"Hi-MD" is a next-generation format that has enabled the "MiniDisc" to evolve into a versatile storage medium for storing data of all kinds. While still using standard "MiniDiscs" for recording music, you can now almost double their capacity by applying the "Hi-MD" format. "Hi-MD" ensures superior audio quality by offering a choice of two different recording methods for music: linear PCM, which preserves every detail of the original sound source without compression; and "ATRAC", which can deliver high audio quality plus high compression.
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Sony has also introduced the 1GB "Hi-MD" disc exclusively for "Hi-MD" use, which has the capacity to store as much as 34 hours* of recorded music. And, as a storage medium for PC data, it can also be used to hold images and text files.
*Approximate recording time when recording to a 1GB "Hi-MD" disc in Hi-LP ("ATRAC3plus" 64kbps) mode. Note that "Hi-MD" devices designed exclusively for playback have no recording function.
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New "Hi-MD" high density recording technology doubles the recording capacity of standard "MiniDiscs". So, in addition to using the new 1GB "Hi-MD" discs, you can apply the "Hi-MD" format to your "MiniDiscs" and enjoy much longer recording/playback times.
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LinearPCM mode achieves high quality sound recording without audio data compression. This function is useful for backing up your treasured music CDs. You may use optical cables to connect a "Hi-MD AUDIO " device and a CD player to retain sound quality*.
*Only CD players with optical capability can be used.
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Recording with a microphone
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LinearPCM mode is compatible with digital, analog, and microphone recording; you can record and play back in high quality sound, without compressing the original sound source. This function can be used in various ways such as recording a music performance.
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"ATRAC3plus" is the next generation audio compression technology based on "ATRAC".
While "ATRAC3" was able to compress a CD to approximately 1/10 of the original size, "ATRAC3plus" is able to compress with higher quality at approximately 1/20 of the size.
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With a high capacity 1GB "Hi-MD" disc it is possible to record up to 34 hours of music data* when recording on a stand-alone "Hi-MD AUDIO" device. 1GB capacity even allows for easy storage of large capacity music data recorded in high sound quality LinearPCM and Hi-SP modes.
*Approximate recording time when recording to a 1GB "Hi-MD" disc in Hi-LP ("ATRAC3plus" 64kbps) mode.
45 hours can be recorded on a 1GB "Hi-MD" disc when transferring "ATRAC3plus" 48kbps audio data from a computer to a "Hi-MD AUDIO" device.
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| Audio Mode |
Recording Time |
| 80 min. standard MiniDisc in "Hi-MD" mode |
1 GB "Hi-MD" disc |
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28 min. |
1 hr. 34 min. |
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1 hr. 35 min. |
5 hrs. 30 min. |
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2 hrs. 20 min. |
7 hrs. 55 min. |
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3 hrs. 10 min. |
11 hrs. 00 min. |
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10 hrs. 10 min. |
34 hrs. 00 min. |
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13 hrs. 30 min. |
45 hrs. |
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4 hrs. 50 min. |
16 hrs. 30 min. |
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6 hrs. 10 min. |
20 hrs. 40 min. |
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9 hrs. 50 min. |
32 hrs. 40 min. |
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| New format supported from spring 2005 |
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For recording on a stand-alone "Hi-MD AUDIO" device. |
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For transferring audio data between a computer and a "Hi-MD AUDIO" device. |
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The figures above are approximate recording times. |
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PCM, Hi-SP and Hi-LP are recording modes available with "Hi-MD AUDIO" devices. |
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Recording time calculations assume each track transferred from a PC is 4 minutes long. |
| MP3: |
Common name given to MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3. Sampling rate: 44.1kHz (fixed bit rate). |
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"Hi-MD" is a removable, rewritable media with high capacity that is highly portable."Hi-MD" uses the FAT file system, making it possible to use "Hi-MD" formatted "MDs" and 1GB "Hi-MD" discs as versatile media for recording PC data files, such as images and text. Furthermore, as portable, rewritable PC media, "Hi-MD" complies with USB format's Mass Storage Class, ensuring that simply by connecting a "Hi-MD" product to a PC it is immediately recognized as an external storage device.
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