Simon Mackay wrote:
Does anyone know whether there are any of the OEM-aftermarket CD-changer
adaptors which can allow one to use the Sony MDX-65 6-disc MD changer or any
other MD changer with particular factory-supplied CD-control car radios?
I believe such adapters exist. You might check http://www.autotoys.com,
they used to sell such adapters. I know my mom's Lincoln Mark VIII
could control a Sony CD changer, but I think it was the old style bus
and not Unilink. Not sure on that though.
Some vehicle-builders, especially GM, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler, could look
at issues like "multi-changer" setups where multiple OEM CD or MD changers
can be hooked up to and controlled by the OEM car radio. This is a practice
that is often practiced by aftermarket car-audio names like Pioneer and
Sony.
I don't believe there is really that much demand for such a device.
Most people interested in multi-changer setups tend to be car audio
enthusiasts. No car audio enthusiast is satisfied with keeping the
stock head unit!
Also, vehicle-builders could, when they specify car-audio options for a
model lineup, look at licensing the JVC CD-MD mechanism that is used in the
KD-MX3000 and using it in their premium single-CD applications or "add-on"
single-CD units. This means that CDs or MiniDiscs are able to be enjoyed
with the one unit, rather than customers having to buy two units to enjoy
both formats.
The KD-MX3000 was a great idea. However, most companies are not going
to want to spend the additional cost to license a CD/MD combo mechanism,
not to mention the license from Sony to use the MiniDisc name, logos,
etc. The reason for this, is that MD is still a niche market, and
probably always will be. Demand for it is very low compared to other
technologies like DVD, MP3 players, CD players that play MP3 CD-Rs, etc,
so I doubt many companies are going to throw money at a product with low
market share when they can throw the same money at a product that flies
off the shelves.
Of course, maybe I am being too pessimistic with MD and its potential
market due to my recent experience. I gave an MD deck to one of my good
friends. He bought a 5-pack of MDs and played with it once, never to
play with it again. Instead, he preferred to buy a CD-writer. He found
it easier to burn MP3's to CD's on his PC. A year later, he wants to
give the MD deck back. On the plus side, he wants to give me those MD
blanks for free. My other friends are equally disinterested in MD, even
after using it. My friends are not musicians, music is not their
primary interest, but they do like music and purchase CD's and download
MP3's. I think they fall into the category of "general public". I
think with the world of MD, it's always going to be a niche market
unless some company develops a super revolutionary MD-based product. Oh
well, I'm still happy with my MD equipment, I also find it far easier to
record to MD than CD-R even though I have two CD-RW drives now. Go
figure.
Shawn
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