SonicStage 4.3 + MZ-NE410 ERROR

[datacat]

Lastnight I was recording some discs, Sony 80min. I finished one recording then started a new disc. I transferred 2 albums when SonicStage decided it would freeze on the 3rd album. I tried everything to end the process, disconnected player, even ctrl+alt+del wouldn't work, NOTHING would end it!! I finally had to hard reset my machine....

After rebooting, I loaded SonicStage again and connected the player. Now, it gives me the message "player/media not connected" I unplug and connect again "insert a disc" I look at the player and the display reads "ERROR" no error number or anything. I tried a few times and same thing. Something was recorded on the disc, I can see a track title on the display but it will not play or "connect" with SonicStage....

The discs are BRAND NEW. If I can only get it to connect so I can "initialize" the disc and hopefully fix it. The player has no option to "format disc" or delete tracks that I am aware of?? This may sound weird but I compared the disc to others, from the edge of the disc to where the actual recording starts is a larger "space" than all other discs.

for example other discs the recording starts about 1-2mm from the edge, with this disc it is about 2-3mm. It is a noticable difference from other discs I compared it to...

Is this disc garbage now? It would be a shame if this happens again with brand new discs!!!

This was my first time recording MD's, any help appreciated. Thanks

[A440]

"Initialize" (which is on a menu via the bottom right Device/Media Info button) will erase and format the disc. Don't use it if you want to keep any data. If you don't care about what's on the disc--since the Error means the disc is otherwise unusable--then Initialize should format it and make it usable again.

I have no idea if the visual differences between discs are relevant.

[datacat]

"Initialize" (which is on a menu via the bottom right Device/Media Info button) will erase and format the disc. Don't use it if you want to keep any data. If you don't care about what's on the disc--since the Error means the disc is otherwise unusable--then Initialize should format it and make it usable again.

I have no idea if the visual differences between discs are relevant.

The player reads ERROR, it will not "connect" with SonicStage since it froze and basically rendered the brand new disc useless. I was wondering if there is another way I can format the disc...

I'm positive the visual difference on the laser side indicate the disc has been improperly recorded(due to the freeze up and SonicStage crash) Do other players offer the option to format discs? I don't see any option with my player. I wish I knew what caused this crash in the first place so maybe I can avoid destroying anymore discs!

Thanks

[A440]

The player reads ERROR, it will not "connect" with SonicStage since it froze and basically rendered the brand new disc useless. I was wondering if there is another way I can format the disc...

You said you got the message "Insert a disc." That suggests SonicStage is connecting to the unit, seeing the player but not reading files on the a disc because the disc has an error on it. If you get that message again, try the Device/Media Info button and see if you can Initialize.

Recording units have a Format command under Edit. Yours is a downloader, so it may not have an Edit menu. Whether it does or not, you can't get there through the unit because it can't read the disc, and you would get that Error message even in a recording unit. But again, the "Insert a disc" message suggests that SonicStage might be able to reach the disc.

How much use has the unit had? It's an old model and the recording head might just be wearing out, which means you will have more problems. To replace that unit, look for the MZ-NH600D. I got one for $60 a while back on eBay.

[datacat]

You said you got the message "Insert a disc." That suggests SonicStage is connecting to the unit, seeing the player but not reading files on the a disc because the disc has an error on it. If you get that message again, try the Device/Media Info button and see if you can Initialize.

Recording units have a Format command under Edit. Yours is a downloader, so it may not have an Edit menu. Whether it does or not, you can't get there through the unit because it can't read the disc, and you would get that Error message even in a recording unit. But again, the "Insert a disc" message suggests that SonicStage might be able to reach the disc.

How much use has the unit had? It's an old model and the recording head might just be wearing out, which means you will have more problems. To replace that unit, look for the MZ-NH600D. I got one for $60 a while back on eBay.

I tried but cannot click the media/player button or initialize. When I disconnect the player and reconnect that is when I get "insert a disc" it actually doesn't do anything until I unplug the player and try again, but even then it won't read the disc. Have you ever had this happen with SonicStage? Player is BRAND NEW along with the discs...

Is SonicStage known to freeze like this while transferring? This is what caused the disc to corrupt in the first place. Other discs work fine so far, like I said just don't wanna ruin anymore :\

I run all latest software/winxp/sp2/etc....

Anyway, thanks...

I tried but cannot click the media/player button or initialize. When I disconnect the player and reconnect that is when I get "insert a disc" it actually doesn't do anything until I unplug the player and try again, but even then it won't read the disc. Have you ever had this happen with SonicStage? Player is BRAND NEW along with the discs...

Is SonicStage known to freeze like this while transferring? This is what caused the disc to corrupt in the first place. Other discs work fine so far, like I said just don't wanna ruin anymore :\

I run all latest software/winxp/sp2/etc....

Anyway, thanks...

BTW, funny story.....I seen the player onsale at a local department store, figured I'd buy it since I've wanted an MDP for quite some time, take it up to the cashier and she's like "$11.45" haha! Needlesstosay, I did not argue the price (originally $99 on sale for $59 or something....) LOL she checks with a manager because she's suspecious of that low price, manager confirms that is the price on the computer ) Walked away with it for $11.45....

There is nothing wrong with the player, I'm just having slight issues with the Software...

[A440]

Great price, lucky you.

Why not try uninstalling 4.3 and using an earlier version, in case there's a bug.

A full 4.0 installer is in Downloads.

And if you're on broadband and have time to download 244 MB, an .iso image of the full SonicStage 3.4 disc for the RH1 is here:

http://s15.quicksharing.com/v/8783199/SS3.4RH1.iso.html

Edited May 5, 2007 by A440

[datacat]

Great price, lucky you.

Why not try uninstalling 4.3 and using an earlier version, in case there's a bug.

A full 4.0 installer is in Downloads.

And if you're on broadband and have time to download 244 MB, an .iso image of the full SonicStage 3.4 disc for the RH1 is here:

http://s15.quicksharing.com/v/8783199/SS3.4RH1.iso.html

I was just considering installing an earlier version. It happened again tonight, transferred 3 albums on a brand new disc, GP1, GP2, GP3, started another transfer in GP4, every track completed but the last which showed "transferred" but the progress meter at the top hung at 99% and SonicStage would not respond!

It didn't corrupt the disc like last time, in the sense that it is not readable, but some of the data was corrupted. And now it won't let me create another group or edit track titles in GP5!! I erased all the tracks in GP4 and re-added them but now track titles don't work! Is this type of thing normal with MD's?? I convert everything to ATRAC3 66kbps before transferring so it doesn't have to do both on the fly yet I am still getting corrupt data on these discs.

Anyway, thanks for the advice and link. I think I will try another version :\

[Strungup]

I was just considering installing an earlier version. It happened again tonight, transferred 3 albums on a brand new disc, GP1, GP2, GP3, started another transfer in GP4, every track completed but the last which showed "transferred" but the progress meter at the top hung at 99% and SonicStage would not respond!

It didn't corrupt the disc like last time, in the sense that it is not readable, but some of the data was corrupted. And now it won't let me create another group or edit track titles in GP5!! I erased all the tracks in GP4 and re-added them but now track titles don't work! Is this type of thing normal with MD's?? I convert everything to ATRAC3 66kbps before transferring so it doesn't have to do both on the fly yet I am still getting corrupt data on these discs.

Anyway, thanks for the advice and link. I think I will try another version :\

I hate to say this , but with the Mac , there are no transfer issues whatsoever , Windows and SS just dont seem to get along , I have read soooo many bug issues its unreal , but on the Mac using MD Transfer 2.0 there are no fancy menus or anything to screw it up , just upload , and download .

Since your doing the RH1 thing , Go to freind who has a Macbook or anything running OSX get them to download MD Transfer 2.0 and just try it . That alone is reason enough to buy a used Macbook Plus the DVD /CD Burner built into the mac is pristine audio quality , dont get me wrong I was on XP since XP came out I was on 98 before it became SE , I was windows for a LOOOOONG time ( I have used 95 , and loaded EVERYTHING from floppy ok )

But with the new processers and the new macbooks and pros coming out you will be able to get a Refurb , or Used fairly cheap set it up for just doing audio and nothing else , Keep the Windows sys for the Gaming and everything else .

[A440]

I hate to say this , but with the Mac , there are no transfer issues whatsoever

A Mac won't help with the MZ-NE410. Only a few Hi-MD units are Mac compatible--and none of the old NetMD units like the NE410.

Datacat, you need to give SonicStage little jobs, not giant ones: One album at a time. Converting separately, as you are doing, is also smart. You also need to be patient at that 99% point--sometimes it hangs there for a long time before finally getting the job done. Disconnecting before it makes that dopey three-note sound means trouble, as you have discovered.

SonicStage needs a lot of system resources. (So does iTunes, but no one complains.) If you are running a bunch of other stuff simultaneously--browsers, email programs, anything graphics-intensive--then turn it off while SonicStage is running. Look under Processes in Task Manager (CTRL-ALT-DEL) and see what's using your CPU resources.

SonicStage is not a great program, to say the least. But it shouldn't be giving you this much trouble if your system is working otherwise and you're not overloading it. Versions 3.4 and 4.2 are pretty stable. On your computer, something is getting in its way, and if you can figure out what it is, you should have smoother transfers.

Also, just for the heck of it, try substituting a different USB cord, like one from a camera or PDA if you have one. It's a standard USB-to-mini-USB cord. Probably not the problem, but you never know.

[Strungup]

A Mac won't help with the MZ-NE410. Only a few Hi-MD units are Mac compatible--and none of the old NetMD units like the NE410.

Datacat, you need to give SonicStage little jobs, not giant ones: One album at a time. Converting separately, as you are doing, is also smart. You also need to be patient at that 99% point--sometimes it hangs there for a long time before finally getting the job done. Disconnecting before it makes that dopey three-note sound means trouble, as you have discovered.

SonicStage needs a lot of system resources. (So does iTunes, but no one complains.) If you are running a bunch of other stuff simultaneously--browsers, email programs, anything graphics-intensive--then turn it off while SonicStage is running. Look under Processes in Task Manager (CTRL-ALT-DEL) and see what's using your CPU resources.

SonicStage is not a great program, to say the least. But it shouldn't be giving you this much trouble if your system is working otherwise and you're not overloading it. Versions 3.4 and 4.2 are pretty stable. On your computer, something is getting in its way, and if you can figure out what it is, you should have smoother transfers.

Also, just for the heck of it, try substituting a different USB cord, like one from a camera or PDA if you have one. It's a standard USB-to-mini-USB cord. Probably not the problem, but you never know.

My bad , I thought I read an RH1 in the mix there somewhere ( I am half asleep at the moment)

[datacat]

A Mac won't help with the MZ-NE410. Only a few Hi-MD units are Mac compatible--and none of the old NetMD units like the NE410.

Datacat, you need to give SonicStage little jobs, not giant ones: One album at a time. Converting separately, as you are doing, is also smart. You also need to be patient at that 99% point--sometimes it hangs there for a long time before finally getting the job done. Disconnecting before it makes that dopey three-note sound means trouble, as you have discovered.

SonicStage needs a lot of system resources. (So does iTunes, but no one complains.) If you are running a bunch of other stuff simultaneously--browsers, email programs, anything graphics-intensive--then turn it off while SonicStage is running. Look under Processes in Task Manager (CTRL-ALT-DEL) and see what's using your CPU resources.

SonicStage is not a great program, to say the least. But it shouldn't be giving you this much trouble if your system is working otherwise and you're not overloading it. Versions 3.4 and 4.2 are pretty stable. On your computer, something is getting in its way, and if you can figure out what it is, you should have smoother transfers.

Also, just for the heck of it, try substituting a different USB cord, like one from a camera or PDA if you have one. It's a standard USB-to-mini-USB cord. Probably not the problem, but you never know.

Thanks for the replies. When it freezes at 99%, I wait a long time and still no "dopey three-note sound" Can't click stop, can't do anything but end process. If I hit "stop" on the player, you can hear it attempting to read the disc over and over. That is when I disconnect, the tracks were all transferred to the disc but track titles were lost. So when I reconnect the player, I still can't edit track titles in that group. It's like it corrupts the disc...

Typically when I'm doing transfers and anything related to audio/conversion/etc, I don't have ANYTHING else running except standard Win services. I can't stand a cluttered taskbar and bogged down system! Also, tried on my laptop and another pc (I have a cluster of systems.. I think it might be the newer SS version. I'll try 3.4 or 4.2 , am I the only one here using 4.3? ;P

Have a good day.