MiniDisc FAQ

 

The next generation of minidisc technology has arrived and it's called Hi-MD.  Hi-MD allows high speed USB digital transfer to and from your Minidisc and your PC.  Also, you can store up to 45 hours of music or 1 GB of data on the new blank Hi-MD discs which will retail for about $7 each.

The MZ-M200 Portable Hi-MD recorder is fully backward compatible with all minidisc recordings, meaning it will play back any minidisc.  In addition, it is capable of digitally uploading at high speed via USB all MD recordings to a PC, and Hi-SP, Hi-LP and PCM recordings to a MAC.  Uploading is in no way restricted (unlimited uploads of mic, line and digital recordings are permitted).

Click here to see the Sony MZ-M200 Portable Hi-MD Recorder. (the only Hi-MD unit currently available from Sony USA).

For more details and information on Hi-MD, please visit:

Sony's Hi-MD website

Minidisc.org  Hi-MD FAQ

This chart shows the different recording modes that can be used with a Hi-MD recorder and a 1GB Hi-MD disc or a standard 80 minute minidisc formatted in Hi-MD mode.  Note that you can also use a Hi-MD recorder to record in SP, LP2 and LP4 mode on a standard 74 or 80 minute minidisc for those who need to record discs that can be used in non Hi-MD units.
 
Recording Mode Recording capacity(1)
305MB Hi-MD formatted 80 minute MiniDisc 1GB Hi-MD Media

Linear PCM 1.4mbps

28m 1h 34m

ATRAC3plus 256kbps "Hi-SP"

2h 20m 7h 55m

ATRAC3plus 64kbps "Hi-LP"

10h 10m

34h

ATRAC3plus 48kbps

13h 30m 45h

ATRAC3 132kbps "LP2"

4h 50m 16h 30m

ATRAC3 105kbps

6h 10m 20h 50m

ATRAC3 66kbps "LP4"

9h 50m 32h 50m

ATRAC 292kbps "SP"

Not supported on Hi-MD media

(1)As stated in Sony literature