Features: Unit comes equipped with PCMCIA interface allowing audio (in .wav file or midi format) to be downloaded from a PC running the Japanese version of Windows 95. PC application displays ``MD control panel'' providing titling and control functions (editing, recording, playback of MDs). 3CD changer with independent trays allows 2 discs to be changed while one is on play. MD to MD [analog] dubbing from SS70 or ST60, etc., allows audio and titles to be copied at the same time. Standard PC keyboard plug-in connection, for easy Mindisc titling using a PS/2-type computer keyboard. Mic mixer lets users combine mic audio input with CD and record to MD. FM Wide-band tuner (76.0 to 108.0 MHz). Sampling rate converter. Stereo/Mono recording. Large 21 X 5 character LCD with function that switches the display to a large font (in this mode it shows the current song playing, rather than the current song and the two next up). ``Joy Commander'' remote control unit. SRS 3D Surround sound. MD-X8 (non PC) version available that does not include PCMCIA card.

PCMCIA Card: The PCMCIA card functions as a wave table synthesis card. The sound data is output as 16 bit samples at 44.1khz via a special (PS2 type) connector which plugs into the MDX8H/MDX5H MD units. If the input is a MIDI file the wave table synthesis converts it to 16 bit 44.1khz sampled audio data. If the data is in a recognised audio format ie. 16 bit 44.1khz then it is passed straight through. The data is in the same format is as if you were making a digital copy (optical or RF) from another CD or MD player. The card also provides a 2 way serial data communication for editing the UTOC data and controlling the basic function of the MD unit. The card provides a one-way interface only for audio data, from PC to MD.

Mis-features: The display is big and bright, and can't really be dimmed effectively. Worse yet, a degree of the light in the display and on the power button still shines after the unit has been turned off. -A.A. Milne ([email protected])

Specs: MD: Freq. Resp. 20-20kHz +1/-3dB, Wow and flutter: +/- .001%, Amp: 50W+50W. Speakers: Bass reflex, 15cm (6 inch) with 2.5cm dome tweeter.

Links: Sharp's comprehensive page for this unit. Another Sharp English page for this unit. The Cerberus Internet Audio Player is being bundled with the Sharp MD-X8H Network Audio Hi-Fi System. Liquid Audio was showcasing a prototype system for the Sharp MD-X8 at Winter CES. A Malaysian review of the Sharp MD-X8 and mention of the unit in Popular Science. More general info, its price, spec and picture. Dave Bell posts a review of the Sharp MD-X8 bookshelf system.

Reviews:

User Manual: MD-X8PC