Sony Hi-MD

Features:

• Most perfectly realized Minidisc instrument to date.
• Illuminated OLED display on main body through which all recording-related information (including level meters) is available.
• Full backward compatability with std-MD system -- records SP/Mono/LP2/LP4 format audio to std-MD discs and uploads std-MD recordings to PC in PCM, Hi-SP or ATRAC3 format audio files. Uploading is in no way restricted (unlimited uploads of mic, line and digital recordings are permitted) and speeds of 10X (SP->PCM), 16X (mono->PCM), 15X (LP2->ATRAC3) and 26X (LP4->ATRAC3) have been observed.
• Records and uploads all Hi-MD format audio (PCM/Hi-SP/Hi-LP).
• Date/Time stamp recording.
• Switchable Headphone/Line-level output.
• Digital Pitch Control (change playback speed without changing pitch) -50/+100%
• HD Digital amp.
• All mode settings (e.g. auto/manual recording level selector, headphone/line output, etc.) retained over power cycle and disc change.
• Mic sensitivity (high/low).
• Mic sensitivity and manual recording level can be adjusted on-the-fly, while recording is underway.
• Spectrum analyzer display mode available during playback.
• AGC on/off. AGC mode: Standard/Music.
• Dynamic normalizer (equalize track-to-track volume differences).
• A-B repeat.
• 2 custom EQ settings.
• Track-mark rehearsal mode available.
• Battery charging via USB port.
• Non-skid rubber feet on base.
• Metal case.
• LiIon battery.
• No external battery attachment available.
• Ships with SonicStage 3.4 software.
• Can be used as a USB drive for storing data.
• USB 2.0 interface.

Variants: The MZ-M200 and MZ-RH1 units are identical, but the MZ-M200 comes with a Sony ECM-DS70P stereo microphone as an included accessory

Accessories:

• USB cable
• Digital optical cable
• AC Adaptor
• RM-MC38EL remote control with LCD and backlight (RM-MC35ELK in Japan)
• Carrying pouch
• Software on CD-ROM

Reviews:

• MDcenter.nl's in-depth review of Sony MZ-RH1.

Links:

• Sony Japan Announcement (mech. trans.)
• Sony Europe Announcement
• AV-Watch Japan
• Forum Discussion

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mw+5mw

User Manual: MZ-RH1

Service Manual: MZ-RH1

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW

Features:

• HD Digital amp
• VPT Acoustic Engine (Virtual Phone Technology; otherwise known as Virtual-Surround)
• 6-band EQ
• A-B repeat mode, handy for learning phrases
• Adjustable playback speed control, range: +100% -50% without pitch change
• No support for native MP3 playback
• NiMH battery
• Plays back Hi-MD (1GB) media and original MD media.
• Backlit, jog-dial equipped remote.
• Multi-voltage (100-240VAC) Recharging stand.

links:

• Sony press release
• AV-Watch page

  Reviews:

  Battery life SP/LP2/LP4 on reformatted 300MB std-MD medium	Play	Recharge
  NiMH NH-14WM	26.5/32/35 hr	full: 3.5 hr
  AA	36/44.5/48 hr
  Both	66.5/79.5/87 hr
  Battery life PCM/Hi-SP/Hi-LP on reformatted 300MB std-MD medium	Play	Recharge
  NiMH NH-14WM	11/23/32.5 hr
  AA	14/30.5/44.5 hr
  Both	26.5/58.5/79.5 hr
  Battery life PCM/Hi-SP/Hi-LP on 1GB Hi-MD medium	Play	Recharge
  NiMH NH-14WM	15/25.5/32.5 hr
  AA	17.5/30.5/43 hr
  Both	37.5/64/82 hr

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW @ 16ohms JEITA

Features:

• HD Digital amp
• 6-band EQ
• A-B repeat mode, handy for learning phrases
• No support for native MP3 playback
• NiMH battery
• Plays back Hi-MD (1GB) media and original MD media.
• Backlit, jog-dial equipped remote.
• Multi-voltage (100-240VAC) Recharging stand.

links:

• Sony press release
• AV-Watch page

  Reviews:

  Battery life SP/LP2/LP4 on reformatted 300MB std-MD medium	Play	Recharge
  NiMH NH-14WM	25.5/30.5/34 hr	full: 3.5 hr
  AA	34/44.5/48 hr
  Both	64.5/76/85 hr
  Battery life PCM/Hi-SP/Hi-LP on reformatted 300MB std-MD medium	Play	Recharge
  NiMH NH-14WM	11/23/31.5 hr
  AA	13.5/30.5/44 hr
  Both	26.5/58.5/74.5 hr
  Battery life PCM/Hi-SP/Hi-LP on 1GB Hi-MD medium	Play	Recharge
  NiMH NH-14WM	14.5/25.5/30.5 hr
  AA	17.5/30.5/42 hr
  Both	36/64/80 hr

Features:

• Includes built-in 1.3Mpixel camera (1280x960) with 4x digital zoom
• Built-in 1.5 inch color TFT LCD screen
• Slide-show mode allows pictures to be synced to music
• Stored photos can be moved or deleted
• Plays back MP3 files
• High Definition Digital amp
• USB bus powered
• Jog-dial
• No Mic or Line input
• No external AA battery case -- can be used only with removable LiIon rechargeable.

Markets: US, Europe

Manufacturer's Feature List:

• HI-MD WALKMAN with large Organic EL Display
• MP3 / Atrac3plus direct playback
• SonicStage for easy music management and unlimited check outs of your favourite tracks
• Supports all popular digital audio compression formats: ATRAC / MP3 / WMA / WAV
• New type remote control
• Extremely fast music transfer from and to PC: 1 CD in less than 40 seconds
• Capable of storing audio, video and data files on your HI-MD disc (Word, Powerpoint, ATRAC, MP3, JPEG, MPEG, etc)
• Incl. Charging stand, AC Power Adpater
• Long battery life of 32 hours
• G-PROTECTION Jog Proof
• Transfer up to 45 CDs onto a single 1GB Hi-MD disc (with Atrac3Plus compression).

Links:

• Sony US 2005 Hi-MD announcement
• MDcenter.nl forum.

Reviews:

Service Manuals: MZ-DH10P, MZ-DH10P

Features:

• Organic EL LCD on remote
• Digital amp
• Plays back MP3 files
• USB bus powered

Markets: US, Europe

Manufacturer's Feature List:

• HI-MD WALKMAN with large Organic EL Display
• MP3 / Atrac3plus direct playback
• SonicStage for easy music management and unlimited check outs of your favourite tracks
• Supports all popular digital audio compression formats: ATRAC / MP3 / WMA / WAV
• New type remote control
• Record from multiple source: USB-in / Mic-in / Analogue-in / Digital-in
• Extremely fast music transfer from and to PC: 1 CD in less than 40 seconds
• Capable of storing audio, video and data files on your HI-MD disc (Word, Powerpoint, ATRAC, MP3, JPEG, MPEG, etc)
• AC Power Adpater, ^*Charging Stand
• Long battery life of 32 hours
• G-PROTECTION Jog Proof
• Transfer up to 45 CDs onto a single 1GB Hi-MD disc (with Atrac3Plus compression).

Variants: MZ-M100 model adds Macintosh support (upload PCM recordings as .wav files) and includes a Sony ECM-DS70P microphone but is otherwise identical to the MZ-RH10

Links:

• Sony US 2005 Hi-MD announcement
• MDcenter.nl forum.

Reviews:

Service Manual: MZ-RH10

Features:

• Digital amp
• Plays back MP3 files
• USB bus powered

Markets: US, Europe

Manufacturer's Feature List:

• HI-MD WALKMAN with large 5 line LCD display
• MP3 / Atrac3plus direct playback
• SonicStage for easy music management and unlimited check outs of your favourite tracks
• Supports all popular digital audio compression formats: ATRAC / MP3 / WMA / WAV
• New type remote control
• Record from multiple source: USB-in / Mic-in / Analogue-in / Digital-in
• Extremely fast music transfer from and to PC: 1 CD in less than 40 seconds
• Capable of storing audio, video and data files on your HI-MD disc (Word, Powerpoint, ATRAC, MP3, JPEG, MPEG, etc)
• Incl. Rechargeable batt., Charging stand, AC Power Adpater
• Long battery life of 25 hours
• G-PROTECTION Jog Proof
• Transfer up to 45 CDs onto a single 1GB Hi-MD disc (with Atrac3Plus compression).

Links:

• Sony US 2005 Hi-MD announcement
• MDcenter.nl forum.

Variants: MZ-M10 model adds Macintosh support (upload PCM recordings as .wav files) and includes a Sony ECM-DS70P microphone but is otherwise identical to the MZ-RH910

Reviews:

Service Manuals: MZ-RH910, MZ-RH910

Features:

• Digital amp
• Plays back MP3 files
• USB bus powered

Markets: Europe only(?)

Manufacturer's Feature List:

• HI-MD WALKMAN with 3 line LCD display
• MP3 / Atrac3plus direct playback
• SonicStage for easy music management and unlimited check outs of your favourite tracks
• Supports all popular digital audio compression formats: ATRAC / MP3 / WMA / WAV
• New basic remote control
• Record from multiple source: USB-in / Analogue-in / Digital-in
• Extremely fast music transfer from and to PC: 1 CD in less than 40 seconds
• Capable of storing audio, video and data files on your HI-MD disc (Word, Powerpoint, ATRAC, MP3, JPEG, MPEG, etc)
• Long battery life of 25 hours
• G-PROTECTION Jog Proof
• Transfer up to 45 CDs onto a single 1GB Hi-MD disc (with Atrac3Plus compression).

Links:

• Sony US 2005 Hi-MD announcement
• MDcenter.nl forum.

Reviews:

Features:

• CD to MD recording: 6X (Hi-LP), 4X (Hi-SP, SP, LP2, LP4, Linear PCM)
• A CDs tracks are automatically placed in groups when recording albums.
• Virtual Phone Technology
• 4 line display with Roman/Kanji/Hiragana support (Kanji/Hirgana input via PC only).
• Kanji/Hiragana titling from PC only.
• Common to Hi-MD recorders:
  • Records to Hi-MD (1GB) blanks and normal MD blanks reformatted to 300MB.
  • Provides PC uploading of audio recorded from microphone or line input.
  • Functions as USB data drive (FAT format filesystem).
  • Linear PCM and ATRAC3plus recording at 256 ("Hi-SP") and 64 ("Hi-LP") kbps.
  • Included software: SonicStage 2.1 and SimpleBurner
• Download or CD copying only (no line/mic inputs)

Markets: Japan

Links:

• Sony Hi-MD announcement
• Sony Hi-MD specification
• Sony Japanese MZ-NH1/NH3D/EH1/LAM-X1 announcement.
• Sony LAM-X1 page

Reviews:

Features:

• "High Definition" digital amp.
• LiIon battery
• Plays back Hi-MD (1GB) media and original MD media.
• Backlit, 3-line, Kanji-displaying, jog-dial equipped remote. (RM-MC40ELK - ¥8000)
• Recharging stand.
• [Will] include SonicStage2.1

Accessories: Remote, charging stand, headphones, AC adapter, carrying pouch, LiIon cell, battery carrying case.

Markets: Japan

Links:

• Sony Hi-MD announcement
• Sony Hi-MD specification
• Sony Japanese MZ-NH1/NH3D/EH1/LAM-X1 announcement.
• Sony MZ-EH1 page
• Available from Japan-Direct

Specs: 5mW+5mW

Reviews:

Features: Upscale Hi-MD downloader.

• "High Definition" digital amp.
• Charging stand. (USB connection done separately, through body).
• Backlit, 3-line, Kanji-displaying, jog-dial equipped remote. (RM-MC40ELK - ¥8000)
• Download only (no line/mic inputs)
• Colors: Silver and Blue
• Common to Hi-MD recorders:
  • Downloads to Hi-MD (1GB) blanks and normal MD blanks reformatted to 300MB.
  • Provides PC uploading of audio recorded from microphone or line input (but has no audio inputs itself).
  • Functions as USB data drive (FAT format filesystem).
  • Included software: SonicStage 2.0 and SimpleBurner
  • Operating power provided over USB bus when connected to a PC.

Accessories: Remote, charging stand, headphones, AC adapter, carrying pouch, LiIon cell, battery carrying case. SonicStage v2.0, SimpleBurner v2.0

Markets: Japan

Links:

• Sony Hi-MD announcement
• Sony Hi-MD specification
• Sony Japanese MZ-NH1/NH3D/EH1/LAM-X1 announcement.
• Sony MZ-NH3D page

Specs: 5mW+5mW

Reviews:

Features: Top of the line model from Sony's first line of Hi-MD recorders.

• Backlit, 3-line, Kanji-displaying (Japan only?), jog-dial equipped remote (RM-MC40ELK - ¥8000).
• Charging stand. (USB connection done separately, through body).
• Auto Personal Disk Memory capacity: 18 discs of 500 tracks/9 discs of 2047 tracks.
• Bookmark function (up to 2047 tracks).
• Program (64 songs) / Group Program (20 groups)
• "VPT" Acoustic Engine (Virtual Phone Technology = Virtual Surround)
• 6 Band Equalizer
• Mic sensitivity (high/low) selector.
• Digital pitch control (allows playback speed change without pitch change).
• Date-time stamp.
• Quick Mode
• Removeable LiIon battery (LIP-4WM).
• "High Definition" digital amp.
• Body construction: Magnesium
• Colors: Silver and Gold
• Common to Hi-MD recorders:
  • Records to Hi-MD (1GB) blanks and normal MD blanks reformatted to 300MB.
  • Plays Hi-MD and original-MD disks.
  • Provides PC uploading of audio recorded from microphone or line input.
  • Functions as USB data drive (FAT format filesystem).
  • Linear PCM and ATRAC3plus recording at 256 ("Hi-SP") and 64 ("Hi-LP") kbps.
  • Included software: SonicStage 2.0 and SimpleBurner
  • Operating power provided over USB bus when connected to a PC.

Markets: Japan, US, Europe

Links:

• Sony Hi-MD announcement
• Sony Hi-MD specification
• Sony Japanese MZ-NH1/NH3D/EH1/LAM-X1 announcement.
• Hi-MD FAQ
• Sony's preliminary Hi-MD portable comparison chart.
• Sony MZ-NH1 page
• Available from Japan-Direct.

Accessories: Charging cradle, remote, LiIon rechargeable battery, AC power adapter, optical cable, usb cable, headphones, carrying pouch

Specs: 5mW+5mW

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-NH1

Service Manual: MZ-NH1

Features: Cost-reduced version of MZ-NH1.

• Jog-dial on front of case (similar to iPod).
• Stick-type, backlit remote.
• Charging stand (without USB connection)
• USB connection on main unit.
• Auto Personal Disk Memory capacity: 18 discs of 500 tracks/9 discs of 2047 tracks.
• Bookmark function (up to 2047 tracks).
• Program (64 songs) / Group Program (20 groups)
• "VPT" Acoustic Engine (Virtual Phone Technology = Virtual Surround)
• 6 Band Equalizer
• Mic sensitivity (high/low) selector.
• Digital pitch control (allows playback speed change without pitch change).
• Quick Mode
• NiMH gumpack battery (NH-10WM)
• Digital amp.
• Body construction: Aluminum/Plastic.
• Colors: Silver, Black
• Principal differences from MZ-NH1:
  • No Date-time stamp.
  • NiMH rechargeable cell (vs. LiIon).
  • Has external AA battery case so that alkaline AA cells can be used as well as the NiMH gumpack cell.
• Common to Hi-MD recorders:
  • Records to Hi-MD (1GB) blanks and normal MD blanks reformatted to 300MB.
  • Provides PC uploading of audio recorded from microphone or line input.
  • Functions as USB data drive (FAT format filesystem).
  • Linear PCM and ATRAC3plus recording at 256 ("Hi-SP") and 64 ("Hi-LP") kbps.
  • Included software: SonicStage 2.0 and SimpleBurner
  • Operating power provided over USB bus when connected to a PC.

Markets: US, Europe (Japan?)

Links:

• Sony Hi-MD announcement
• Sony Hi-MD specification
• Hi-MD FAQ
• Sony's preliminary Hi-MD portable comparison chart.

Accessories: Charging cradle, external AA cell case, remote, NiMH rechargeable battery, AC power adapter, optical cable, usb cable, headphones, carrying pouch

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-NH900

Service Manual: MZ-NH900

Features: Further cost reduced Hi-MD model with built-in AM/FM tuner (in remote).

• Stick-type, backlit remote with built-in AM/FM/TV/Weatherband digital tuner.
• USB connection on main unit.
• Auto Personal Disk Memory capacity: 9 discs of 500 tracks/3 discs of 2047 tracks.
• Bookmark function (up to 2047 tracks).
• "VPT" Acoustic Engine (Virtual Phone Technology = Virtual Surround)
• 6 Band Equalizer
• Mic sensitivity (high/low) selector.
• Quick Mode
• Rechargeable NiMH AA formfactor battery (NH-7WMAA)
• Body construction: Plastic
• Colors: Silver
• Principal differences from MZ-NH900:
  • No digital pitch control.
  • No digital amp.
  • No line out function.
  • All plastic construction.
  • No charging cradle.
  • No external AA battery case (alkaline AA cells can be used internally).
  • Smaller personal disk memory capacity.
  • No program/group program play mode (really?).
  • AA form-factor NiMH rechargeable cell with less capacity (700mah NH-7WMAA vs. 1000mah NH-10WM).
• Common to Hi-MD recorders:
  • Records to Hi-MD (1GB) blanks and normal MD blanks reformatted to 300MB.
  • Provides PC uploading of audio recorded from microphone or line input.
  • Functions as USB data drive (FAT format filesystem).
  • Linear PCM and ATRAC3plus recording at 256 ("Hi-SP") and 64 ("Hi-LP") kbps.
  • Included software: SonicStage 2.0 and SimpleBurner
  • Operating power provided over USB bus when connected to a PC.

Markets: US, Europe

Links:

• Sony Hi-MD announcement
• Sony Hi-MD specification
• Hi-MD FAQ
• Sony's preliminary Hi-MD portable comparison chart.

Accessories: Remote, NiMH rechargeable battery, AC power adapter, optical cable, usb cable, headphones, carrying pouch

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-NHF800

Features: Nearly identical to MZ-NHF800, but without AM/FM remote.

• Stick-type remote (no LCD?)
• USB connection on main unit.
• Auto Personal Disk Memory capacity: 9 discs of 500 tracks/3 discs of 2047 tracks.
• Bookmark function (up to 2047 tracks).
• 6 Band Equalizer
• Mic sensitivity (high/low) selector.
• Quick Mode
• Rechargeable NiMH AA formfactor battery (NH-7WMAA)
• Body construction: Plastic
• Colors: Silver, Blue
• Principal differences from MZ-NHF800:
  • No AM/FM tuner
  • No LCD on remote
  • No VPT (Virtual surround sound)
• Common to Hi-MD recorders:
  • Records to Hi-MD (1GB) blanks and normal MD blanks reformatted to 300MB.
  • Provides PC uploading of audio recorded from microphone or line input.
  • Functions as USB data drive (FAT format filesystem).
  • Linear PCM and ATRAC3plus recording at 256 ("Hi-SP") and 64 ("Hi-LP") kbps.
  • Included software: SonicStage 2.0 and SimpleBurner
  • Operating power provided over USB bus when connected to a PC.

Markets: Europe, Canada (Japan?)

Links:

• Sony Hi-MD announcement
• Sony Hi-MD specification
• AV Land (UK) page
• Hi-MD FAQ
• Sony's preliminary Hi-MD portable comparison chart.

Accessories: Remote, NiMH rechargeable battery, AC power adapter, optical cable, usb cable, headphones, carrying pouch

Reviews:

User Manual: MZ-NH700

Service Manual: MZ-NH700

Features: Cost-reduced, entry level Hi-MD recorder.

• ATRAC chip: CXD2681-221GG
• No remote.
• USB connection on main unit.
• Auto Personal Disk Memory capacity: 9 discs of 500 tracks/3 discs of 2047 tracks.
• Bookmark function (up to 2047 tracks).
• 6 Band Equalizer
• Quick Mode (one hour only).
• Rechargeable NiMH AA formfactor battery (NH-7WMAA)
• Body construction: Plastic
• Colors: Silver, Blue, White
• Principal differences from MZ-NH700:
  • No line/mic/optical input on MZ-NH600D (USB upload/download only)
  • No remote.
  • No rechargeable battery (uses AA alkaline)
  • No battery charger/AC adapter.
• Common to Hi-MD recorders:
  • Downloads to Hi-MD (1GB) blanks and normal MD blanks reformatted to 300MB.
  • Provides PC uploading of audio recorded from microphone or line input (but has no audio inputs itself).
  • Functions as USB data drive (FAT format filesystem).
  • Included software: SonicStage 2.0 and SimpleBurner
  • Operating power provided over USB bus when connected to a PC.

Variants:

• N. American models ("MZ-NH600D") have no audio inputs (not optical, line, nor mic)
• Euro/Australasian models ("MZ-NH600") have line/optical input but no mic.
• Buffalo Corp. released the downloader-only variant badged as the "Buffalo MD-HUSB" that uses "BeatJam for Buffalo" as the audio management software (not SonicStage).

Markets: US, Europe, Japan (Buffalo)

Links:

• Sony Canada page
• Buffalo (Japan) page
• AV-Watch coverage of Buffalo unit
• Sony Hi-MD announcement
• Sony Hi-MD specification
• Hi-MD FAQ
• Sony's preliminary Hi-MD portable comparison chart.

Accessories: usb cable, headphones

Reviews:

User Manuals: MZ-NH600D, MZ-NH600D

Service Manual: MZ-NH600D

Features:

• Shown at Sony's Tokyo Hi-MD announcement.

Links:

• AV Watch (Japan) coverage of Sony's Hi-MD announcement in Tokyo.

Reviews: