Re: MD: MD car audio
At 14:28 20/06/2001 -0700, Marc Britten wrote: anybody know how many and what kind of car units are availible that do CD and MD? and not a CD changer. If you mean both CD and MD within a single DIN headunit, the only one I know of is the JVC KD-MX3000. I'm not too sure whether it's still being made though. Quite a few double-DIN headunits exist that will do both, but they're hard to find outside japan and not many cars can take them (well, without major dashboard surgery anyway..). If you've got two DIN slots in your dashboard, then you could try tracking down a Kenwood D400 - it's a 4-disc changer that sits in your dash and will work alongside a Kenwood CD player. They're not made any more, but you may find an audio shop that still has one in stock. I'm assuming you're against the idea of a CD changer because of the extra box, but an alternative might be Sony's MD changer (MDX-65 or 62) - they're quite a bit smaller than a CD changer so you can be more flexible about where you situate it. I would love to switch my car over to MD(since the current stereo is busted, its a perfect time) but i don't want to give up the ability to through a brand new cd in and listen on my way home. That's about the only thing I miss since I bought my MD headunit :) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word unsubscribe to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: . does pioneer MJ-D707 have coax out?
At 12:23 20/05/2001 -0400, Danny-K wrote: according to minidisc.org, the pioneer MJ-D707 does not have coax out. but according to pioneer's website, it does have coax out. which is the truth? anyone here have one or seen one first-hand? Mine has just an optical output. Inputs are optical and coax. Although it's a perfectly adequate deck, only consider it if you're getting a particularly good deal - newer decks like the Sony 440 offer a lot more (MDLP etc) for very reasonable prices. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word unsubscribe to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: SP/DIF from Dell Inspiron 8000? (And old Acorns)
I'm finally thinking about replacing my 7 year old Acorn RISC PC* with a shiny new laptop, and am looking at the Dell Inpsiron 8000. Anyway, I've heard that it's possible to get an SP/DIF output from it - possibly by sticking some sort of adaptor on the SVideo port (or something). Is this true, and can I adapt it to a regular optical out connection which I can plug into my Sharp 831? Yes - you get a device that plugs into a port on the side and gives you S-Video, Composite and S/PDIF audio. If you use a converter such as the Midiman CO2, you can convert it to optical that will be suitable for your 831. The plug-in thing with the S/PDIF is standard on all Inspiron 8000s as far as I know. hth, -- Simon ___ FSmail - Get your free web-based email from Freeserve: www.fsmail.net - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word unsubscribe to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: . dvd copyright/fragile MD players
At 21:47 28/03/2001 +, Chad Gombosi wrote: [dvd to MD copying] In other words, just make an analogue copy. Alternatively, go into your player's setup menu and change the digital format from DD5.1/DTS to PCM Stereo. The MD recorder should cope with it fine. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: A question about the titler...
At 10:43 27/01/2001 -0500, Donald Person wrote: I was reading the posts about the titling program for tha Palm. I personally don't own a PDA because I don't like having to "draw" every letter to enter information into it. [OT] I don't input much by actually using the Palm itself - it just syncs with all my desktop data and means I have it in a much quicker and easier device for when I need it. SO my question is: Is there a program (for Windows) that will accomplish the same thing using the IrDA port on my notebook? THAT would be awesome, and any help would be greatly appreciated !! There's WinRemote - http://www.czechin.com/minidisc/ , but I think you have to use the supplied IR box (plugs into your serial port). VirtualRemote - http://www.virtualremote.co.uk/ - is something similar. Again, I don't know whether you can use the IR on your notebook. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Headphones
Now, the next problem, where to find the cheapest dealer on the Netfor these :(. Amazon.com are the cheapest I've seen (thanks to Franciso on this list) but unfortunately they won't ship these headphones outside of the USA :( ZM I'm assuming you're in the UK - Richer Sounds is the only place I've seen that carries the Koss Sporta Pros. You can order online from http://www.richersounds.com/ if you haven't got a local branch. hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: SACD? Any chance for survival?
SACD=Super Audio CD, a new supposedly superior (and of course incompatble with current CD players) audio format from Sony. However the huge bonus of SACD is that you can have a convential CD-Audio layer on the disc which _will_ play in regular CD players. That is what will sell the format (if at all) to the public. They can buy a new release in SACD format, play it with all the extra resolution on their main home system while still being able to play it in their car/kitchen/study/wherever. It's something that could be an enhanced feature of regular CDs (looking at it from the other perspective), so if they were cheap enough to make then all future releases could be SACD with the CD layer - no need for record shops to stock two things. However I think any takeup of either format will be really slow. CD and DVD both offer long-term durability over their analogue counterparts, extra convenience and that "quality for the masses" factor, people getting really good results from relatively cheap equipment. Same with MD over tape really. For DVD-A and SACD the only real trick is better quality (something that many people could achieve by simply buying a better CD player) - the other advantages we've already got from CD. It then ends in a vicious circle, not enough people with players, so no economic gain in releasing for it, the format dies. Of the two though, SACD is the obvious one to back - the players are here now and reasonably priced, and the backwards compatibility will mean people will be more willing to invest in the music for it. DVD-A only has the strength of the DVD name - everyone will assume they can play them on their DVD-Video player and be very disappointed when they can't. -- Simon (who has no plans to buy either...) - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Track labelling
I've got a Sony MZ-R55 portable recordable MiniDisc system, I've also = got a digital soundcard on my PC. What I want to know is if there are = any programmes out there (preferably free- or shareware) that will allow = me to label tracks on recorded MiniDiscs using the computer keyboard. = Any information would be very welcome as I'm getting a bit sick of = spending good time having to label by scrolling through the characters = on the lcd screen. Thanks, Nat The only option I know of is to buy or make the parallel port - MD interface that is here : http://www.bazginge.demon.co.uk/minidisc.html . Free plans and software are available if you're competent with a soldering iron, or they're offered pre-made (and a lot neater) for about $60. It allows control of the unit from your PC as well as decent titling support, and I believe allows you to record with trackmarks in place and no gaps (as the normal remote has a trackmark button that the software can "press" as you change tracks). hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: Ask Slashdot: Is MiniDisc Dead?
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=00/11/04/2036216 I'm sure some people from here could write some coherent pro-MD posts to balance this out a bit :) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: MDLP in the U.S.
Would that be similar to http://minidisc.org/part_Sony_MDS-JE440.html Not much info on the unit on the minidisc pages. $199 for a deck. wow.. what are the features and specs for it? On Sony's UK site: http://194.154.177.137/products_details.asp?code=MDS-JE440nav=tech It's quite a basic deck (only digital I/O is an optical in, although av-store.co.uk claims it has optical and coax), but at a very good price. The bit extra for the 640 might be worth it though - it's about 30ukp more and you get keyboard input, pitch control, scale factor edit, better display, etc. I'm going on UK specs but there's not usually a difference between markets for them. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Digital protection ???
I have been reading about this copy protection would like to no if I wass to record a mix off the radio and put the track markers in etc could I then copy ot to another MD digitally and keep the markers like when you record from a cd? I know I can't make copys from the copy. If you're recording in analogue, then the MD will be "11" or SCMS restricted (ie. you can take a further copy). A subsequent digital copy of that MD will be "10" or SCMS prohibited (ie. you can't record another copy from it). Short version: yes, it'll work from MD1 (radio-MD) to MD2 (MD-MD) and keep the trackmarks. If the above works could I also record from A LP2 md (My unit suports it) to standard stereo and keep markers etc. Not sure but I'd assume that's the case as the LP players wouldn't/shouldn't do SCMS any differently. hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: MDLP Car head units
Quick question. When are the mdlp head units from sony due out in the U.K and does anybody no if there compatible with the old cd multichangers. As they go in yearly(ish) cycles and the 6500/8500 came out a couple of months ago, I'd say next summer at the earliest (have MDLP car units even been announced yet?). With the CD changers, I don't think Sony have altered the multichanger connection in a while and have no need to for future ones. The uk.rec.audio.car and rec.audio.car newsgroups may be a better place to check though. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Ok I got another one, but again, MOVE FAST it won't las
I want to know about any coupons!!! I don't want to have to hunt for them or join another list!!! Larry Then stop being lazy and demanding that a list should change purpose to suit _you_. It's significantly easier for you to subscribe to a new list than the "digest-regular then filtering" process that you expect all the digest readers to go through. Am I sounding unreasonable, or do you really find joining a new list _that_ hard? -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Ok I got another one, but again, MOVE FAST it won't last very long !
[replying to two posts to save space] Not meaning to offend but please stop posting with coupons for some US-based (and US-only) online shopping company. I'm just guessing here, but the number of US-based list subscribers is probably lower than you think and the number of those that actually care about the coupons will be significantly lower. I think that you are wrong about that. Any thought go into that, or is it a generic Yank "Rest of the world? We ARE the world!" comment? :-) I said I was guessing, and I notice a lot of non-US email addresses. Remember too that .com/.org/.net don't belong to the US - people living in many other countries use them too (in fact, the MD-L is hosted at the London-based amulation.com). To all these non-US people, posts about coupons are useless if they couldn't use them anyway. As someone else suggested, set up a separate list of your own for those that _want_ to recieve your coupon mails and leave the MD-L for actual MD discussion. It will never happen. This is a non censored list (at least that's what Rick W. recent told me). If you see Peter's name when you receive your e mail, just press the delete button. Also, isn't there a way to filter out e mail addresses you don't want to receive on many browses? It was a _suggestion_ for Peter to sort out a method that would be better for all parties - those on the MD-L that don't want to get coupon mailings every other day won't, those that want them do. It wasn't meant to be read as an intention of censorship - the list is unmoderated and so it should stay. Doing what you suggest (filtering by address) _would_ mean that many people stop reading what Peter has to say, which would be a shame. I disagree and encourage Peter to let us know when there are real super deals happening like $15 off on $25 and NO SHIPPING. You may have some magic source for getting blanks, but I know I don't and when I can get 80 minute blanks for less than $1.40, I want to know about it. So why not find out via a separate list or just by going to his coupon page? If people want to complain about things that are not available in their country fine. It was just a minor inconvenience, but if people want to be like that, I am sick and tired of hearing about all of the specials that they are running at Riches or what ever it is called, in the UK. I'll explain the reasons for my "complaint" (well, more of an informal suggestion to change something): - The number of coupon posts has gone up significantly - over the last 2 weeks, there's been one every other day. - These coupons are from, and for, a commercial company that Peter is financially involved with (at least, that's what I infer from him having a "store" there), which goes against the non-commercial nature of lists like this. It's pretty simple - Peter sends his coupons mails to as many people as possible, some of them buy stuff from him via the coupons, he makes money. When a list member points out a particularly good deal on something, they're not profiting from it. Incidentally, the last time Richer Sounds was mentioned on the MD-l was back in July, and that was a request for comments on a Pioneer unit that they were selling (and that's sold worldwide). The last post about an offer they were doing was 7th June. There's also a separate UK MD list, where such country-specific stuff gets discussed. As I've said to Peter before - the best way to promote your business on non-commercial community lists is to follow the Core Sound example; act as a normal list member and contribute with sound advice wherever possible. Post from a company email account and include a short sig with your URL and maybe a line with your current offer, but leave it at that. Associate your company with in-depth knowledge and sound advice and you'll have no problems. Spamming coupons every other day, like constant TV ads, are the quickest way to annoy people. I don't think that any of what I've said sounds unreasonable - I just think that Peter's system would work a lot better if he was in direct contact with those that _want_ to receive his coupon mails. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Ok I got another one, but again, MOVE FAST it won't last very long !
At 16:59 22/09/2000 -0400, you wrote: I told you, we have to be faster then buy it online ! If we act fast, since they are slow a lot of people will be able to take advantage of this coupon... Peter, Not meaning to offend but please stop posting with coupons for some US-based (and US-only) online shopping company. I'm just guessing here, but the number of US-based list subscribers is probably lower than you think and the number of those that actually care about the coupons will be significantly lower. As someone else suggested, set up a separate list of your own for those that _want_ to recieve your coupon mails and leave the MD-L for actual MD discussion. Your repeated commercial postings were just mildly irritating - I understand that you're running an MD-based business and it's good that you have such enthusiasm for the format, but acting like a buyitonline spam machine is very annoying. It'd be a shame if I filtered out all of your posts, you do also post good on-topic stuff sometimes.. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Interfacing MD Walkmans to OEM stereos in the trendy VWs
1. Display - capital letters only (uses CD/calculator-like display rather than dot matrix, probably because the CD headunits use the same face) but a real shame when you use lower and upper case a lot, doesn't scroll and you can't get remaining time in a track. (minor gripes really) It will scroll, but Autoscroll is disabled by default - go through the menu items till you get to A.SCRL and turn it on. It then scrolls the track or disc name past once when it changes (then stops on the first 8 characters to stop it annoying you). Not having remaining time is annoying, but most of my discs are titled and I'd rather see them than the time. hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Interfacing MD Walkmans to OEM stereos in the trendy VWs
[sorry, can't help with the rest of the post] In these situations, it may be desireable not to mess around with the sound system; and also the owner may not want to put in a new MD head unit because of security reasons or that it may look out of place in the VW's blue-illuminated dashboard. Some of the newer Sony headunits have blue displays (as an option) that match VW dashboards. The model numbers usually have -RV on the end. (afaik) there are also facia panels available that allow you to put a standard DIN headunit in and have it match reasonably with the dash (similar materials, etc). After struggling with a portable and a tape adaptor for months, I just bought a MD headunit instead. Point taken about owners not wanting to affect their car's value - but surely they could just take out the standard one and leave it to one side until they sell/give the car back? -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Sony Reliability
FWIW, I've got: ST-S261 tuner (about 4 years old, still perfect) Tape desk (can't remember model number but 3 years old, no problems) Discman (about 2 years old - ESP is a bit less efficient but plays fine) Clock Radio (5 years old, works fine) Playstation (still great) MZ-R55 (coming up to a year old - no problems at all) MDX-C6500R (few weeks old and brilliant - review/manual for MDCP when I get round to it) Maybe I'm just lucky with Sony stuff.. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: should we wait for lp.
I am trying to help my friend buy a stereo system. Is it worth waiting for the lp. Do you think there is a good chance that there will be a noticeable difference in sound quality when you record in the lp mode. If so, I think it is probably not worth the wait. More to the point - do you need the extra play-time, and are you willing to sacrifice compatibility with everything else to do it? (and pay more for it?) If not, don't bother. Also, does anyone have opinions as to md-cd combo decks as compared to two separate units. If you think the combo, which one do you recommend. I think I know which separate md decks are good. They're pretty good - if your MD recording is mainly from CDs and you don't need/want the extra frills than a standalone deck offers (fade in/out, extra inputs/outputs, pitch control, etc.) then a combo deck is a very good idea. The Sony MXD-D3 is a very good choice - reasonably priced (as little as 180ukp here), the MD part has many of the features that the decks do - time-shift recording, digital level control - plus it'll copy CDs at up to 4x quicker than normal. It also got a 5-star review from What Hifi? magazine, with them commenting that the CD part is as good as the budget Sony standalone players and that it makes excellent recordings to MD. If you can find a Sharp MD-R3 (the 3CD+MD deck) cheap, they're meant to be good as well (realtime recording though..). I've heard that several places in the US have been discounting them. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: sblive optical board
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has the optional optical board for the sblive. i was thinking of ordering one, but was wondering if SPDIF is the same as toslink. not sure if there's an optical connection standard yet, and i wanna make sure i buy the right cables. i recently traded up my sharp md-x5 for a sony dhc-mdx10 after i had to get it repaired 4 times from best buy (no lemon policy). anyways, the sony doesn't have coax digital in, so i'm gonna have to buy an optical board. here's a link to the spec page for the optical board: http://www.soundblaster.com/accessories/optical-io/specs.asp. thanks! Hi, You seem to be confusing S/PDIF and TOSLink - S/PDIF is the standard for transmitting digital audio data TOSLink is (afaik) the "standard" for the size/shape, etc of the plugs on optical cables. S/PDIF can be send down any kind of cable - as long as there's appropriate electronics at the other end to recieve it :) The board you gave the URL for should be fine for your purposes. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: ATRAC3 -- Friend or Foe of MD?
One thing's for sure - I was on the verge of saving up for a new MD recording portable (currently only have a playback portable), either R90 or sharp 831 - no way I'm buying them when I can wait 6-9 months and get a portable with LP mode. That said, I just fitted an expensive Sony MD headunit to my car which will be incompatible with LP discs. Ouch! I guess we're all feeling this. richard Personally, I don't feel the need for LP - maybe I'll end up with a home deck that will do LP (which would be handy for recording longer radio broadcasts), but for general recording of compilations, CDs, etc. then 74/80 minutes is fine. When I first read about it, I thought that a bit more recording time was a neat idea. When I realised it wasn't backward-compatible with the (millions?) of older units, I changed my mind. LP mode is just what MD can do without - incompatible formats and extra hassle, especially as there won't be any visible way to tell the two apart. It'll just create headaches for existing users buying into LP, and confusion amongst those buying their first MD unit. And all this for a bit more (IMHO unnecessary) recording time. I'd leave it on the decks and if it must be put on recording portables, bury it deep in the menu system. Trying to make such drastic changes to a format so far into it's life would be commercial suicide. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: PC transfer
Did anyone compare the difference between digital transfer of songs from a PC vs. analog? I have downloaded many songs to my MD using just a mini cable out into my MD input. Results are very good. Sometimes I have to edit as the PC does little repeats due to hard drive activity, I guess. Thanks for feedback. Jerry I've got an Aureal Vortex2 soundcard (which has an optical output) and I tried both analogue and digital recording. I couldn't tell a difference between the two (MZ-R55 recorder and Sony MDR-V200 headphones). [OT: can anyone recommend a soundcard for Windows 2000? Aureal's drivers are still very poor (they hadn't finished them when they went under), and daily reboots just to get sound working again are no fun. Anyone using an SBLive? Reply off-list, etc. Ta.] -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Pioneer MJ-D707
Does anyone know anything about the Pioneer MJ-D707? I'm seriously thinking of buying one this week from Richer Sounds (149.95 GBP) and just wondered if anyone out there had one and/or knew of any problems with the unit. From the stuff on the Pioneer website, it looks pretty good - especially the digital connections - optical coax in out, which will be very useful for me. My brother got one of these about a year ago (Richer Sounds, iirc it was about that price - maybe try to talk them down a bit more? :) ), and I think it's a great unit. No problems to report, it's recorded about 70 discs with a fair bit of editing in between. The remote isn't that good - it's got the letters for titling grouped ABC, DEF, mobile phone style unlike the earlier Sony deck remotes with one letter per key, making the jog dial a much easier thing to use for titles. The other 2 options for me would be the Sharp MD-R1(H) for 139.95 GBP, but it doesn't have as many features, and is a mini-sized unit, or there's the Sony MDS-JE530, but I'm not too keen on the Sonys as I've heard about loads of problems with them, and I think Sony's quality has gone down hill lately. I've played with both a 510 and a 520 and they both have problems with the loading mechanism, which I was not impressed with... I haven't heard that many bad things about the 530 - it seems to be an improvement on the previous 5xx models. It's also got a (iirc) more recent ATRAC version (a Type R one), pitch control, 6 sec time machine, S-Link connector, etc. The other big draw to the Sonys is the 3rd party titling aids that are available like EasyTitle and WinRemote, that send IR codes to the deck. I'd go for the Sony deck myself (if they were the same price), but if the Sony's features don't appeal then I can recommend the Pioneer as a solid choice, even if I can't vouch for it's long-term reliability. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Pioneer MJ-D707
Yeah, what does the pitch control do - does it just alter the speed, and if so, by how much? No idea really, I can't see it being that useful in day-to-day situations.. And what is the S-Link connector? Allows hifi, AV stuff and computers to talk to and control each other (for instance being able to set up a list of tracks on your PC that will be recorded from your 200-cd changer to a MD deck). One unit with it isn't too useful, but if you decided to do some fancy home automation it's a cool thing.. http://insflug.org/slink/ has lots more info about the system, and software/hardware that uses it. I'd go for the Sony deck myself (if they were the same price), but if the Sony's features don't appeal then I can recommend the Pioneer as a solid choice, even if I can't vouch for it's long-term reliability. The Sony is about 10 quid cheaper I think. Aaarrgghhh! Decisions, decisions. I have learned to go for first instincts when it comes to most things in life, and I'm still dubious about Sony's quality and the amount of crap in their marketing material - as if tilting the circuit board by 2 degrees makes any difference to the sound - someone screwed up the design IMHO :) Personally, I've got several Sony products - some several years old - and I'm very happy with all of them (tuner, MD portable, clock radio, TV, playstation, etc.). -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Coax- Optical Converter [OT]
There are also new versions of both DD and DTS, I think called DD-ES and DTS-ES (Extended Surround). (Actially, I can't find the article I read on DD-ES so I could be remembering things wrong! DTS-ES definitely exists, though.) The ES part gives DTS yet another channel for rear-centre. All very exciting, I know... heh :-) Dolby Digital EX you mean? From what I've heard, the rear-centre channel is encoded with the rears in the same way Pro-Logic was encoded onto stereo. If you've got an old Pro-Logic amp and a speaker sitting about, it might be worth trying.. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Digital CD-MD-Amp passthrough
Hi Leo, My problem is that my Sony CD megachanger has a pretty bad DAC and sounds a lot better when connected to my Amp via an optical cable. If I get an MD deck I want to connect the CD changer to it in the same way to get digital-quality MD copies, but the changer only has one optical/digital output. I guess I need to get an MD deck that has optical input and output and is able to act as a passthrough so the CD's optical output can reach the amp via the MD deck. Not necessarily - you could get one of the little digital convertor boxes. Providing it keeps both of it's outputs on you could, for example, have the optical coming in from your CD player, send an electrical signal to your MD deck and an optical signal to your amp. The Midiman CO2 from Core Sound looks ideal: http://www.core-sound.com/co2.html $70 including shipping. From the look of it, you could hide it away pretty easily. Does anyone know which MD decks, if any, support this? I have seen one or two which have optical output as well as input, but the typically sparse webpages don't say whether the output is only for the MD deck itself or whather it will relay the optical input to the output when the MD isn't in use. I'll have a look at my brother's Pioneer deck (afaik, it's got optical in and out) and let you know. I suspect it'll act in the same way as a tape deck, ie. only relaying when the deck is recording or on record pause. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: MD car units
Anyway, I'm looking to buy an MD unit for my beloved Saturn. I am rather partial (ok, very snip Problemo dos: If I do get this new deck, it will only fill half of my oversized Saturn deck opening. I planned to fill in with a tray, but I hoped I could find a tape deck that would fit there too. The kind of cassette deck I'd be looking for would be simple: it'd have the tape slot, and the play/stop/cue buttons..that's it. I've seen them before, so I know they exist. Here's what my dream car deck looks like: _ | | |_KMD-42_| || | |__tray___|_cassette__| I don't think it's feasible the way you want to do it, but you could consider trading in your KMD-42 for one of the Kenwood tape headunits, then getting a KMD-D400 slave unit (which is possibly overkill - it's a 3+1 in-dash MD changer). The pair would match nicely in the dash, and you'd have tape, CD (via changer) and MD all at hand. That's about the only way I can see you getting the best of both worlds anyway.. hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: CAR Sony MDX-C6500R and -RV
At 18:36 09/06/2000 +0200, you wrote: Hello, anyone knows the differences between the two models listed in the subject? Apart from the different display I can't see any... what's the catch? Thanks Luca Milano, Italy Hi Luca, There's no operational or feature difference - the RV version just has the blue display to match VW cars (and most places seem to charge 15-20% extra for this model). If you're not bothered about display colour, the R is a better buy. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Sony MDSJE530 Richer Sounds
I am thinking of getting the Sony MDSJE530 from Richer Sounds. I was wondering if anyone has had any good or bad experiences with the deck or Richer Sounds. Richer Sounds are great *if* they have the stock - always ring and check first (they'll usually offer to put items aside for you). If you've not been to one before, they're totally different from most hifi dealers; tiny shops that can get pretty crowded but the staff are usually really friendly and know their stuff. Many of them only have one demo room though so book in advance if you want to try the unit out (and try to go midweek). Just about all of the hifi in my household came from them, including my MZ-R55 and my brother's Pioneer MDJ-707 deck, and I'll certainly go on using them in the future. Check What Hifi? magazine before you go - Richer Sounds often carry adverts in there with prices that are lower than usual. As for the deck - I don't own one but a friend does, they're very happy with it. Good range of sockets, excellent facilities and it's been well-recieved by the hifi press. Sony seem to have ironed out the problems that previous 5xx decks did. hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Recording from midi-keyboard
I would like to record directly to my Sharp mini from my midi keyboard. Is that possible and what do I need to be able to do this? If it's a plain MIDI keyboard (ie. it sends MIDI signals only, nothing else) then you'll need a module that converts the MIDI data to some kind of notes (you can get piano modules, etc) then there'll be a line out on the module that you can plug into your mini system. If it's got speakers, voices on-board, etc. then have a look around the back for some kind of line-out socket. Failing that, you could use the headphone socket but that will usually mute the speakers as well. Include some more detail on the sockets that your keyboard and mini system have and it'll be a lot easier to recommend cables to do it :-) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Great Minidisc player and recorder starting at $0.01 !
Kheops GlassArt wrote: I just start some player and recorder for 1 cent on ebay... and numerous other offers of minidisc stuff. I seem to remember that Kheops offered us the opportunity to join his (its?) own mailing list a month ago. At the time I thought this was a good idea, as we would be relieved from having to read any more of his messages, but no such luck. Am I the only one finding them a little tedious ? simon Yeah, they're getting pretty annoying. I'll be constructive though - a better way for Pierre/Kheops Minidisc to "advertise" themselves would be through making good, helpful posts to the list where they can include a 3 or 4 line sig like: Pierre Forest, Kheops Minidisc -=- http://www.kheopsminidisc.com/ Offering high quality, low cost MD blanks and equipment Current offer : FREE Techno Cool MD with orders of 10 or more discs! ..something like that, you get the idea. I tend to be a lot more willing to use people/companies that contribute something to a group, and in doing that show that they're knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their products. I wouldn't use a hotmail account for business use either. The ease of getting an account with them, and their dodgy repuation doesn't look good to customers. Speak to the people who arranged the domain name and get some mail forwarding for [EMAIL PROTECTED] addresses. Their website takes an age to load as well - chop it up into more pages and tone down the amount of graphics. The front page is way too long - 14 screens for me, that's too much for people to read (and wait for it to load) in one go. I wish Pierre every success with Kheops MD, I just wish he wouldn't keep advertising on the list every week :-) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: inserting blank space between tracks when recording mp3 to md
At 19:20 17/05/2000 -0400, you wrote: does anyone know of a program or plugin for winamp that can insert blank space between tracks on a playlist so tracks don't get recorded together? it's a pain to go back and divide the tracks that are recorded together. http://home.bip.net/urbansan/gen_paus/ The more recent versions work a lot better - it used to play snippets of the next track before the pause, doesn't any more. And you can switch off the annoying system tray icon as well :) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: Hifi World (UK)
Hifi World (UK magazine) this month has a free HiSpace MD mounted on the cover - proper disc with labels, case, etc. First time I've seen a MD given away free with anything - from the ad HiSpace had inside they seem to have a "try one of these and see what you think" attitude. Maybe some people will actually use a HiSpace and see what great value discs they are, and dispel some myths about the quality/price ratio. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Notebook S/PDIF IO solution
Hi, I'm sure this has probably been covered before, but I can't find it in any of the archives or on the MDCP: What ways are there to get an optical S/PDIF input and output for a notebook computer, preferably available in the UK. I know there's the Opcode *Port products but I stopped by their website and they don' seem to be making them at the moment. Can anyone suggest anything, either PCMCIA or USB? Have a look at the Roland UA-30 - it's a USB-connecting device: http://www.minidisco.com/minispecs/rolandua30.html Expensive at $240 + shipping. If it's just for recording from laptop to MD (for MP3s, etc) then the Xitel MDPort is significantly cheaper at $60, but works in analogue - though that's likely to be higher quality than the sound chipset in your laptop. (I know minidisco are US-based, but they'll mail order to the UK) hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: EasyBuy2000 MPTrip Discman
=== = NB: Over 50% of this message is QUOTED, please = = be more selective when quoting text = === Jeanmougin wrote: It's looks really interesting WHEN you already own a computer, a modem and a CD-R grabber. But if you only own a MD, I think it is not useful (regarding the compacity, the re-recording possibility and the editability). Moreover, why a CD with all your music. I prefer to have one or several CDs for every kind of music. I think you hit the nail on the head here. While it looks cheap initially, you have to factor in the cost of a CD burner for your computer if you don't have one. They are starting to come with computers as part of the package, but it still isn't very common. So $102(player) + $299(burner = a $400 mp3 player that can't reach the same compression rate as MD. The MPTrip maxes out at 192kbit mp3's... and if i remember right MD is equivalent to 320 or 356kbit MP3? -mitch .. and it's still too big to be "portable", the build quality sucks (according to the review), and I'd have thought it's hardcoded for MP3, unable to play any other new format that comes along. Plus it won't record ;-) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Low price minidiscs in the UK
"Adam Zenkner" writes: Coming from the U.K i am used to high prices on the high street but i was shocked to find that the two cheapest places on the web to buy minidiscs are in the U.K They are: www.unbeatable.co.uk and www.abargain.co.uk If you din't mind could you look at these and tell me what you think It's the first I've heard of either of them. I'm adding a link in the news and forwarding your note to the MD mailing list in case others have any comments on them. Rick unbeatable.co.uk have good prices although I've never used them (I posted to md-l asking about them some time ago - no replies), including the MDX-7900 car headunit for 99UKP - the cheapest I've ever seen a car MD unit in the UK. The other - abargain.co.uk - need to sort out their website soonish (it's pretty poor), and their prices aren't very impressive either; they're either slightly lower or the same as high street prices. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Where to buy MX25 (DigiOut - Addon Card to MX300)
I live in Europe, can anybody give me a hint where I am able to buy (online or shop, doesn't matter) the MX25, the Addon Card to my Diamond Monster Sound MX300, which features Optical Out? If you can't tell me a place where to buy (cuz perhaps Diamond stopped to manufacture them etc...) it, can you recommend me any cheap (but hi-quality digi-out!!) sound card w/ digital out? First off, the MX25 adds an electrical (coax) digital output, not optical (not a problem for recording to a JB930, it will be if you want to record to a portable as well). I used to have an MX300, bought on the assumption that I could upgrade with the MX25 when I needed the digital out. I gave up looking for it here in the UK, and translating the US price (which was about $60, I think), it didn't seem worth it anyway; especially if I'd need a converter to record to my R55. I sold my MX300 for 25UKP, and bought a secondhand Videologic SonicVortex2 for 30UKP to replace it. Same chipset, drivers, etc - different manufacturer (Xitel cards are the same). Cheaper way to do it, and it's neater too because the optical out is on the same card rather than needing an extra slot. You can find SonicVortex2 cards from the usual online computer vendors for about 50UKP. However as Aureal, who make the chipsets, have folded (thus no more driver updates) I can't really recommend them. I've been happy with the cards I've had, the current drivers work fine (the beta Windows 2000 ones are pretty good), but I'm worried about what it'll be like 6 months from now.. The other option is the Creative SBLive! Value (and variants) cards with a Hoontech bracket (www.hoontech.com), costing about 55UKP for the card and 20UKP for the bracket. It's a nicer option as you'll have digital in as well as out. Btw, can I record digitally on my MDS-JB930 with an S/PDIF digital out on a sound card, i mean, is the S/PDIF signal sent by the card compatible with the coaxial in of the 930 compatible? Yes, but bear in mind that it won't send trackmarks - just a continuous stream. If you're recording tracks of music, they'll need to have gaps between them for the auto-marking on the deck to work (see one of thousands of posts on recording MP3s). :-) hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Li-ion Gumstick Battery for MZ-55?
I lost my MZ-r55 MD battery and remote and I am clueless on what to do. Ive heard wonders about the Li-ion batteries. I was just wondering if they are available for the MZ-r55 and where can I get the gumstick batteries. Anyone know where I can get a cheap remote? pelase help thanx Minidisco sell the batteries (Sony NH14WM) for $23.95 + s/h http://www.minidisco.com/miniorderacc.html Superfi (www.superfi.co.uk) sell them as well, for about 10ukp + s/h. The remotes are trickier - either expect to pay a lot for a Sony-supplied one or try to get one secondhand (possibly from someone with a broken unit?). -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Hi...
First I'll explain what I want to do: 1. Listen to music that I have in mp3s and CDs in a compact player 2. Use this player while running or travelling. As I see it, either a minidisc player/recorder or one of the new mp3 = players (like the Rio) would let me do the above. I'm not too concerned = with sound quality as long as I can't tell a big difference between the = two. I'm not really interested in pre-recorded MDs. Most people don't bother with pre-rec either. They're usually so expensive here in the UK that a CD and a MD blank is the cheaper option :) Listening to a MD through a reasonable (but inexpensive) pair of headphones, I can certainly tell the difference between tracks recorded from CD and those from MP3 (I use a soundcard with a digital out, etc.). Although the new Rio 500 is meant to sound better than it's predecessor and it's rivals, I doubt it's better than MD. I've listened to several MP3 players (not the 500 yet though), and wasn't impressed at all. Here are my concerns with MD: 1. Expensive Not really. Again, I'll just go from the UK prices (cheapest prices I found quoted) - Rio 500 (64mb) - 190 UKP Rio 300 + extra 32mb memory - 165 UKP (and remember, a remote will add 17 UKP to that price) Sharp MDMT20 - 149 UKP Sharp 722 - 169 UKP Sony MZR37 - 149 UKP Sony MZR55 - 169 UKP Aiwa F80 - 199 UKP Work out how much music you'll want to have on you, away from a computer (say a long journey or holiday). Then add the cost of extra memory for that much music (say 1mb per minute). Then compare against how inexpensive MD blanks are. Add battery costs (AA nicad(s) and a charger, or replacing alkalines) to the MP3 player prices too - all the MD units listed include a battery pack and mains adaptor/charger. 2. May be a dying medium? MD isn't very popular/common in the US and very few people seem to be = aware of it. It hasn't been marketed much and there's the possibility = that newer things will replace it (like Mp3 players, CD-RW, and maybe = writable DVD). I know you all will say that minidiscs are better but = if the format dies out or doesn't get greater support, it won't matter = how much you love it. =20 It's a pity that it's not marketed enough, but seriously, what does it matter? As long as you can buy the hardware, get it repaired if it goes wrong, and buy blanks, you're set. While I was at school we could just swap tapes when we got bored with our own music, but MP3 players can't [1] transfer between units anyway. I use MD because I can get the hardware I want/need *now* - home hifi decks, cute little mini systems with MD, in-car MD players/changers and good quality portables that I can use to listen or record stuff [2] wherever I am. I just can't be bothered hooking up patch leads all the time like friends with MP3 players do. CDR(W) is too bulky; a workable DVD-R(W) solution, with actual products available and reasonably priced blanks is years away. I'm also worried that if the music industry cracks down, they may = somehow make it impossible to rip CDs or record mp3s (might take a few = years to happen but it might happen). Doubtful (as someone else pointed out), but the beauty of MD is that you can just record in analogue at almost-as-good quality. If a secure internet music distribution system comes about that will only let you play a track on one computer (yours), only using their software, standing on one leg and between 9:17 and 10:26pm [3], then it's no problem. Plug a lead from soundcard to MD and record away. Same goes for other audio formats - if something better comes along, or even improvements to the MP3 format (like variable bitrate encoding), the current players could well choke on it, or you'll be forever relying on the manufacturer to update their software. I'm considering the following MD players/recorders: Sony MZ-R70 - $179 at eMall Sony MZ-R37 - $159 at eMall (MSRP is $299!) Sharp MD-MS722 - $225 at freeshipping.com If I get an MD, I'd probably get the MZ-R37 but I'll listen to = opinions... OK, here's mine - it's ugly, bulky and it's got a poor remote (no LCD). The extra $20 for the R70 is well worth it. The Sharp is a very nice recorder, but that extra $45 isn't really worth it in my opinion. Have a look at the Aiwa models as well (F70, F80). I'm not sure if it's worth the cost though Give me opinions on = whether you think I should get an mp3 player or an MD... Here probably isn't the best place for an unbiased opinion on the matter (but then nor is a forum of MP3 player users). However there are many people here who've used MP3 players in the past, and quite probably some converts (search the archives on minidisc.org). I feel the MD community is friendlier and easier to get help and advice from too. Some more things to bear in mind - - MD may take longer to record [4], but it tends to be semi-permanent. If I download an album, I record it on to MD and it stays there unless I decide it's not
RE: MD: Question: PC to MD Titling.
Thankyou! One more Question, mainly to simon as he seems to be clued in, but do u have any idea where I can find the 4 pin plug to attach to the end of my Bazginge Device?? Thanx in advance. ~J~ I'm afraid not - I'll be using a plug/wire from my brother's E25 (unit was stolen, remote wasn't). Chopping up a bit of stripboard should work (like the Sharp titler), or try to find a (broken?) remote going cheap; many Sony products from the last couple of years have the 4-pin plug. It shouldn't matter which one you use as long as it's got 4 connected pins. Sony will probably charge you a fortune for the part if you ask them :-) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: the death of MP3
There was an article in today's paper - http://www.digitalmass.com/columns/internet/0426.html Basically, MP3 compression is a patented item, and the patent holder wants money. So folks are developing new 'free' standards that have a real good shot at replacing MP3s... Now, as far as we are concerned... This isn't that big a problem really (in the short to medium term). As MP3 is most significantly used for distribution of copyrighted works (long winded version of "piracy" - a term I don't like), I don't think people will be quick to change at all. People who are totally legit, just ripping their own CDs, will pay for an encoder (as they probably already do for a product like MusicMatch). People ripping off artists will just not pay the fee by downloading a cracked codec. What's changed? There was a freeware program called MP3 Compressor back in 1997/98. Frauenhoffer (rightly) had it stopped because it contained their "pro" - ie. expensive - codec. People went on using it anyway and you can probably still find a copy left forgotten in some webspace somewhere. Same will happen here - the old free-ish encoders will still exist for ages, not to mention the vast range of MP3-capable products already sold or being developed (portable players and manufacturers adding the capacity to play MP3s - Goodmans, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.). I wonder how many will be flash upgradeable to a new format? Plus anyone wanting to securely distribute music (ie. the labels) will look elsewhere - they don't care about encoder costs and would shy away from a format that they don't have control over. With the current Napster case, there's a lot of "if you'd offered this legitimately to the public before.." kind of feeling towards the record companies. I don't see a market for it - certainly not at the kind of prices they'd want to charge - but I reckon some of them will offer it soon. Let's face it - MP3 is now a standard for compressed, computer-based music. There's been many alternatives over the last few years with greater benefits, and none have got very far. but anyway.. :-) Would the falling out of MP3 be good for MD? A sign of stability? I don't think the two are so related, or even rivalling one another that much. When doing the MD sales pitch to friends, one of the big benefits I point out is that you can record anything - stuff you can hear, you can record. MD will always be a safer bet than the MP3 or insert whatever new format here players, and I think Sony really needs to start advertising the fact. Not so much stability as flexibilty. Is this an opportunity for Sony to get off their high horse and release ATRAC to the public for free - so MD and the computer crown could use the same compression scheme? It'd be cool, but I really can't see it happening. Based on Sony's Music Clip that's so annoyingly limited by SDMI, even if they did release an ATRAC encoder it'd be too inflexible for most people. John McLachlan -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Question: PC to MD Titling.
Are there inexpensive ways of achieving the capabilities to title MD tracks from your Personal Computer? I currently have an MD-R91 (sony)(current) and an old Sharp (701/2 i dont even recall) Being able to do it for either would be great. Inexpensive implies nothing over 150ish. Thanx in advance. Inexpensive at 150 as the alternative is sony's 769$ MDH-10 Data Drive...or the impossible to find Sharp Drive (can't find it!) http://www.bazginge.demon.co.uk/minidisc.html There's either schematics (so you can build yourself for about $10 worth of parts), or he sells a smaller pre-made one for $60. There's a winamp plugin so you can record playlists of mp3s without the 3sec gaps etc and have them all titled for you. (I'm not a customer, but thinking about making my own for my R55). And for the Sharp - http://my.nichols.de/meierth/MD70X.HTML Which has schematics (about as difficult as the Sony one), but doesn't offer trackmarking, Winamp plugin, etc (it's limited by what you can do from the remote after all). -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: MD remote in Freestylers video
Saw on MTV the other night a video by the Freestylers that showed the main character controlling stuff around him with a MD remote (the stick type that's used on the R55 among others). It was done with track names like "REWIND" "PAUSE" etc. - the only problem was that they were pointing the remote with the "stop" button end out, showing that they didn't have any 'phones plugged in. Ironic, given that he was wearing them throughout :-) Can't remember the name of the track, and all the Freestylers fan sites seem to have stopped updating in 1998. Not a blatant MD plug, but pretty cool nonetheless.. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: Traxdata MDs (UK)
I bought 20 of these a week ago from Richer Sounds (btw, the 69p each is with the usual What Hifi? vouchers, max 20), and I'm pretty impressed with them. No problems with the few I've recorded onto, and they're solidly built with metal shutters. I've scanned the front and back: http://www.oak-lodge.demon.co.uk/minidisc/traxdata_front.jpg http://www.oak-lodge.demon.co.uk/minidisc/traxdata_back.jpg I fiddled with the shutter in Photoshop to make the logo clear - it's black text on brushed silver, but scanned as black (it doesn't look that bad IRL :) ). Complaints are with the labels - they just don't fit as they should (the spine one overhangs and the front one doesn't sit in the smooth recessed space for it), and the cases - which are cassette-style and have a raised circular bit so the disc will only fit in one way. As I can cut a couple of mil off the labels and don't use the cases anyway, I'm very happy with them. At 69p ea, it's not that big a problem :) Hope this info is useful to the list. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Car MD Player
Just a quick query. Does anyone know of anywhere selling cheap car MD head units? Preferrably in the UK, but mail order from the US may be worth considering if much cheaper. I'd also appreciate any comments anyone may have about the reliability/useability of car units they may have owned. Cheers Jon Buy one of the car magazines (like Max Power) and browse the ads at the back - there are several places selling the Sony MDX-5[somthing] for under 150ukp. If you want to buy from a shop, I've noticed Halfords have dropped the price of the same unit to 180ukp. No other manufacturers are offering units in this price range - Kenwood do one for just over 200, then it's into the high-end 350ish units. No experience with them other than a potential buyer :-) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: md - my opinion after 2 years
#4 - Price: The cost plus the fact that the format requires you to invest in a recorder as well as any players you might want. This is because the music industry for some reason decided not to support it with pre-recorded selections. Probably because the things cost so much that they knew everybody would be too cheap to buy them. I just have a portable recorder - the one stop solution :-) Pre-rec MD has never had any great appeal to me - as blanks are so cheap, the pre-rec ends up costing more than the CD and a blank. Also I can't do MD-MD copies I'm screwed if I want to take some tracks from an album for a compilation. I never bought anything (other than my first couple of singles) on tape either. Interestingly enough though, my local (UK) record shops now have pre-rec MD displays that are quite a bit larger than the tape ones. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: UK - what hifi? magazine / MXD-D3
Their main "first test" (double page spread) this month is of the Sony MXD-D3 CD/MD deck, where it got the full 5 stars. What interested me is that they noticed (more) degredation when it was high-speed copying than at realtime. Can anyone comment on this? Does this happen, or is it more magazine people kidding themselves with stuff like media differences and green markers? The other thing - Richer Sounds' ad now has Traxdata 74-min MDs for 69p each (just over $1 US), a new record? :-) Anyone used these yet? - if not I'll pick some up and give them a go. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MZ-R37 Questions
1. Anyone know where I can get a copy of the manual? On the MDCP: http://www.minidisc.org/mzr37_user_manual/ 2. Does it use standard AA Ni-cads or some special Sony batteries? It comes with two rechargeable AA batteries - runs fine on alkaline AAs, so I'd have thought Ni-Cads will be ok as well. 3. Can all functions be performed without the remote? Almost certainly yes, but check through the manual to see what you're missing. You may be interested in this (from the Sony "general" page" on the MDCP): "Sony remotes generally interoperate among the various portable units. Gerald Tomyn adds: Sony sells a replacement wired remote control, the RM-MZE1. It comes in silver or blue (both see-through) and has a backlit LCD screen. This remote can be used with ANY of the following recorders/players: MZ-R30, R37, R50, R55, R90, R91, R4ST, R5ST, E25, E30, E33, E35, E44, E45, E50, E55, E70, E80, EP10, EP11, EPS11." The replacement one is quite a bit nicer than the standard remote, so if you decide to get one you won't have paid to have an old one sitting about useless :-) hth, -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: sound blaster live value
Does the sound blaster live value have a optical digital out? no. (short answer) The later (MP3+, X-Gamer, 1024 depending on region) versions have a non-standard electrical digital out (which could be converted to optical), or you can buy a Hoontech bracket that adds optical ports http://www.hoontech.com ) for around $20. I believe Creative offered an official optical I/O upgrade at some point as well, at a much higher price than the Hoontech one. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MD vs DVD
Is it true that minidisc will not be able to compete when recordable DVD comes? Will it end up like DAT? how long will the market for minidisc lasts u wreckon? I don't know much about recordable audio DVD, will it have a TOC structure that allows MD-like editing features? It seems the smallest size DVD will be 80mm. If it is also unprotected (i.e. not enclosed in a cartridge), it will be a poor competitor to MD at least in terms of portability. Rick For what it's worth, I don't see a market for audio DVD products at all. The vast majority of people have an audio setup worth less than $1000, so would see very little (if any improvement) over a well-masterered CD. Thus it's a bit of an audiophile niche market, which is pretty small and thus debatable as to whether record companies will bother releasing on the format. Even if someone buys themselves a home DVD-A player and there's actually plenty of albums available, what happens to their existing CD players? Personally, I have about 10 CD-based devices (from my hifi to my discman to the boombox in the kitchen) - I don't see many people being happy about buying music that will only play on the one device they own. That's one of the big advantages of SACD - the format allows a CD layer to be created, so it'll work as a regualar audio CD as well as a SACD in the right equipment. Add to this the industry's paranoia over copying (especially after deCSS for video DVD), which will probably mean players will ship without digital outputs for home recording - or the high-end DACs that audiophiles tend to own already. CD got to the position where it is now by offering a huge improvement in convenience (over vinyl/tape), and provided very good results even on low-end equipment. DVD as a movie format is really taking off for the same reason. DAT ended up where it is because it was too expensive, didn't offer enough extra convenience over existing formats and the quality improvement wasn't that important to most people. I see DVD-A and SACD going the same way. MD's got a bright future. While everything else gets more and more crippled by restrictions on digital copying (SDMI and other schemes), we'll just hook up our MDs to the analogue output and have a great copy. We might even see more converts from the MP3 player crowd when they realise that flash memory won't get significantly cheaper anytime soon. :) MD players and recorders are cheap, more and more bookshelf systems come with MD, you can pick up an in-car player for under 150ukp, the media costs less than a pound each, and innovations like the Sony MXD-D3 4x copier are really pushing the convenience angle. MD is simply the best way to record anything - and I don't see any upcoming formats coming close to the convenience, size or editability of our little square discs. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Fw: Transferring MD to CD
Can anyone advise of good software for 'producing' a minidisc recording, ie; making them sound better, fading out etc. In general I would like to know what everyone does to move a minidisc recording to CD, what tools people use, interesting websites, etc. I'm talking about live gigs recorded via binaurals. I know the general idea is to record each track as a WAV file, and then to record that file to CD. And also a 5 second blank WAV file will work as a track separator on the CD. Something like CoolEdit or Soundforge will be fine. If it's just basic stuff, you might have a reasonable editor bundled with your soundcard - I've got an old copy of WaveStudio that came with my SB16, Creative seem to bundle a lot of stuff with their cards. Over here we've got magazines like Future Music that review software and other music stuff, you might have a local equivalent. With recording onto the PC: 1) Cheapskate way - buy a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo lead, plug one end into MD recorder, other into "line in" on your soundcard. Mute everything but the line in, and record the lot as one big wav file (44khz, 16bit, stereo - makes things easier later on). 2) Better way - get hold of a deck (any MD unit with a digital out) and buy a soundcard that has digital in/out. There have been several reports of cheap cards with digital i/o in the last couple of months - check the md-l archives. Then just record in the same way - mute everything else, get one big wav file. Then open this big wav into your editor and chop it up (I tend to select a whole track, then cut+paste as a new file) till you've got several wavs, each one being a track. Tidy up the ends, do any fade in/out, etc. Then start up a CDR program and create a new audio CD from the wavs you've got. You don't need any extra wavs, separators, etc - the disc will be burned with trackmarks where one wav finishes and the next begins. Include any gaps that you want as silence on the end of tracks and burn the disc as "Disc-at-Once" or DAO. You can create a similar effect by burning the disc as "Track-at-Once", which will have 2-3 second gaps between tracks, but it's a bit kludgier as a CD player will count -0.02, -0.01, 0.00 before the start of a new track. Better to include the silence as part of the track. Any tips on CDRs? I know SCSI is generally the way to go, and hear people recommending Plextor CDRs. And CDR disks, all I've heard about that is that the gold ones are better - I've seen the slightly more expensive 'Audio CDR's, are these are con or worthwhile? Any recorder that can manage DAO will be fine (that's just about everything released in the last 18 months). SCSI is great, and the difference in price is low enough to make it very worthwhile, but an IDE will do the job just as well. As you're mastering audio CDs, CD-Text is a cool thing to have. Looks very smart having MD-style titles scrolling past :) Really, just go for as quick a drive as you can afford/justify. A very cheap 2x IDE drive will do audio CDs just as well as an 8x SCSI one, just take 4 times as long and use more resources as it does. I think Nero's site (www.ahead.de) has a list of what recorder supports what (DAO, CD-Text, etc). Although it's a bit more difficult to get used to, I like CDRWIN (www.goldenhawk.com) for burning CDs - it also has a good CD-Text editor. With CDR discs there's little/no difference between them, but you may find that some have problems in fussy CD players (car players, CD changers, old units, etc). I've not had any problems with TDK Reflex discs. AVOID the "audio" discs - they're designed for the consumer hi-fi recorders (more expensive because of the smaller market) and probably won't work in a computer CDR drive. There are some computer CDRs that are designed for audio use - check out which is which before you buy. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MP3 on cassette
Hmmm. Is this trouble for MD? http://cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/03/27/flashtrax.idg/index.html - J A device that combines the drawbacks of tape AND mp3 players? I don't think MD has a lot to worry about.. I don't think it stands a chance - it relies on people with a lot of tape-based (and presumably non-CD) devices wanting to play MP3s on them. I don't see a big overlap between the tape luddites and MP3 users. Even amongst the people into MP3 who (for instance) want to use it in their cars but only have a tape player, I think they'll just go out and buy a tape adaptor rather than a silly device like this. Full marks for design (is this the same as the one posted a couple of months ago though, that's already on sale?), poor marks for not thinking the idea through. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Cheap, playback only portable....
I don't want to carry around £250's worth anymore, I don't really want to at college, but there you go. I need a cheap and relativly small playback only model. I'll take Sony or Sharp ;), anyone got a recommendation for a smallish cheap playback only model? K' thanks guys, Peter. If you can bear to swap brands, the Aiwa HX70 is pretty good, you can pick one of them up cheap now. My brother got one for xmas, he's still very happy with it. Otherwise, Superfi (http://www.superfi.co.uk) have details of the new Sony players - I think the cheapest one (E60?) was about 120 UKP. (by the way, if you get Endsleigh student insurance, you can insure stuff on "all risks" for about 4UKP per 100UKP of value. Thus it'd cost 10UKP a year to have your 722 covered for theft, accidental damage, loss, etc anywhere within the UK and 30 days within the EU (handy for holidays). I just put my R55 Discman on that and I don't have to worry about them). -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Cheap, playback only portable.... (corrections!)
I don't want to carry around £250's worth anymore, I don't really want to at college, but there you go. I need a cheap and relativly small playback only model. I'll take Sony or Sharp ;), anyone got a recommendation for a smallish cheap playback only model? K' thanks guys, Peter. If you can bear to swap brands, the Aiwa HX70 is pretty good, you can pick one of them up cheap now. My brother got one for xmas, he's still very happy with it. I meant HX30, sorry. My recommendation stands for that model. Otherwise, Superfi (http://www.superfi.co.uk) have details of the new Sony players - I think the cheapest one (E60?) was about 120 UKP. URL: http://www.superfi.co.uk/sonyfol/mze60/index.htm , and it is 120UKP. Only thing is that it uses an AA battery, no DC in, no recharging circuits. The Aiwa HX30's replacement, the HX50 looks like excellent value in comparison: URL: http://www.superfi.co.uk/aiwafol/amhx50/index.htm 5 UKP more, and it has all the things the E60 is lacking.. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: CD-rom to soundcard?
do you have to digitally connect your cd-rom drive to your soundcard to make use of the digital out on the soundcard? i guess the sound would degrade to analog from cd-rom to soundcard wouldn't it? and this would therefore be pointless to have the digital out on the soundcard at all isn't it? thanks Matt You don't *have* to have a digital connection between the CDROM and soundcard to use the digital output, but without one you're converting the signal from digital to analogue and back again before leaving the PC. If you're recording from CD to MD and want to keep it digital, you could rip the tracks to .wav files using a program like AudioGrabber (the first stage of the MP3 making process), and play the .wav files. There's a plugin for Winamp/Sonique that reads CDs digitally (kind of like CD ripping in realtime), and doesn't use the analogue cable (nor do you need a card with SP/DIF in). It's at: http://www.url.ru/~copah/CDReader.htm If you used that rather than a regular CD player program, it'd be a digital signal all the way to the MD. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MP3 versus MiniDisc
Just thought i'd pitch in here: I just don't find anything compelling (yet) about those overpriced little MP3 boxes, sorry. Maybe I'd feel differently if I listened to tunes during high-g sports activites. Rick I see a market for MP3, but unless they solve the high cost of taking MP3's with you (which is solved using MD), I don't see a very bright future. I've seen that there are some 'stand-alone' home-decks comming out. They enable you to record a MP3 and to store it on the internal HD. Which is kind of useless, if there's no easy way to get the tracks back off again. I worked out a while ago that storing high-quality MP3s on HD was actually more expensive than MD - it may not hold true any more with HDs getting cheaper, but MD isn't far behind. You're right though - MP3 needs a cheap, removable media to compete. MP3 player owners harp on about "memory prices coming down", but I can't see SM or CF memory dropping below the $15 mark for several years to come. For me MP3 is a 'consumer-unfriendly' format. 1) you need a PC. 2) You just can't push the button and a WAV is converted into MP3. You need to fiddle around with settings to obtain the best sound! For me, MP3 players are far too much hassle. I have a lot of MP3s; I ripped my 200+ CDs over the summer so I could have all my music with me at uni without using up a couple of shelves. Problem is, they're mostly at 192k (I figured if I'm ripping them all, I may as well do them at a decent quality). At that bitrate, it's about 1.44mb a minute. 22.2 minutes on a 32mb card, or 44.4 minutes on 64mb. Either way, it's not a lot of music (most albums are longer). I could squeeze more on if I re-encoded them, but by then the time to re-encode (usually losing ID3 tags) and upload to the player is roughly the time it takes to dump it onto MD. I don't fancy going through all that every morning/evening just to have fresh music in my player every day. I'd rather fall out of bed, grab my MD player and a couple of discs and leave. It's also a format that will be brought to dead by the music-industrie. Why, simple, they just hate it that there is no copy-protection on MP3 and the underground MP3 sites that come with this. (type MP3 in altavista and you see what I mean. (80% of the responses are 'warez', 'games', 'mp3z' sites). Cheers, Ralph - may I say that one of the reasons MD is getting more popular by the day is MP3? I think there are a lot of people who get blinded by all the "free music!" hype, only to find that the easy-to-get free music is from mp3.com and similar, where good tracks are chucked in randomly with utter rubbish. Then if they go looking for their favourite commercial songs they're confronted with links that don't work, tracks put in geocities webspace (non-resuming), or several porn banners. Of course, a lot of MP3 trading goes on that isn't like this - but how would someone who's new to MP3 know about that? The majority of people still go into shops and buy their music. For them, the easiest way to get that music into a portable format is MD. -- Simon discmans are too big to be "portable" :) - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Car MD
I'm not having a lot of fun trying to find an MD player for my car. A couple of stores don't carry them because "they don't sell well." How can they sell well if you don't carry them?? Best Buy has one Sony model and won't special order anything. What I'd really like to get is a Pioneer that would control my existing 6 disc CD changer and would fit right in where my Pioneer cassette head is. Does anyone have any advice? Here in the UK, there's the Pioneer MEH-P5000R, which sells for about 230UKP (~$372), and the pricier MEH-P9000R which is about 490UKP (~$793). More information about them is at: http://www.pioneer-eur.com/products/car/mden.htm From looking at the specs, both can control CD changers (even the 100 disc ones). You might be able to find a US mail order supplier by asking in the rec.audio.car newsgroup. If that doesn't get you anywhere, someone in uk.rec.audio.car might be able to put you in touch with a supplier over here who could ship to the US. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Mono
I have heard many people mention about recording in mono to double the time on an MD. What is the command on an MZR-55? (I assume they have one somewhere cause it isn't in the manual...) Danke... Get to the place you want to start recording (end search or scan through the tracks) Hold down PAUSE. Slide REC to the right, and hold it for a couple of seconds "ManualREC" should come up in the display. Release PAUSE and the REC slider. Press "Mode" to switch between mono and stereo (| and | will lower/raise recording volume btw) Press PAUSE again to start the recording. I think this is in the manual.. pg13 of mine. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MD jukebox...
I saw on "Tomorrow's World" (a UK science and technology programme if you didn't know what it is) an item about music of the future. Other than mentions of MP3, they also showed an MD jukebox. It was about the same size as a traditional jukebox. You put your MD in the machine, selected the song you wanted to put onto it, and it said "within a few seconds the track was copied to you're Minidisc". The cost was about 2 a song. They're coming to the UK steets soon from Japan. I was just writing an email about that.. :) They mentioned the possiblity of having them connected together so there could be a huge central database of songs (I assume they'll keep the most popualar stuff on the machines themselves). At 2 UKP (about $3.20) per track, I don't see it being a competitor for premastered compilations, but if it's got a wide range of music I'd be happy to pay 2 UKP for a particularly hard-to-find track. This looks like a really great idea, and should spread the usage of MD's. I'm also interested how the tracks are copied to the MD's so quickly. Does anyone know how this is done? I'd have thought it's a refinment of the way the W1 works. If the machines store the tracks as ATRAC data, it's just dumping that directly onto the disc. These machines can only be good for MD :) -- Simon (btw - did anyone see the MP3 watch for 280 UKP? Ugly as anything, and it only stores 16 minutes!) - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Prices On Websites and Legal Factors Implied
If a price on a website is incorrect, how legally binding is it? I was on a website today, and saw a price for a MD7xx battery for 0.00 and a postage cost of 1 ukpound. In the UK, legally can I hold them to this? That depends - in a shop situation, the marked price is an "invitation to treat", which is not a binding price until an agreement has been made between the buyer and seller (typically when you have over the money/swipe the card). Formally, the buyer makes an offer which the seller has the right to reject. This is just implied usually - the buyer's happy with the marked price, the seller's happy to sell at the marked price. This means that you don't have the right to buy something at a marked price - the seller can simply reject the offer. It gets more complicated with online shopping - at what point in the transaction has an "agreement" been made, and is the automated response of a webserver as legally binding as the verbal/written agreement from a human seller? Possibly worth a try, but from similar examples (Argos 2.99 TVs, etc), you don't have much of a case. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: List operation (was: DJ minidiscs)
This is the only list I'm on which has this bug. It's not a bug, it'a a feature. :) And you can't be on very many lists then - Reply-To set to the list is standard on at least 80% of the lists I subscribe to. 80%, so what it's still a crime making a concious decision if what you have to say is truly going to be of interest to most people on the list is damn fine practice In the vast majority of cases (wherever it's on-topic, about MD), other people on the list would be interested in the replies given to the original poster. Lists run without a reply-to: set back to the list either: - end up being a list of questions, with no answers - and the people that do reply get fed up with answering the same question over and over, or: - people just hit the "Reply to all" button as a habit, so if you ask a question you get twice as much mail - personal and list copies of all the replies. I know that I wouldn't have learned half as much about MD if the list defaulted to personal replies. I make a conscious decision about whether I want something to be posted every time I hit "Send". It's also *my* responsibility to change the To: address if I need to send a private email. This is how the majority of lists work. Don't blame *your* mistake on the way the list works. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: Digital CD playback from CDROMs
Haven't had a chance to try this yet: http://www.url.ru/~copah/CDReader.htm It's a plugin for the Apollo, Sonique and Winamp audio players. By the looks of it, it's like ripping a CD in realtime and feeding it directly to the soundcard. Thus if you've got a soundcard with a digital output (and no proper CD player with one), you could play the CD back on that rather than having to rip it first, saving time when you're recording to MD. When I get win98 back up and running on this box I'll let you know how well it works :) (side-note - are there any win2k drivers for the Vortex2 soundcards where both of the lineouts and the optical out work?) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: My Diamond Rio Experience
tube amp. Now if you have a DVD-audio and a nice tube amp you should get some of this warmth back, but i personally dont think these new formats will give us much more than a lot longer listening time, and hopefully another channel or two :) Matt I doubt that the extra time will be used very often; why sell one DVD-A when you could sell several? -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: iDEA !: choose your sample rate...
well since i use my md to record lectures (mono obviously...) i think it would be bitching to change to a lower sample rate so that more than 160minutes(max on a 80min md) would fit on a md ... it wouldnt be that hard... imagine ... 320min of lectures ... beautiful... Maybe not that hard, but it might be difficult playing them back in all the existing units though.. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Controling The OPTICAL SPDIF Output Stream.....
I Dont believe i have seen one program which is able to control the digital stream of a sound cards Optical output. I find it very strange that when i play a cd on computers cd drive (Which is conected to the sound card through its SPDIF input) it comes out of the Optical Ouput UNFORMATTED i find this unbelieveable. If i am correct dont cd players which have TOSLink outputs on them just output exactly what is on the cd in digital form, expect for the SCMS protection which is obviously added thus allowing for track markers etc etc etc, SO why the hell when i am going DIGITAL Connection from CD drive(SPDIF OUT) TO Digital connection ON soundcard(SPDIF IN) TO digital optical OUT on livedrive their is no digital track info. That must mean the sound card is UNFORMATTING the infomation, amazing.. The difference here being that a CD player (in the digital recording sense) has one purpose; to read the data off a a CD, convert it into a digital stream and output it through the TOSLink port. A computer soundcard will have many different inputs (either physical inputs, like CD-ROM in, line in, mic etc - or mp3s/wav files being played in software), and none of them can gain exclusive use of the soundcard. The digital out on a soundcard is mostly meant for connection to a set of speakers that supports digital input, or an external DAC (neither of which will care about trackmarks anyway). The digital out just takes whatever's being played at the time (be it mp3s, windows sounds or gaming noises) and bypasses the DAC, instead putting it out through the digital out. It isn't so much "unformatting" the information as just ignoring the irrelevant stuff. If you're not recording (and for most people, most of the time this will be the case) there's no need for trackmarks, the software won't know what to do with them, so it just takes the raw S/PDIF info, ignoring SCMS and trackmarks. The fact is that no soundcard is designed with MD recording in mind (I know Xitel have a load of MD blurb on their website, but they just take a reference Aureal design and resell it). Coupled with the fact that many CD-ROM drives don't output "proper" S/PDIF either, it's not something that's high on a company's priorities when they're making a soundcard. My real question is, is it possible to control the digital stream from my sound card?!!... Theoretically yes, but it'd require the device to be "locked", so that it will only accept a stream from your playback software or CDROM (and put in the trackmarks itself when it decided it needed to). Try asking your soundcard manufacturer if they'll consider adding this feature to the drivers (the ability to pass a S/PDIF stream straight through the card without changing any of it). Failing that, just buy a CD player with an optical output - here in the UK you can pick one up for less than 60UKP, or if you've got the time/skills rig up an optical out from your CDROM drive (parts cost less than $15) - several plans are available on minidisc.org. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MD chargers for home use?
The Sony "car" 6 disk MD player MDX-65 will relay play across all 6 disks. need a Sony Head unit or Unilink controller though. That's something that looked odd to me, and that seems to be in the Sony's stupid-non-practical-non-consumer-thinking that stigmates the minidisc format since its born. Why there aren't any multi-MD home chargers? I haven't seen any stand-alone (seperates) ones, but there are several bookshelf systems that have 3 slots, maybe there are some that have more than that? -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Solid State media vs. MiniDisc - cost calculations
I originally posted this on Slashdot, ready to refute FUD about MD and correct points. Seeing as how a guy claimed that a couple of SmartMedia cards to swap music, I whipped out my trusty calculator and did some calculations. I thought some of you might find this to be of at least mild interest. Shame, I've just used up my day's moderator points on some other pro-MD posts :) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: SBlive with Hoontech DB III on Win 2000
I thought microsoft were gonna do a "final" release of Win 9x aka Win 2000 for home users who may need support for DOS apps, and an update of NT called Windows Millenium for business users. I might have got those two MS app names mixed up and if so I apologise. Other way round - Windows 2000 is an extended (USB, DirectX, etc) version of NT, while Windows Millenium (now called Windows Me afaik) will be the final Win9x-based OS, which will basically be another paid-for service pack for Win95. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: defeating scms possible on some machines was Unlimited SCMS from SBLive!?
What is it about what I hear on the minidiscorg site about scms that makes this certain kind of resister put into the remote input that some how pops up a menu that lets you shut off scms? Why did the companies make this feature built-in, just for this purpose, or does the resister specifically have something to do with it that the companies never knew. This worked on early revisions of the Sony MZ-R50. As far as I know, it was part of the test proceedures for them - it involved using a tool that slotted in the remote slot. I'm pretty sure Sony knew about it - although once the end users found out about it, they removed it to avoid any legal complications. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: OT - CDR/W
A while ago someone posted a URL that listed CDR and CDR/W drives that were capable of "overburn" and "CD text". Can the person please repost the URL location off list. A search in the MDCP archives did not reveal the information I'm seeking. Sorry for taking up bandwidth. Many thanx in advance Cheers GC http://www.ahead.de/en/Recorder.htm is the list of Nero-supported recorders, which covers nearly all of the drives currently available, along with DAO/overburn/CD-Text info. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Using a Timer with Sony MDSJE530
Not sure it's so much of a wish, it *could* be made possible. I have a Denon tuner which has RDS and Radio-Text. You can set it to re-tune to the news broadcasts and traffic information, and you can also search for specific styles of music, skipping other radio stations. One of the things that happens when commercials are broadcast is that the text display changes to [Commercial] and all the indicator on the display that tells you the broadcast genre switches off. It would surely be possible to latch onto this information and have an MD pause during those periods, resulting in no commercials being recorded. My Sony tuner came with an EON-Link cable to connect it to an amp for source switching (if you want it, back to tuner when a traffic/news broadcast comes on) in a similar way to car radios. An EON-Link port on an MD deck could probably do something like you describe. Magic -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MP3?
=== = NB: Over 50% of this message is QUOTED, please = = be more selective when quoting text = === Does anyone know how to get Winamp to play MP3 with Netscape 4.7? everytime I try it, cressendo starts up instead. It depends what OS you're using, but with Windows 9x you have to open up a folder in Explorer (C:\ will work) and click View -- Folder Options, then select the File Types tab, find the file extension .MP3, select edit, and then change the program for the default play command. -Ryan Either that or go to Winamp Preferences/File Types, select the ones you want to play through winamp and then restart it. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: opinion wanted
===
= NB: Over 50% of this message is QUOTED, please =
= be more selective when quoting text =
===
I would like to know if anyone "out there" can give an opinion
on whether an
MD recorder/player (preferably a portable one) is available
("for sale") that
will allow the user to "punch in" or "input" a track number (or
song number)
and play that track number without having to scroll through
other tracks. I
have an MZ-R30 that functions fairly well, but it requires me to
"scroll" in
order to play a desired track.
The remotes that come with most decks do this. I've not seen a portable
that offers that type of functionality though.
--
Simon
-
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RE: MD: Will MD Survive? / CD copy protection
I think it also results in the CD player putting out a duff SPDIF stream too, preventing them from being copied digitally to MD. If that's true, the CDs will be useless for those of us with outboard DACs. I checked the manufacturer's site and as I'd feared, there was no information of real substance...just market-speak. If you can't play it on your CD player, the goods are "unfit for the purpose" and you have the right to return them. I'm guessing that plenty of people have older CD players (at least in the kitchen/car, etc); if everyone took back their copies they'll make no money and the stores will think twice about bothering to stock their products again. Just like the DVD CSS, this seems to be security through obscurity - taking the "we'll just say it's uncrackable and not let anyone have specs and we'll be fine" attitude. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MP3 -- Am I the only one that hates it so?
I too think that Sony needs to actually do something about MD. I see
Phillips' CD-R ads ("Got to admit it's gettin' better -- gettin' better
all the time") on TV and elsewhere
If we're thinking of the same ones, I think they're great and the sort of
advertising MD needs. Guy's at home, dubbing some tracks onto CDR, leaves
for the party, starts playing it in his car, gets there and hands it to the
DJ who puts it on. Really emphasises the "home recording" point.
--
Simon
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RE: MD: MZ-R91 is the poo.
It costs more in hard drive storage space and necessary hardware to store all those CDs than it does to buy a 200CD jukebox player. That pretty much eliminates the "want everything in one place" argument. CDR Drive- under 120UKP Media - under 1UKP That's cheaper than any 200CD jukebox I've seen, and a lot easier to manage :) MP3 is all very well if you like computer-based toys, but I prefer proper audio equipment. I wonder how long it would take you to re-rip all those CDs to HD if your hard drive needed reformatting because you caught a virus, or hardware failure. They're on CDR - it's not a problem. Anyone who doesn't back their stuff up is a fool, especially with CDR drives and other backup devices so cheap these days. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Will MD Survive?
Blanks may actually be where the money is made on MD. I doubt that - I pay less for blank (branded) MDs than branded CDR, and the MDs come in their plastic jackets, with the shutter + labels, etc. MD has a smaller potential market too, so there's no economy of scale going on. It's hardly like Iomega where they charge a fortune for blank media (Zip 100 discs over 7UKP!) because they have a captive market. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MP3 -- Am I the only one that hates it so?
The subject says it all: am I the only person in the world -- or even here -- that hates MP3? I mean, yes, it has definite advantages, such as trying out music or getting it free by downloading; but I hate having to depend on my computer so much. I think that a music medium shouldn't be so tied in to computers. In a small uni bedroom, my computer's always there and always on when I'm awake. Over the summer I ripped all my (200ish i guess) CDs to MP3 and burned them onto 20 CD-Rs. Now instead of taking 4 hefty cardboard boxes with me to uni, I can get it all in one shoebox. Even if I had the time to put them all on MDs, that'd cost a lot in media and would take up more than twice the space of the CD-Rs. Stuff I particulary like I've already put on to MD (got about 25 discs here at the moment)- any new stuff I download (and like enough) goes on there too. I don't mind MP3 as long as it keeps its place: behind MD and CD. Portable MP3 seem stupid to me because ... well, it's tough to explain. It just seems so much easier and smarter to just transfer MP3s to MD (or CD). To me, that's the only reason it should be used -- and not as a stand-alone medium. It's so computer-intensive! I'm just not organised enough to have time to get a playlist of tracks I want, re-encode them (my own rips are all at 160 or 192k - too big for a portable MP3 player), then wait while they transfer to the player. I'd much rather grab my R55 and a couple of discs and be out the door. Does anyone see what I trying to say here? Kinda, but don't write the format off just because it's of limited use to you. J. C. R. Davis ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MP3 -- Am I the only one that hates it so?
To add something to this - UK's Radio 1 had a report earlier tonight (Monday) saying that vinyl was the fastest-growing format over here (may have been the only one with growth - can't remember the details), largely fuelled by young people buying dance music on 12s. Now it's a *real* hassle to MP3 them.. or just plug your MD in and slide that red switch over ;) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Attention Sony Marketing Department
I was showing someone my MD home deck the other day and they didn't know that it could *record*. They thought the format was playback only. I've said this before: does ANYONE at Sony READ this mailing list? I hereby invite them to REPLY ON THIS LIST! It would be comforting to know that they care about public opinion. Paul Kowtiuk If I had a pound for every time I've heard "but there's no need a replacement for CD", I'd have... ooh, enough for a MXD-D3 or something :) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Will MD Survive?
Some of the new products that are arriving at our local Internet shop are: - a Blaupunkt CD head that takes CD-Audio and MP3's CD-R's. - a CD-shaped player that has a 6GB HD (I'm sure large HD models are on the horizon. - a new stand alone CD-MP3 (CD-R format) recorder with a "Soulmate" 64MB dockable protable [For those that complain that MP3 is a PC only format, this changes everything] To top all that off, Sony seems to be shifting it's publicity towards Stick Media. H. Changes. I like change, but my plead to the industry is to include MD's! Pretty much all of the MP3 products I've seen so far spectacularly miss the point. At one end you've got the 32/64mb solidstate players that just don't hold enough to be worthwhile. I've ripped all my CDs (200+) at 160 or 192k - the people making the players assume that you're going to either rip or re-encode at lower bitrates just to fit them on the player and I can't be bothered with that. At the other end you've got the CD-based devices that hold about 10 albums a piece and have the usual bulk of a cheap-end Discman, and are pretty expensive for an ugly, cheap-looking CD player with no remote. Then you've got the hard-disk based ones that are too heavy and fragile to use portably. They also cost a fortune (several hundred $/UKP/whatever). With both of these (the latter especially), there's the problem of navigating several hundred tracks. They also just lack the sophistication of MD stuff. It's all cheaply-made, non-sexy, klunky stuff that's just selling on the whole "look! it holds MP3s!" idea. Problem is that few (if any? I can only think of Samsung) audio manufacturers are making these devices - they're coming from the PC and electronic companies with very little idea of how to make a stylish device and without the engineering of Sony or Sharp or Panasonic to make them feel robust enough. Just show a Rio owner the remote from a R55/R90 and you'll know what I mean :) The big audio guns are caught up in MD or consumer CDR, and I think it's going to stay that way for a while. I don't think that portable MP3 players will make any inroads until they ditch solid state memory and find a cheap, small, light media to store it on. Something like Iomega's Clik! discs would be perfect, if they held more than 40Mb a piece and didn't cost so much. Because the market's so diverse, I can't see everyone deciding on a common format so that they'll be interchangable. Can't see the RIAA liking a recordable MP3 station either, especially if a connected PC can get back at the tracks on it. The fuss they kicked up over the Rio was bad enough.. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Getting around SCMS (again)
Speaking of being a dangerous and sick individual, I am unable to make a CD-R from the minidisc copy. I have tried the cloning trick but end up with a strange garbled mess. Is there another way, or should I just try analog? Is an analog copy noticeably inferior? Thanks for any replies, Sean It shouldn't be that much worse if it's a first generation copy (assuming you're using decent cables etc). You could also look into getting an SCMS "stripper" that resets the bits to allow you to make the copy. Just out of interest, why CD-R? Around here, blank MDs cost less than consumer CDR, so it's cheaper to archive music on that. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Titling on Sony MZ-55
Hi, New to the list, so apologies if this has already been covered. I'm looking for a better way of inputing titles to my MZ-55, idealy via a qwerty type keyboard. Any suggestions? Is there anything avaiable commercially? Thanks Paul There's a schematic and software for a PC-based titling solution for the R55 here: http://www.bazginge.demon.co.uk/minidisc.html I believe Magic from this group is also working on a solution for Sony portables (how's that going now Magic, and are you planning on supporting the "track mark" button on the R55 so we can record mix-style MP3 albums without gaps?) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Titling on Sony MZ-55
Does anybody know if it is possible to create a colution that would work with an R50? thanks -Jeffrey I don't know what the R50 can / can't do, but if you can title entirely from the remote, I don't see why not. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: quality of optical cables
Is it something to do with Toslink error correction, or is it just a fun new tech for all the first adopters amongst us? It sounds cool, it sells better. Is there really much difference between optical and co-ax digital connections in home audio use? Coax is a lot cheaper... other than that... no. Hope this helps! Magic I think another major factor may be to keep things straightforward. On a portable, where all the jacks are 3.5mm, it makes sense to keep the digital input as different as possible from the analogue. Thus people remember: Thin cables with red light light at the end = digital Metal jack plug with thick cable = analogue If you were doing electrical SP/DIF on a 3.5mm jack, imagine the potential confusion :) -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: AIWA CSD-MD50 Atrac?
As I'm very nearly a student (gap-year sorta thing) I'm looking for somewhere that sells a nicely priced mini-bookshelf system WITH a minidisc system in it. Have any of you lot FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM seen anything? Oi'm currently saving up. Cheers! Edd "I'd rather have a full bottle in front of me than a full frontal lobotomy" Dixons have a JVC CD/MD micro system (very very small) for 200 pounds. Sorry, can't remember the model number. -- Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Minidisc questions (was no subject)
Richard, are you sure the Technics SL-PG390 has a digital-out? I know the 490 and 590 do [I recommended the 590 to my father as a good starter unit to use with the Sony MD JE520]. I would swear the Richer Sounds mag [a UK cheap hifi chain] said the Tehnics 390 as having no digi-out. Course they could easily have been wrong so don't hold me to that! The 390 does have an optical out. A move up to the 490 gives you a headphone socket and remote control though. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Gapless CD Audio Track Playback
When I transfer the track to the computer HD, then burn the CD, when you play the audio CD back, there is always a 2 or 3 second 'countdown' before the actual track starts playing. This creates a problem when trying to divide a song into multiple tracks. Have a look for a "Disc at Once" option in your CDR software and use that. It sounds like you're using "Track at Once" at the moment; ie it's turning the laser on and off and writing a new track for each audio track. Disc at Once burns the lot as a single track, but retains the trackmarks. Not all drives support DAO (especially older IDE drives); I think there's a list on www.goldenhawk.com . If it doesn't support it (anything bought in the last year should), then there's not a lot you can do about it i'm afraid. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Car journeys and I'm bored!
After I eventually subscibed to this list I've now got a few questions = to ask (in the vague hope they'll be answered...). 1.) For us English people on this list, does anyone know where I can get = a car adapter for long journeys - I'm going to France this year and I = have no desire to try and recharge batteries while on the move. I'm assuming Sony will stock them (go to a local Sony Centre - beware, when I asked about a mains adaptor for my Discman, the quoted 23 UKP..), else go to your local Maplins/Tandy and try out their power adaptors until you find one with the right size plug and the correct specs (good luck!). From looking at the error messages in the manual, it should tell you if it's out of spec (the "Hi DC in" message). 2.) How can you extend the battery life of the Sony MZ-R55? Please make = it easy, I don't trust myself with a soldering iron... Either use the supplied battery adaptor (and some pairs of AAs), or buy yourself a spare NiMH battery or two. Superfi ( http://www.superfi.co.uk ) stock them for 10 UKP each. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Optical Cables
Hi I seem to remember a while ago that someone on here could get hold of = optical cables at reasonably competitive prices in the UK. Could that person e-mail me please, as I am in the market for some leads = and some other bits. Cheers Ian Keene ( http://www.keene.co.uk ) sell optical cables at reasonable prices - 1m with whatever connectors (Tos/Tos, Tos/Mini, Mini/Mini) are just under 10 UKP, with extra lengths available. I've not ordered from them before so I can't give any recommendation.. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: satellite receivers?
My internet connection only operates at 26.4 even though my modem supports 56k, think it's the lines because I tested it with my laptop that does work at almost full speed other locations, and it still goes 26.4, but I'd like to listen to the shows. You're right - it's the lines. Poor 56k dialups would indicate DACS line splitting (ie. getting 2 subsciber lines from one exchange point). Ring your telco and ask them outright if your line has had DACS fitted, and what steps they'll take to remove it. You want plain old copper all the way from your residence to the exhange. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: MD trading
Yes, ethics matter. But copying a friend's CD is not unethical. And in the United States, it's not even illegal. You may wish to re-read the AHRA - it allows copies of works *you* have bought, not anyone else. The idea is that it's "reasonable" to let someone take a copy of something they've bought and put it onto another medium (be it MD, CDR, tape, whatever) for their personal use. The idea is that you're not ripping anyone off because you're not using both copies at once - it'd be unreasonable to expect someone to re-buy their music on MD. It doesn't give you the right to copy stuff bought by others. In effect, the AHRA extends your rights to be able to tranfer recordings between mediums for *your* use. Simon Have a great xmas everyone - I'm just taking 10 mins off to get away from my grandparents after dinner :p - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Cheap Minidiscs in the UK
Beginning of question: who the f**k are Makro? MK They're a bulk/trade supplier (and where small shops like newsagents often get their stock from). Basically if you're self-employed, work in the public sector, or have a legitimate work-related reason to shop there (say if you're the one that buys the office's coffee tea), you can apply for a card which lets you in. Once you're in, you can buy lots of stuff cheaper than anywhere else, especially food (in largeish quanitiies), music, videos, electronics, etc. They've got about 20 branches nationwide. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Mini Disc Purchase
Doesn't the Sharp have problems recording solo French horn? Seem like there was a bug in the Sharp ATRAC that sometime caused problems with French horns that weren't in an ensemble. Don't know, but if it's a concern there's a horn sample at: http://sound.media.mit.edu/mpeg4/audio/sqam/ Burn it on to a CD and try recording onto the units in the shop, then make a decision based on that. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Name Full!!!
I'm suprised no one has taken CaliforniaRod to task for suggesting that his recording library would require a laptop with at least 4GB of memory. At 1800 bytes per minidisc, he would need ~2.3 million MD's to store that much title info, which would occupy a 9 metre (30 foot) cube without cases. I think he said the whole Hitdisc library would take up that much, not what he has. I think 4gig is pushing it a bit though... Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Cheap Minidiscs in the UK
Makro are selling a pack of 10 Bush 74 minute minidiscs for =A39.99 = excluding VAT which works out to =A311.73 including VAT. That is just = =A31.17 per minidisc. But, it gets better. You can get two packs for = =A318 excluding vat (=A321.15 including vat), which is =A31.05 including = vat per disc. This is the cheapest that I have seen them anywhere.=20 Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ# - 46410200 What about Richer Sounds and their 99p without / 79p with voucher price on HiSpace Minidiscs? (try to avoid using the pound sign by the way - it's a bit dodgy as to whether it'll display right, if at all. Use UKP or something instead..) Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Name Full!!!
Rodney Peterson wrote in detail about how he puts a lot of information into track titles. So Rodney, back to the subject: about how many tracks do you commonly get onto a disc before filling the titling space? When the titling space is full or too nearly full to accommodate another long track name, do you leave the rest of the disc's audio capacity empty or do you use it for tracks that don't need detailed titles? I counted about 180 characters in that Jennifer Lopez track - so I'm guessing about 9ish tracks (?) before filling all of the space. I wonder if there's a way to increase titling space by writing onto the music area (kinda the opposite to the trick where you write over titling space to increase capacity). Another question for Rodney: as you clearly need to have such information about the tracks you play, why not use a PDA like a Palm or Psion to keep a database of all this information (and details of which disc the track is on)? It could be kept to hand, and could be fully searchable. Titling all that info onto discs must be a horrendous chore - even when I have access to a deck I only use the most basic titles (and often shorten long words/titles), and I hate doing "various artists" compilations because it's more to do.. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Name Full!!! [getting a bit OT]
A Psion or a Palm simply would not have enough memory. At one time, I had the entire HitDisc library stored on word processor (but name, title and location only.) I think there were about 25 or so 1.44 MB discs fllled before the word processor could take it no more and blew up. I would have to use a laptop with at least 4GB of memory to do the job and it would take forever to input the information again, although I imagine I'll get around to it one of these days. An idea might be to use one of the new IBM Microdrive discs - they fit in a CompactFlash slot and offer (at the moment) up to 340mb, at reasonable prices (under 1UKP per Mb). They're planning to get up to several gigabytes next year. Might be a technology to keep an eye on - one of the proposed uses is for keeping large databases on hand for sales people, field engineers, etc. http://www.storage.ibm.com/hardsoft/diskdrdl/micro/ Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: mp3 to md quality
Many of my newer mp3s are encoded at 96kbps. I have read that this is "near cd quality" for an mp3. How will these mp3s sound recorded to MD through a digital output? analog? I need to decide whether or not to get better conversion software (and throw out the free stuff!). Thanks! 96kbps is pretty poor quality - 128k is better, 160k is good. (though that is, of course, subjective ;) ) I doubt you'd notice any improvement from analogue to digital at that bitrate - probably best to just stick to a simple analogue cable. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
The calculated checksum/signature is used as an index in the data file that stores the title info. This is the same approach used by www.cddb.com. There's already Linux support for cddb, so duplicating the Windows approach is kind of silly. (And if you haven't checked out www.cddb.com yet, you should. They have track title info for a huge number of CDs, in all different genres. Heck, they even have the title info for *my* band's CD online. (check out http://highlandsun.com for some kick-ass Celtic music...) If you're copying CDs to MDs and you have access to a PC for titling, you really need to know about this service, it'll save you hours in the long run.) -- Howard I really like CDDB, but it's strength is also a flaw - if you've got millions of submissions from people (thus creating a huge database) there isn't the time to check them for errors. About 80% of cddb lookups that I do (before ripping CDs, etc) need correcting, either because some idiot can't capitalise properly or straightforward spelling errors. Some have been so bad I've re-done them all by hand - problem then is if you re-submit the same album it doesn't replace the incorrect entry :) Saved me lot of time when I ripped my albums (200 or so) over the summer though.. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
