Sharp MD Data Drive FAQ
(see question #9)
- 1 What is the positioning for MD Data?
- 2 Where are the applications for MD Data? MD Data is being positioned
as a floppy replacement for the personal computer. In addition, a
line-up of MiniDisc-based consumer products is in planning (PDA, Still
Camera, ViewCam, etc.). MiniDisc will offer a single media across many
application platforms.
- 3 During the transition period, will floppy disk coexist with
MiniDisc? Yes, both storage options will coexist. Because the
MiniDisc Data drive is being multiplexed over the existing floppy
cable, the same storage slot can accommodate either an FDD or an MDD.
The MDD i/f function will be handled on the motherboard of the host
via a cell within the Super I/O chip (for more information, please
visit the National Semiconductor booth).
- 4 What about CD-ROM? CD-ROM and MiniDisc Data are complimentary
storage technologies. CD-ROM is read only and an excellent tool for
software distribution. MDD is rewriteable and its very compact form
factor makes it an ideal portable storage solution for authoring
personal multimedia content.
- 5 What is the schedule for the first MD Data product? We will sample
the 17mm drive after Q1 '96 with mass production in Q3 '96.
- 6 What is the target price of the data drive? Target is $200 OEM.
- 7 What about other form factors? In 8/97 we are planning the release
of a 12.5mm drive with a target 4X capacity.
- 8 Who makes the 2.5 media today? There are multiple sources for the
media: Sony, Kurare, TDK, Hitachi, Maxcell, Idemitsu, and Zeus.
- 9 Is there any plan for speed increases? Capacity increases? A 2x
speed desktop drive will be introduced at the end of 1996. A capacity
jump to 650MB (4x) is planned for 1997.
- 10 What about multimedia capabilities? Today, the 140MB disk can
contain 365 still pictures plus 40 minutes of audio. However, the
motion picture standard has not been finalized.
- 11 What is the power consumption of the 17mm drive? 2W/5V
- 12 What are the physical dimensions? 101.6mm x 123mm x 17mm
- 13 What kind of interface (i/f) does it use? MDIC (Multidrive
Interface Controller) developed by National Semiconductor as an
enhancement to the floppy disk controller. NSC designed a cell within
the Super I/O to control the software implementa- tion of most of the
i/f functions of the drive. In this manner, the drive cost and
integration ease were significantly streamlined.
- 14 Who offers MiniDisc Data drives? Today, Sony and Sharp. But, many
AV manufacturers are jumping into the MD Audio market: JVC, Kenwood,
Columbia, Sanyo, Fujitsu-Ten, Pioneer, Ten, Matsushita, etc.
- 15 Is the 140MB compressed data? No, Minidisc data is uncompressed
data at writing. Using popular compression algorithms available on the
PC, 140MB can be compressed to 280MB+.
- 16 What are some of the specifications? Data transfer rate: 150KB/s
Access time: ~300ms Buffer memory: 512KB
- 17 Can the same data minidisk be used in Macintosh and AT/PC
environments? Yes. Specifications subject to change without notice.