Home run for HI-MD!

[Mikami]

The past few weeks have or seem to have been great for HI-MD at least in Japan.

(1)The MZ-RH1 completely sold-out everywhere in Japan

for example Bic camera, Yodobashi, Sakuraya, Loax, Denkodo. Even the Sony Building and some of the Other Sony stores are out. And it may be the end of this month before they get anymore in stock(or so a lady at the a counter there told me).

(2)The other Sony HI-MD portable recorders also sold-out.

(3)Even the Buffalo MD-HUSB has also been moving(It is sold-out in some places but not everywhere, yet).

(4) Onkyo X-N7 and Onkyo X-B8 have been going, too.

(5) Amazon.co.jp and a few other online sellers claim to have a few RH1 in stock but they may not.

HI-MD has always done okay, but these past few weeks it has been doing great! Before the MZ-RH1 I think many people did not know about HI-MD after the RH1 it seems HI-MD is finally catching on a whole lot more. I hope that HI-MD units now have a better chance of complete replacing the standard MD units and becoming more mainstream.

See you again(also does anyone now the MZ-R1 doing outside Japan?),

Mikami

[Rob F1UK]

From my "investigations" it's been doing reasonably well here in the UK also. There seems to have been a lot of interest, and those places that have had the few units in stock already seem to have sold them on pretty quickly.

[bland10000]

aye Mikami,

Over the past few weeks I've seen several people at coffeeshops sporting black remotes. As there is only one black remote, I know what unit they have in their pocket or purse; the mz-rh1.

Bland

[danielbb90]

This is good news got Hi-MD )And minidisc in general...

[Andicillo]

Hi-Md is completely sold out here in Chile, even blanks are out. Customers are complaining and Sony Chile has announced a new shipment in 2 more weeks. Hi-MD units were a HUGE success over here.

[Mikami]

aye Mikami,

Over the past few weeks I've seen several people at coffeeshops sporting black remotes.

Bland

Hey, good to hear/read from you again ! Maybe some of those people might go for the RM-MC40ELK after all it even matches the color/colour of the MZ-RH1. About silver models and black remotes, I never thought they could be so popular !

But, then again the other MD unit that keeps on going is the the Sharp MD-DR77-S(silver) and it also has a black remote. It is still ranked as number three at Yododobashi was number 2 at Sakuraya, and is still going strong at Don quixote, and it is was released in 2004. I wonder if that had anything to do with Sony's decision to go with Silver for the MZ-RH1. Well, their Black MZ-RH10 was number one for a while so I guess thats why they went with silver and black. In the area of color/colour I think Sony can learn from Sharps nice paint jobs and sharps almost always metal bodies. It would be nice to see a Sharp HI-MD recorder simular to the MD-DR77, with a record button on the remote .

and Andicillo,

If they have 2gb HI-MD blanks like the one you have for your avatar I sure can see why those blanks would be flying of the shelves in Chile. In fact I would not mind having a few of those myself. I will just have to be happy with my 1 gig disc till they come out with something better here.

See you later,

Mikami

Edited June 5, 2006 by Mikami

[tekdroid]

from all these 'selling fast' responses, I'm wondering if Sony is just having routine issues ramping production to fill the sales channels with a new model, or if it really means there is more interest in the "what's a Hi-MD?" format

I guess time will tell.

Trying to put myself in the Average Joe's shoes, unless there was some new form of enlightenment spurred on by Sony, I am a bit doubtful of any resurgence - except I guess an initial sales spike?

[Mikami]

from all these 'selling fast' responses, I'm wondering if...it really means there is more interest in the "what's a Hi-MD?" format

I guess time will tell.

Trying to put myself in the Average Joe's shoes...I am a bit doubtful of any resurgence

(1) Where does the average Joe live?

(2)If it is North America or somewhere where MD never sold well to the masses then: I am sure your right, of course this means little(or it only means something to the fans there that have always like the format(like you ) and also the new bees), if on the other hand the average joe,(Tanaka, Mr. Smith, Chun, Li, Jet, Santos, or Maria) is living in Japan, other parts of Asia, South America, and maybe some places in Europe then I really do think this is more of a what's HI-MD. However, I can only put myself in the average Joe/Tanaka's shoes who is living in Japan. I think that the average Joe/sue in Japan is not a single format kind of guy/gal not to mention he/she probably has collected lot of MiniDisc since the early 90's, likes to share music with friends via MiniDisc, and has never really given up the format.

(3) Probably the biggest (average Joe) buyers of the HI-MD recorders in Japan are bussiness men, salerymen, amature performers, musical groups, and students. Now, I think that this group base is getting bigger because of the upload SP feature. I think the ability to upload Sp makes a big difference here in terms of sales or at least the groups that will be attracted to the new unit. Lot's of people record music in Sp from radio, or Tv radio, and shows like weekly tv programs like "music station" a music varity show that comes on every friday night here and has all the newest J-pop artist.

(4) There was never a frist surgence for HI-MD(in my opinion) till, now, so this is can't be a 2nd or a (re)-surgence. Some colors of some HI-MD player only units sold out, but not all the HI-MD recorders till, now. For example the NH1 did not sale out when the RH10 came out, nor did Sony's normal Net MD recorders which are still selling and in stock.

(5)Also, Sony is not the only HI-MD/MD producer who is doing well. But, then again, MD have always been doing okay. After all companies here like Sharp, Victor, and sometime Panasonic are always releasing new units. I doubt they would be doing it if there were not some type of constant demand for them. And having said that those who continue to buy MD players/ recorders and those that used to may find Sony's new unit attractive.

See you again,

Mikami

Edited June 5, 2006 by Mikami

[bland10000]

Was in Akiba today and all rh1's are sold out.

[tekdroid]

(3) Probably the biggest (average Joe) buyers of the HI-MD recorders in Japan are bussiness men, salerymen, amature performers, musical groups, and students. Now, I think that this group base is getting bigger because of the upload SP feature. I think the ability to upload Sp makes a big difference here in terms of sales or at least the groups that will be attracted to the new unit. Lot's of people record music in Sp from radio, or Tv radio, and shows like weekly tv programs like "music station" a music varity show that comes on every friday night here and has all the newest J-pop artist.

You could be right. That and a less DRM-intrusive SonicStage could have helped sales for sure (I bought into Hi-MD only after they improved SonicStage by getting rid of upload limitations). But is Sony advertising this? Do the salespeople know the product well to tell the customers about what the new model can do and for that to translate to sales? Is it possible Sony underestimated the demand and only filled the shops with a small amount of product? Is it possible Sony are still ramping up production? Is it more apparent Hi-MD are selling now because there is only one new model selling, and not several like in the past? There are lots of ways of looking at these early sales, based on various variables we don't quite seem to know.

When I said resurgence, I meant a resurgence of MiniDisc in general. From what I recall (in the developer interview, I think), 2000 or 2001 was the peak for the format. I'd like for their recent changes to translate to some more mindshare, all I'm trying to say is that might be a bit premature to call things a 'home run' without more facts. I would be (pleasantly) surprised if Hi-MD is selling well due to the new model's new features (or looks) alone.

Which brings me to advertising. Any comments about how this model is being advertised in Japan and elsewhere (Chile, UK)? Or is most of the sales just word-of-mouth by those 'in the know?' Or are the displays and so forth very visible and people buying on coolness factor, brand image...or...?

Just a bit intrigued because in Australia Hi-MD is almost never seen.

[Rumz]

(5)Also, Sony is not the only HI-MD/MD producer who is doing well. But, then again, MD have always been doing okay. After all companies here like Sharp, Victor, and sometime Panasonic are always releasing new units. I doubt they would be doing it if there were not some type of constant demand for them. And having said that those who continue to buy MD players/ recorders and those that used to may find Sony's new unit attractive.

Ah, but where are these other manufacturers in the Hi-MD game? I would love it if Hi-MD were really taking off in Japan as that would improve the odds of Sharp releasing a Hi-MD player, I would think.

[Mikami]

...is Sony advertising this? Do the salespeople know the product well to tell the customers about what the new model can do and for that to translate to sales?...all I'm trying to say is that might be a bit premature to call things a 'home run' without more facts...

Which brings me to advertising. Any comments about how this model is being advertised in Japan ..

(a)The only major advertising of HI-MD Sony seems to be doing is on their Japanese web sites.The NH1 was proudly advertised on T.V but it's uploading features and PCM abilities where not explained clearly enough on that first HI-MD comerical long ago.

(b1) If you think Sony's advertising for Hi-MD is poor, I think you are right!

(b2)The people who are and have been doing the real and the major advertising for HI-MD are not Sony, instead they are people like the Minidisc formums, MDCenter.nl, Minidisc.org, AudioStation.com, Audio T-Station as well as people with their news blogs.

©Salespeople are a big can of worms. If they are in to HI-MD then they will be in the know, but many other them here do not know whats going on as they can be moved from one station ot the next in a given store.

(d) When the NH1 came out it was the first and the only HI-MD recorder on the market for a while, but that did not cause it too sale out all over Japan like the newest model has. Having only one Hi-MD model does not in of it's self cause it to sell out all over Japan.

(e1) I see your point about the usage of'Home run', BUT one 'Home run' in of it's self does not mean that someone has won the game, yet. I think round one has been won , and this is not only a step in the right direction but is a victory to be proud of even if it may seem small I think it is different than before.

(e2)

Worldwide, MD may have had a peak in 2000/2001(because of NET MD)

BUT the HI-MD format has never had a peak in Japan or major interest till now.

Before it was only the specialist and the addicts that where in to HI-MD, now I hope more are getting interested in it.

(e3)In Japan it sometimes takes a while for changes to start taking effect and for things to start becoming more popular or common. The normal MD took it's time, and HI-MD I feel is starting to become more popular and I hope to become the standard for of MD in Japan.

(f)I can't think of any other sales item that was not advertised or pushed by it's own company and yet totally sold out! Not only in one country but in maybe two or three, wow! Sure maybe one store did not have enough Hi-MD units in stock and they sold out, but An Entire Country? That's amazing to me! This is why I am so excitied about this. Only an item that is really great or is really desired could do such a thing. I was in Japan long before HI-MD came out and I have watched HI-MD before, and although it is only my opinion I have never seen so much interest in not only Sony's Hi-MD units but in the other two companies that produce HI-MD units as well. Onkyo's units have ranked at number 2 and 3 in terms of sales in some stores in Japan And Sony's black RH10 was the number saleing unit for over 13 months but it still did not sale out in the first month like the newest unit just did! Now, if I were not living in Japan this might not mean or feel the same way to me as it does right now, but from my point of view and from my shoes this looks good. I like to think of my self as the average joe in Japan.

............................................................................................

Now, a word or two for the other posters:

RUMZ, no the other companies are not producing protable HI-MD units other than Buffalo and their MD-HUSB. Also, Onkyo has produced three are four home HI-MD mini-stereo systems. However, I think you are right or at least I hope you are right and I hope others start making HI-MD units. Esp since HI-MD can do Sp and Hi-MD stuff there is no need for the old school units to still be produced all units could easily become Hi-MD. Sharp had been thinking about HI-MD in 2004 check their technical journal No.22(December, 2004)http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/rd/25/25-3-9a.html .

BLAND10000, Wow, that is big news to sale out in Akiba and that town/shopping area should have had a bigger stock than anyone else.

DANIELBB90, I agree with you I think things are really looking pretty good.

ROB F1UK, I am happy to hear it's doing well in the UK.

See you again,

Mikami

Edited June 6, 2006 by Mikami

[Syrius]

Hi-Md is completely sold out here in Chile, even blanks are out. Customers are complaining and Sony Chile has announced a new shipment in 2 more weeks. Hi-MD units were a HUGE success over here.

Awesome. I always had an admiration for Chile since I heard the spanish dubs of Garfield and Justice League cartoons. MD being a hit in another country other than Japan? Well, slap me and call me Susan.

Sony has been mediocre in Mexico, and they never marketed MD other than when it first came out. They launched the DH700, but with very little promotion. Why? Their paranoia that Pedro, Juan and Roberto are going to pirate everything and drive them into bankruptcy. Somebody should tell our amigos at Sony that the era of the Mexican Bandito is over. Sorry, I'm rambling.

[tekdroid]

Syrius:

Haha. Pedro, Juan and Roberto are probably too busy saving up for Hi-MD blanks. With the price of Hi-MD blanks (and recorders) in most countries, I don't think Sony should be worrying about anything (especially compared to CD and DVD). But I guess there's no sense trying to convince Sony.

Mikami, thanks for the info. I hope you're right about things picking up. It sounds more promising than I anticipated in your initial post. With any luck, this level of apparent sales activity will be sustained as Sony fills the stores with more product. Word-of-mouth about a more friendly SonicStage - I would like to think - may be contributing to some of this 'buzz'.

All in all, I remain quietly optimistic. I expect quarterly sales results from you from now on

[Sparky191]

No sign of it here in Ireland. To be honest theres only end of stock items in the shops here.

[Mikami]

Mikami, thanks for the info. I hope you're right about things picking up. It sounds more promising than I anticipated in your initial post.... Word-of-mouth about a more friendly SonicStage - I would like to think - may be contributing to some of this 'buzz'.

All in all, I remain quietly optimistic. I expect quarterly sales results from you from now on

I think the ability to upload SP and to record true SP again, on the go, helps a lot! I also think SonicStage has improved a lot! However, I usually use SimpleBurner to transfer music from CD to HI-MD I think it is a lot cleaner and saves a step.Plus I have been through enough PC's and harddisc to know not to store important data on them for long.

On, the other hand I think SonicStage is not the only proprietary digital media player/trasfer device! There is another big proprietary auido softwear out there that people fail to understand as being proprietary.

For, now I am just happy that HI-MD portable recorders are doing better than the standard MD units (in terms current of sales) and I hope that HI-MD will become the new standard or default. But, they will need to start making HI-MD boom boxs, and mini-systems for HI-MD to get a bigger foothole. Audio Tape is still around but starting to disapear. I hope MD/HI-MD can finnish that job and convert audio tape uses over.

Syrius

Are you talking about "Garfield and Friends"? I loved that show.

Sparky191

Sorry, to hear that

See you again,

Mikami

[Mikami]

The TOP MD money makers at the Japanese version of Amazon.com as of June 8th 2006

(1) Sony MZ-RH1 S Hi-MD Of course!

(2) BUFFALO MD-HUSB USB2.0

(3)Victor XM-C17-S

(4)Sony MZ-E520 S MD

(5)Sony MZ-EH50 P MD

(6)Victor XM-S51-A

(7)SHARP MD-DR77-A 1 bit

(8)Victor XM-S51-B

(9) Victor XM-C37-S

(10) SHARP MD-DR7-S MD

And these units and a battery fall below the top ten

SONY Hi-MD MZ-RH10B Ranked as Number 18

SONY Hi-MD MZ-RH10S Ranked as Number 22

SONY MZ-NH1S MD Ranked as Number Number 25

SONY Hi-MD MZ-RH10L Raned as Number 35

SONY LIP-4WM Ranked as Number 37

See you later

Edited June 9, 2006 by Mikami

[Mikami]

OKay the silver RH1 is back in stock in some of the stores I happen to pass a day or two ago. I have no idea how many of these units they get in at a time, but last night one Yodobashi store seemed to have about 30 or so in. If more than a few stores sell out, again I will post as soon as that happens.

regards,

Mikami

[Rumz]

The TOP MD money makers at the Japanese version of Amazon.com as of June 8th 2006

(1) Sony MZ-RH1 S Hi-MD Of course!

(2) BUFFALO MD-HUSB USB2.0

(3)Victor XM-C17-S

(4)Sony MZ-E520 S MD

(5)Sony MZ-EH50 P MD

(6)Victor XM-S51-A

(7)SHARP MD-DR77-A 1 bit

(8)Victor XM-S51-B

(9) Victor XM-C37-S

(10) SHARP MD-DR7-S MD

And these units and a battery fall below the top ten

SONY Hi-MD MZ-RH10B Ranked as Number 18

SONY Hi-MD MZ-RH10S Ranked as Number 22

SONY MZ-NH1S MD Ranked as Number Number 25

SONY Hi-MD MZ-RH10L Raned as Number 35

SONY LIP-4WM Ranked as Number 37

See you later

See that Sharp Auvi love? Come ON Sharp! Hehe...

[Sparky191]

Well I'm in the process of converting my cassettes to MP3. Only my favorite ones though. Most of them are degraded too badly to keep. I don't have a problem with keeping data on HD's. You just have do a backup on a regular basis. Thats normal with all computers.