had a different player than mine. It was beautiful because not only were the players different, but some models had more than one finish. It integrated the color variations of today with diverse designs.

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tremo Newbie

tremo

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I refer to my post of Apr 7 2006, reading as follows:

side note: while it was initially believed that, as a 'special version', 'black' RH1 would be available only through Sony's WEB shop here, a reliable source said that Sony changed their mind. Both 'silver' and 'black' will be equally available at retailers.

I have to correct + advise that 'black' RH1 are available only through Sony Style (i.e., Sony's WEB shop) I would also add that Sony Style now stopped accepting purchasing order for 'black' RH1 temporally, due to their production line can't catch up with orders.

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justinminidisc Newbie

justinminidisc

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That is correct. You will be able to transfer MP3's via the Mac to MD. (But not Atrac tracks).

Well i posted this the other day and i haven't seen any mention of it since. again, i'm begging to be corrected since i want to get one, but i'm not going to be shelling out that kind of money for something that won't work with my Mac.

http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/audio/walkman/p...KM=MZ-RH1#feat5

i dont know if anyone else reads japanese, but on the forth bullet from the top, it says that you can only UPLOAD music to a Mac, but cannot download. This distinction is left off the sony-europe site. If you look at the graphics used to illlustrate, there is no arrow that points from the computer to the unit itself.

in greyed-out text it says:

"Hi-MD Music Transfer for Mac Ver.1.0 de-wa onkyoku-no-tensou-wa DEKIMASEN"

not exactly what i was wanting to hear. so you can only upload. richyhu says otherwise, but i want someone to point me in the direction of facts in English. The review on the dutch site leaves out the Mac-compatibility issue since the software hasnt been released yet. But i certainly dont want to spend the money and pray they expand the compatibility. someone PLEASE PROVE OTHERWISE!

Maybe my japanese is lacking; feel free to correct me is that is the case. all i can say is I'm disappointed. i was considering sabotaging the iPod to help make my case to my wife that i need new things. i suppose i'll just get a new ipod.

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The Low Volta Newbie

The Low Volta

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I'm afraid you will have to wait until the software is out to be really sure... keck, the Belgian Sony site still mentiones the RH1 takes an AA or a Li-Ion and has an AA-addon (now that would be an overpowered machine :lol: ) and sports quite a bit more flagrant faults... yes I do realize the Japanese site is a bit closer to the source, but it might have been designed before the software got to a point of mac-downloads and just wasn't updated since

so sorry to say, but unless someone gets hold of the mac software (the first 'new' version) we will only have not very trustworthy website knowledge (and so we won't be able to confirm nor prove wrong your thoughts in any definitive way...only by quoting other (Sony) sites, like the trustworthy Belgian one that states that macs will be able to download music to the RH1)

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mrsingh Newbie

mrsingh

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I just got first ever portable minidisc player yesterday! the mz-rh1!! I nabbed the last one at the sony centre at wood green. So far im pleased with my investment (couldn't bear the wait so i paid the premium of 250) but now im on the lookout for good deals on 1gb blank discs. This truly is a beautiful machine i was surprised by its size and weight, im yet to fully utilize its recording capabilities and ive found the sonicstage software bearable. :D

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Malcolm Stewart Newbie

Malcolm Stewart

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I just got first ever portable minidisc player yesterday! the mz-rh1!! I nabbed the last one at the sony centre at wood green. So far im pleased with my investment (couldn't bear the wait so i paid the premium of 250) but now im on the lookout for good deals on 1gb blank discs. This truly is a beautiful machine i was surprised by its size and weight, im yet to fully utilize its recording capabilities and ive found the sonicstage software bearable. :D

Welcome aboard and congratulations on getting your RH1. They don't seem to have percolated to the Milton Keynes Sony Centre yet, or perhaps they weren't telling me yesterday.

With regard to buying 1GB Hi-MD blank discs, beware of the websites offering them at a very low price of £0.79p. When you add in the postage, you'll find that you're paying close to the street price of £5 to £6.

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A440 Newbie

A440

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I just looked in the user manual to see if Macs were mentioned at all--they're not, just PCs . Apparently (see p. 18) there's a separate instruction sheet for Macs.

But I did come across this lovely little sentence on page 19--I don't know if it's in the previous user manuals or not, but it's classic Sony:

"We do not ensure trouble-free operation on all computers that satisfy the system requirements."

Some lawyer is taking home a big bonus for that one. java script:emoticon(':P', 'smid_5')

:P

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timsmedia Newbie

timsmedia

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I got an mz rh1 today after my trusty ol' mz rh10 got nicked. It is the 7th md unit i have had in my life! The promise of MAc compatability was a real winner for me. however the mac software is indeed upload only. this kills because it means i have to keep using my crappy dell laptop purely for sonicstage purposes. i was hoping to finally do all my music stuff on my main comp which is the mac. i feel so pissed off with sony for being this retarded. how hard can it be to do a simply music transfer program!!!!??? Also, the lack of group buttons is infuriating. i wish i had my old rh10 (i think its 10, you know with the roll wheel and cool screen). im thinking of putting the rh1 on ebay and trying to get my old model again. Tim

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raintheory Newbie

raintheory

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Posted (edited)

I got an mz rh1 today after my trusty ol' mz rh10 got nicked. It is the 7th md unit i have had in my life! The promise of MAc compatability was a real winner for me. however the mac software is indeed upload only. this kills because it means i have to keep using my crappy dell laptop purely for sonicstage purposes. i was hoping to finally do all my music stuff on my main comp which is the mac. i feel so pissed off with sony for being this retarded. how hard can it be to do a simply music transfer program!!!!??? Also, the lack of group buttons is infuriating. i wish i had my old rh10 (i think its 10, you know with the roll wheel and cool screen). im thinking of putting the rh1 on ebay and trying to get my old model again. Tim

I have an RH10 that I would glady trade for your RH1. ;)

EDIT: The Mac software that enables music transfer from Mac>Hi-MD should be available this summer from what I understand.

Edited by raintheory
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spazsui Newbie

spazsui

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I have an RH10 that I would glady trade for your RH1. ;)

EDIT: The Mac software that enables music transfer from Mac>Hi-MD should be available this summer from what I understand.

Do you think the software will be compatible with other existing hi-md players? I have the above mentioned mz-rh10.

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Richard Grand Master

Richard

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Do you think the software will be compatible with other existing hi-md players? I have the above mentioned mz-rh10.

We don't know for sure - apparently Sony were looking into this possibility but there is no concrete confirmation yet.

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raintheory Newbie

raintheory

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Where did you get your RH1 at and how much was it? Minidisco doesnt have it listed yet and I havnt seen it show up at Frys either.

If you're in the states, you can pre-order it from SoundProfessionals for $299, plus you get a free mic.

First shipments from SoundProfessionals expercted in June.

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Odyssey Newbie

Odyssey

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The MZ-RH1 is the best news to come in a long time. What a catch this is. Loaded with all the goodies Sony ever invented on the MD line-up.

The article about how the MZ-HR1 was developed by the engineers explains a lot if you think about it.

There are some thread comments about being uncomfortable because there is only one unit coming out. The article clearly says that the MZ-RH1 is loaded with everything that the MD customers wanted. Simply put, there is nothing else that could be added. They loaded this one with everything they could throw in, short of the kitchen sink of course.

I chuckled where SONY told the engineers that they cannot develope anything in the MD market without permission from SONY management. Sometimes you have to go ahead and make a statement, don't ya?

But look at the reviews this unit is getting! Have you looked? The reviewers are having trouble coming up with enough good things to say. thats a good thing.

I have looked for a unit with all the input and Output of a normal deck unit and this one has it. One review commented about the MZ-RH1 as being equiped with all the functions of a shelf audio unit all put into a small portable case. Think about what they said! No time in the past did SONY MD units have that kind of functionality avaliable. It figures the engineers had to go undercover (stealth) to develope the ultimate machine. Now is SONY really angry that all that developement money was spent on this (foolish) endeavour, or are they ready to rake in the money????

I feel there might be a glut of older MD units as people purchase this new "one size serves all" MZ-RH1. I gotta tell ya, soon as they are here in the States, There will be one with my name on it.

O

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Odyssey Newbie

Odyssey

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Odyssey, that thread was an April Fools joke.

However, I agree with you. The RH1 is a very nice unit indeed.

<<<<<<< WELL, Happy Aprils FOool to me then. lol

That was a great article, and beleive it or not, similar things have happened in other industries. Perhaps that why I beleived it possible.

But hands down, this MZ-RH1 is basically UNTOUCHABLE in comparison by any other medium for music portability, recording, oh you know, etc etc etc.

IF Sony were to come out with additional models, look for very simple changes, mostly looks, maybe outside power source(extra batt).

ANY device can, and will be bettered by developement, but this is SONYs flagship and since we are enjoying the beggining of the deployment of delivery and sales, at this time, there IS NO BETTER available.

Yes, guess I am quite excited about this unit. You couldn't ask for much more.

If this one is great, what will the next version of the MD player/recorder offer??? Just thinking about it just bogles the mind.

As for the home deck, just plug the line-out in the system. Sony had some problems with the standard MD home decks then they stopped making them. They will be hard pressed to make more in the near future, or may they will slap me down and make tons of them (hope so). SLAP ME HARD SONY!

No matter how anyone feels, the MZ-RH1 is the hot model and as I see it, will meet just about anyones needs.

Sony, I think we have a winner here.

O

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Odyssey Newbie

Odyssey

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I am excitedly waiting for the unit to become available.

Now it has a sister in the MD HiMD world.

Anyone know what the difference is supposed to be between the MZ-RH1 and the MZ-M200?

It ( MZ-M200 ) is being released now and the pictures of it look EXACTLY like the MZ-RH1 all the way down to the led screen and buttons.

However the only price I have found is at least $100 over the MZ-RH1.

That makes the second model to come out this year.

What are the differences, anyone care to explain this one????

O

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Odyssey Newbie

Odyssey

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Ok, I just scrolled through the Owners manual for the MZ-RH1 / MZ-M200 and here is the difference that I can find.....

The microphones sent with the units are different!

Can this be true?

These are exact duplicate models except for the Mic?

I guess when you build the premier HiMD recorder, it is tough to make better on the next one.

Hope they get the RH1 here soon. lolol

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Tunster Newbie

Tunster

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What a revolution this MD device is! All I could of wanted on a HiMD Recorder/Player. Since I owned the MZ-N510 (my first model and it was a damn good entry one too!), the RH1 is only my second model.

I've been with a DAP Player for the last couple of years, and I have been happy....... not as happy now I own a RH1 :D.

I won't be embaressed to take it out with me because its so good lookin! If Sony completely sell out, surely they've now got the hint a comeback could be possible. If they can further the MD technology past 1GB, they may be onto a winner if there's development on the ATRAC side. Maybe they could buy out a license to include AAC? at 64kbps-PS, MD players would be in heaven :).

I am only speculating here and probably will never happen.

All I need to do is wait for my 1GB Hi-MD discs to arrive and I'll be off. Once thing I'm very impressived with so far is both Hi-LP and Hi-SP. Especially Hi-SP on a normal 80Min Disc! Definately being on par with legacy SP, I can fit 2hr 10min at a similiar bitrate! 4 or 5 quality albums on one disc, thats enough for me :D.

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Rumz Newbie

Rumz

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What a revolution this MD device is! All I could of wanted on a HiMD Recorder/Player. Since I owned the MZ-N510 (my first model and it was a damn good entry one too!), the RH1 is only my second model.

I've been with a DAP Player for the last couple of years, and I have been happy....... not as happy now I own a RH1 :D.

I won't be embaressed to take it out with me because its so good lookin! If Sony completely sell out, surely they've now got the hint a comeback could be possible. If they can further the MD technology past 1GB, they may be onto a winner if there's development on the ATRAC side. Maybe they could buy out a license to include AAC? at 64kbps-PS, MD players would be in heaven :).

I am only speculating here and probably will never happen.

All I need to do is wait for my 1GB Hi-MD discs to arrive and I'll be off. Once thing I'm very impressived with so far is both Hi-LP and Hi-SP. Especially Hi-SP on a normal 80Min Disc! Definately being on par with legacy SP, I can fit 2hr 10min at a similiar bitrate! 4 or 5 quality albums on one disc, thats enough for me :D.

You mean to record in AAC? I don't see why they couldn't add AAC playback since they're adding it to their other current ATRAC units (I mean add it to Hi-MD in general-- not sure how they would add it to this particular unit if it does not support it already). I agree- that'd be awesome :)

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Tunster Newbie

Tunster

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Definately! From a music fans point of view, wanting a device to play AAC would seem very attractive. If Sony would be willing to offer firmware upgrades in the future, I think we would all stay on MD for a very long time :).

If not, surely, someone one day will be able to reverse engineer the MD devices to give us something different ;).

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Tunster Newbie

Tunster

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Not really, why do you need AAC DRM? Once MP3 starts to fade and people see the benefits of AAC; lots of non-DRM files will start flying about and people will encode in AAC.

I'm at the moment testing AAC encoders (especially Nero's newest release) and it has far better benefits than MP3 in terms of quality/space.

I must agree, HE-AAC would be a huge bonus and would be neccessary to be sucessful.

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Rumz Newbie

Rumz

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Granted the DRM would allow people to play their iTMS music on their MD, but the benefit to me would simply be that all music ripped in iTunes in AAC would also be playable / usable on Hi-MD. Now, if it ripped gapless, that'd be great, but last I checked it doesn't. Gapless is the primary reason I use Atrac at all.

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