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A couple notes on the versatile
Minidisc:
1) Sony and JVC have recently announced new models
that support two additional long-play modes. The "LP2" format provides 160
minutes of stereo recording, and "LP4" provides 320 minutes of stereo recording
on a single Minidisc blank. Presumably, a monaural variation of these new
modes would give 320 and 640 minutes respectively... very useful for the
DXer!
Currently, 160 minutes mono, with a 80-minute
stereo MD blank is all that is possible with Minidisc. Nice, but it would be
super to have 10+ hours of unattended recording in a LP4 Mono mode. Please see the 7/18/00 news item at the Minidisc Community Page: http://www.minidisc.org/part_Whats_new.html
2) I recently sold one of my minidisc
recorders and replaced it with a Sharp MD-X5, a mini stereo setup that includes
CD player, MD recorder, AM/FM radio, and bookshelf speakers. More importantly,
this model has a built-in PS/2 port for attaching a PS/2 keyboard for easy entry
of disc and track titles! Lately, this particular model has been available as
new surplus on eBay, with high bids between $150-170. This is a very good price
for a keyboard-entry MD.
The Sharp models do not include the useful "running
date/time stamp" as found on many Sony MD units, but the time/date can be easily
input as part of the track title.
Details of the Sharp MD-X5 can be seen at: http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sharp_MD-X5.html
Guy Atkins
Bonney Lake, WA USA
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