mmp64 Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 I had a thought that it might be interesting to combine the best aspects of the MD world with Flash technology - basically create a portable flash-based recorder with both embedded memory (say, 4 GB) plus removeable memory (SD cards), with the highly developed feature set and UI of the MD world. I realize that there are Flash-based recorders out there - but I suspect they don't have all of the cool features of MD (i.e. - timestamps, easily dividing and combining tracks, etc. etc.) I envision literally using the same UI that currently exists in MD. In addition to some obvious form-factor advantages, there would be improved transfer speeds, improved compatability, and greater market "understanding/awareness." Any thoughts? Of course, it would not really be MD anymore, because there wouldn't be any discs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eriktous Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 Yeah, I've been thinking about this as well.I don't understand why Sony hasn't developed a portable recorder yet, which uses a different storage medium than MD, like embedded flash memory, memory cards or an internal HD. With minidisk they have gained a lot of experience in making high quality recorders. It would seem only logical to use that to make a device which isn't bound to the limitations of MD.Maybe they're just afraid that they would create a device that will kill MD, but it will only be a matter of time before another company comes up with something like this, so why not do it themselves? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tekdroid Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 I had a thought that it might be interesting to combine the best aspects of the MD world with Flash technology - basically create a portable flash-based recorder with both embedded memory (say, 4 GB) plus removeable memory (SD cards), with the highly developed feature set and UI of the MD world. I realize that there are Flash-based recorders out there - but I suspect they don't have all of the cool features of MD (i.e. - timestamps, easily dividing and combining tracks, etc. etc.) I envision literally using the same UI that currently exists in MD. In addition to some obvious form-factor advantages, there would be improved transfer speeds, improved compatability, and greater market "understanding/awareness." Any thoughts? Of course, it would not really be MD anymore, because there wouldn't be any discs...I think it's more about milking MD infrastructure (getting most out of their investment/factories/patents). Hi-MD was an extension to build upon what they already had worked their butts off creating for MD, IMO. It allowed them to make a new product with minimal expense, really - a product that builds on the back of what they have the infrastructure and know-how for.Look at their PCM-D1, it's their (artifically expensive) version of what they can do, but I doubt they wanna kill sales of Hi-MD. Track division on the unit, but no combining. Date/time used for naming of WAVs. No horrible SonicStage. They could easily bring the price down on these without including the mics, esoteric case materials, etc. But I doubt they want to. What baffles me is the apparent lack of competition (by Panasonic, etc) for reasonably-priced, truly portable high quality recorders. Again, I guess it eats into revenue from higher-end products Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmp64 Posted July 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 (edited) "Look at their PCM-D1, it's their (artifically expensive) version of what they can do, but I doubt they wanna kill sales of Hi-MD. Track division on the unit, but no combining. Date/time used for naming of WAVs. No horrible SonicStage."Yes, that's kind of what I was talking about (didn't know it existed) - but don't really like the form factor/looks - or the use of proprietary memory sticks. I was thinking more like a thinner, smaller MZ-RH1 - but not so thin that you couldn't work the controls. Edited July 7, 2006 by mmp64 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tekdroid Posted July 7, 2006 Report Share Posted July 7, 2006 Yes, that's kind of what I was talking about (didn't know it existed) - but don't really like the form factor/looks - or the use of proprietary memory sticks. I was thinking more like a thinner, smaller MZ-RH1 - but not so thin that you couldn't work the controls.exactly, I know what you're saying. It's like most companies don't care about high quality portable (affordable, MD-like) recording. Even though we have more 'format' alternatives now than ever. I'm waiting for the day this changes, but until then, MD seems like a stayer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Sure and you can use a carbon based stick transfer to cellulose based substrate to carry information in, but a Palm Pilot looks neater but for the price of media, MD is still bloody cheap and versatile. Yeah a memory stick addition may be neat, but why not twin md's on one unit??Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pata2001 Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 yeah, as a removable media, MD is loosing steam unless Sony can improve the data read/write transfer rate. $7 for 1GB is still cheaper than flash memory, but you can get 2GB micro SD for about $70 now, smaller and faster than HiMD. In time, the price advantage will be gone. sony did try to use its memory stick as a removable medium for some of its early network walkmen, but at that time, the price/MB was too expensive. Now, Sony is just playing catch up, not realizing the potential of their own products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Yeah, but when your 2 MB unit need more songs you have to delete and add, with th MD you put in another disc, much simpler.Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenmachine Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 When price comes down, you can have as many removable cards as you want and use it the same way you use CC/MD. It's just too early yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmp64 Posted July 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2006 When price comes down, you can have as many removable cards as you want and use it the same way you use CC/MD. It's just too early yet.Yes, I think you are correct. It is inevitable. BTW - I have come up for a name for this non-existent product: The PDR-1 (Personal Digital Recorder). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozpeter Posted July 9, 2006 Report Share Posted July 9, 2006 Too late - see http://tinyurl.com/e6qcvDigital Voice RecorderPDR-1 Digital Voice Recorder with Recording Time of 15, 30 and 60 MinutesKey Specifications/Special Features: * Non-volatile flash memory * 15 minutes - 1 hour recording * Interchangeable memory module * 99 voice notes on each folder * Voice alarm * Password security * phonebook with tone dialer * Speed search * External audio jack * Compact size 105 x 56 x 23.5mm * Use 3 x AAA alkaline batteries * Weight: 69gm (without battery) * Color: champagne gold, silver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted July 9, 2006 Report Share Posted July 9, 2006 and it bakes bread and does dishes as well as get the kids ready for school.Where in the info is there even a hint of anything approaching fidelity.Digital VOICE recorders have been around for ages, but voice is all they are good for.Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmp64 Posted July 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2006 Too late - see http://tinyurl.com/e6qcvDigital Voice RecorderPDR-1 Digital Voice Recorder with Recording Time of 15, 30 and 60 MinutesKey Specifications/Special Features: * Non-volatile flash memory * 15 minutes - 1 hour recording * Interchangeable memory module * 99 voice notes on each folder * Voice alarm * Password security * phonebook with tone dialer * Speed search * External audio jack * Compact size 105 x 56 x 23.5mm * Use 3 x AAA alkaline batteries * Weight: 69gm (without battery) * Color: champagne gold, silverThen we'll need to give it some kind of inscrutible Sony name - NZ-MWS-50 or something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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