Sony

                                           1997/6/12

New Product

Two types of MD Walkmans are now on sale with a newly developed ``Head Loading Mechanism'', allowing discs to be changed easily, without removing the player from one's pocket.

MD Walkmans ``MZ-EP11'' (left) / ``MZ-EP10'' (right)

Sony is placing on sale the MZ-EP10 and MZ-EP11 portable MD players (``MD Walkman''), equipped with a newly developed ``Head Loading Mechanism'', allowing discs to be easily ejected and inserted. Since both machines allow discs to be inserted just by pushing them in along the disc guide, and ejected by sliding the eject button, disc changes can be easily accomplished without removing the units from a pocket or handbag. The MZ-EP10 has a ``basic'' design, while in the MZ-EP11 an ``outdoor goods'' [read ``rugged''] image has been adopted.

Starting in 1996, MD has met a period of stable popularity in the domestic market. In monetary terms, the proportion of system stereos equipped with MD reached 50% in 1996 and is forecast to exceed 70% in 1997, therefore, an environment of home recording and editing ability is becoming established and the necessity for portable players is expected to increase. By placing these two MD players in the market, Sony is expanding the selection of available MD players.

The 2 units now being offered come equipped with a newly developed head loading system, allowing disc changes to be performed quickly. By adopting the low power consuming LSI of our current machines, a 1.5V drive system has been realized, and a single AA cell or gum pack shaped rechargable cell can be used. Approximately 5 hours playback on a single AA alkaline cell, or approximately 4 hours on the Nickel Hydride rechargable cell has been made possible.

Sony's portable MD players^* have adopted the same 1.5V drive system as the cassette walkman, making them convenient for portable use. * Except for the tuner equipped ``MZ-F40''

1. Vertical type design equipped with a newly developed head loading mechanism
   Equipped with a ``Head Loading Mechanism'' which allows discs to be inserted simply by pushing them into the disc guide located in the upper part of the vertical format body. Because disc removal is accomplished by a mechanism that pops the disc out when the eject button is pushed, discs can be easily and conveniently changed while the unit remains in a pocket or bag.

2. Driven with a single AA battery through adoption of a low power consuming LSI
   By adopting the low power consuming LSI of the current ``MZ-E30'' and ``MZ-E50'' type machines, a 1.5V drive system has been made possible, and a single AA cell or gum pack shaped rechargeable cell can be used. Sony's current MD players* have adopted a 1.5V drive system, making them easily portable. *except for the FM tuner equipped ``MZ-F40''

3. Unit accepts either a drycell or gum pack shaped rechargeable.
   Because the body battery compartment has been designed to accept either an AA drycell or a gum packed shaped rechargeable, an external battery case is unnecessary and batteries of either type can be used.

4. Comes equipped with LCD remote control attached headphones.
   Because the remote control is equipped with an LCD display, the disc name, song name, etc., as well as operating state are readily at hand. (Katakana supported).

5. Equipped with DC IN Jack
   Because the body has a DC in jack, the separately available car battery cord can be attached and music can be enjoyed even in the car. Indoors, the separately available AC adapter and active speakers can be attached, for further enjoyment.

6. Other points
   
   • Separately sold headphones can be connected to the remote and enjoyed. Equivalent to an ``a la carte'' headphone system.
   • Equipped with quick recharger.
   • 1 track repeat, all repeat, and shuffle repeat playback modes are possible.
   • Selectable AVLS (automatic volume limiter system) is kind to the ears.

Return to the MiniDisc Community Page.