HiMD units recording capabilities

[pata2001]

From what I read form the FAQ, it seems that HiMD units cannot record old SP format in realtime. Older LP format (atrac3 based) can only be recorded via USB, not realtime. This really limits the "backward compatibility" of HiMD, except that it could play the old formats. When MDLP was introduced, at least the new recorders can still record in SP mode.

Also, can HiMD units record to an old MD media without reformatting it?

[mAjEsTiC]

not too sure if it will record onto old media without reformatting it i'm afraid...

[Christopher]

As of this time the only unit that will be able to write in the normal modes without reformatting the disc is the LAM-X1 desktop system, I believe.

[pata2001]

If the newer units cannot record in the old format without reformatting the old media, this means that HiMD could make MD units (especially the player only units) obselete as HiMD units can play everything, but their recordings cannot be read by older MD units (with the exception maybe the LAM-X1). Bummer, especially for newcomers like me.

When MDLP and NetMD were introduced, at least the recorders can still record in SP mode for backward compatibility with older non-MDLP units. Hopefully Sony would think about this in the 2nd gen HiMD units.

[sup8]

will the HI MD be able to mic record and upload with usb? maybe a dumb question, but i also bought a net MD thinking i could do that.

[KJ_Palmer]

Yes, high-speed (100x?) usb uploading of analogue (mic/line) recordings is now allowed with the Hi-MD units.

[anont]

If the newer units cannot record in the old format without reformatting the old media, this means that HiMD could make MD units (especially the player only units) obselete as HiMD units can play everything, but their recordings cannot be read by older MD units

I don't see that as being an issue, unless you have friends who also use MDs and like to lend them back and forth, which isn't so likely. I'm sure you'll still be able to buy the MD blanks online for many years to come. With me I don't plan on getting Hi-MD anytime soon, if ever, but I don't think that'll have any effect on being an MD user.

[Rumz]

From what I read form the FAQ, it seems that HiMD units cannot record old SP format in realtime. Older LP format (atrac3 based) can only be recorded via USB, not realtime. This really limits the "backward compatibility" of HiMD, except that it could play the old formats. When MDLP was introduced, at least the new recorders can still record in SP mode.

Also, can HiMD units record to an old MD media without reformatting it?

These questions have now been answered by the folks at MDCenter.nl.

http://www.minidisc.org/himd_mdcenter_news.html

Here's the basics, what I've gleaned from the write-up as well as my conversation with one of the MDCenter team (MDFreak):

The units themselves can record the following in real time:

To old MD media, not reformatted to Hi-MD:

SP, SP Mono, LP2, LP4

(so yes, you can record on a non-Hi-MD formatted disc in either real time on the unit or by sending it LP2 / LP4 tracks in NetMD mode in Sonic Stage)

To old MD media reformatted to Hi-MD format, as well as 1GB Hi-MD media:

Linear PCM, Hi-SP, Hi-LP (no mono)

(SP, Lp2, and Lp4 cannot be recorded in real time to Hi-MD formatted media. However, LP2, LP4, and psuedo SP (LP2 badged as SP) can be transferred to Hi-MD formatted discs).

In short, new Hi-MD units can function such that the discs they produce are fully backwards compatible with older MDLP units.