Posted by Eric Woudenberg on 4/28/2002, 7:21 pm
Message modified by board administrator 4/28/2002, 9:05 pm

Dear Sony: Minidisc is a great format, but it really needs compressed audio upload to make it complete. Please do what's right for Minidisc and its users!

Posted by Simon Pontin on 4/30/2002, 7:38:27

Those of us in the media who use Mindiscs for reporting would find direct input a real timesaver.

Posted by Alex Balch on 4/30/2002, 8:42:01

I bought my minidisc because of its capacity to record digitally (and with netMD the added usb connectivity) and now have a stock of my band's music, practice sessions etc. on minidisc. An audio upload facility would be a great addition and make the netMD a powerful musician's tool.

Posted by Claude Jean on 4/30/2002, 9:03:53

Minidisc upload is possible without hurting the record industry

Posted by eric vanderbiest on 4/30/2002, 9:18:07

and make the format real life please mister sony

Posted by Claudio Konig on 4/30/2002, 9:24:12

The mp3/ATRAC covertion is far too slow, to say the least. Please work on a more flexible way of tranfer

Posted by Marc Cheng on 4/30/2002, 9:27:33

NetMD requires more flexibility to realise its full potential. Audio Upload is as important as Audio Download.

Posted by Patrick Turcotte on 4/30/2002, 10:09:03

I believe that minidisc is currently the medium of choice for recording live sound - I use it for business meetings and to store each and every one of our band rehearsals. Its flexibility and sound quality are unmatched, but probably not for long; on-the-fly mp3 recording is appearing and will offer an interesting alternative if minidisc doesn't stay on top of things feature-wise. I believe the digital transfer of material through NetMD from the device to the PC is a natural and essential step in that direction. I understand the pressure you are under from your music division, but this feature is certainly not what will encourage commercial music propagation. Let's face it, mp3, wma and (eventually) Ogg Vorbis are formats of choice for this problem, not ATRAC. Thanks for taking this under consideration, Patrick Turcotte ing.

Posted by Kelvin Hew on 4/30/2002, 10:24:30

Deareat Sony: To realise the Net MD's true potential, audio upload need to be added. It is as important as audio download and it will be a complete format. In fact, minidisc is the best format compared to CD and cassete because of its size, portability, and the ability to edit as far as I know. Another thing is please come up with a new software to replace Open MG Jukebox because its not a good software. Wanna know why? Log on to http://www.minidisc.org/sony_mzn1_review_riley.htmand also go to musiclub.sonystyle.com.community and see for yourself. People don't complain for nothing. What I can tell you is the Net MD Walkman is one hell of a MD recorder but the supplied software spoil everything. Besides, the other software which is Net MD simple Burner is a good software because it doesn't need to rip CD files to the hard drive and directly record to the Minidisc Walkman. However,music files can only be recorded in LP2 and LP4. Please add the support for SP and Mono. If you can make all these possible, then minidisc will be on one hell of a format. Thanks!!

Posted by Ashot Ovanessian on 4/30/2002, 10:30:15

I have been using minidisc gear for quite some time now, recording my band's rehearsals and concerts; and now making of a simple demo involves copying all that music to my computer in realtime. If you were to add an 'upload' feature to NetMD gear, it would be of great help to me, speeding up the copying process quite a bit while improving the end quality enormously.

Posted by Brian Davis on 4/30/2002, 10:35:56

I have a band that I'm in and we have been searching for a cheap and small way to record our own shows. Most systems that offer reasonable recording are either quite large or prohibitively expensive (especially when we have to purchase all our other gear...the recorder is a low priority purchase). Then we found MiniDisc. It offers a very inexpensive solution to a big problem. We're able to easily record our live shows with digital quality, and the setup is so tiny, it can be placed anywhere in the room. While we currently upload the audio from each show onto a PC so it can later be burned to a CD for our own personal use, that takes time: a 2 1/2 hour show takes 2 1/2 hours to record back to the PC (in an analog format, no less). Adding the simple capability of USB upload would make, in my opinion, the best music device ever. I frequently advise people to purchase MD players, rather than MP3 players, because of the versatility and flexability the format offers. I understand the copyright issues at hand - I try to stay up to date on everything that's been going on in that area; but it seems to me that you already have certain safegaurds in place that could limit the transfer of copyrighted material. Either way, consider this a vote of support for adding Upload capability to the new NetMD format. Keep up the good work! Brian Davis Denver, Colorado USA

Posted by Brian Wilson on 4/30/2002, 10:50:49

I both listen to and create music, and there is no format that handles my needs better than minidisc. I feel that the only limitation to this format are the ones Sony places on it. I know several radio journalists interested in the format. They all agree that the decision to adopt md, for themselves and their organizations, would be made easier by high speed uploading. That capability can only help cement the format among professionals and hobbyists.

Posted by Wiwi Sachli on 4/30/2002, 11:05:56

I'm usually record speechs to my MD Walkman on LP2 or LP4 mode, and it take so many time to backing up it to my computer and convert it to MP3 for my backup so I can use it in future. It really time consuming without upload feature of NetMD. For me there is no differences between NetMD or not for that use without upload feature.

Posted by Daniel Schwier on 4/30/2002, 11:07:25

i buy some of my music on prerecorded minidiscs and cant make pesonal compilations from those minidiscs at high quality, ive already brought an MZ-N1 and love it but i would definatly buy an netmd with upload ablilty

Posted by Alex Harden on 4/30/2002, 11:18:41

Occasionally I will use my MDS-JE510 to record "jam sessions" at my house where my friends and I play guitars and sing. I connect the JE510 to the output of an analog mixing console. I am a MiniDisc fan, but have so far refrained from purchasing a NetMD portable because of the problems I have read about from users, particularly with regards to the strict management imposed by the OpenMG software. Adding the audio upload feature that this proposal describes will go a long way to improve the feature set of the NetMD products for people like me, who use the analog recording capabilities of the products. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Posted by Dooxer on 4/30/2002, 11:19:33

Posted by Paul Riismandel on 4/30/2002, 11:19:53

As a volunteer radio producer for community radio, having a digital faster-than-real-time upload feature for netMD would greatly increase my productivity. I do nearly all my interview recording on MD, due to its high quality, durability and portability. The work I do is completely legal and, in fact, is fundamentally creating new works of intellectual property, not pirating. Please consider adding this capability to MD -- I might then be moved to buy a new recorder, and recommend the new netMD units to friends and colleagues.

Posted by Luc Wilson on 4/30/2002, 11:32:40

The main reason I purchased my MT-MD877 MD recorder was to record live music. Many bands today allow open "taping" by the audience, and hence is completely legal and legitimate. I do this for own personal listening enjoyment. I passed on NetMD because it did not offer what I was looking for. Because uploads were not possible, it did not fit my needs. I did not see benefit from being allowed to "only" transfer music from computer to MD and not the other way around (MD->PC). An upload feature is really the only thing missing from MD's otherwise great feature set. More specifically, a *digital* upload capability (as well as analog) would be ideal, maybe even at high speed (since analog transfer is currently possible, albeit in "realtime"), to maintain perfect sound quality of my own recorded material from MD to computer. It is often times possible to get digital soundboard "patches" (connections), or to use an external A/D converter. This creates an input signal that is digital before reaching the MD recorder. It would be important to allow material recorded digitally in this manner to also be "uploadable", rather than just limiting any potential uploading feature to analog recordings only. Digital recording will only become more and more popular. Hopefully Sony will see the needs of the legitimate customer, and include uploading capabilities in future MD portables. Thank you, Luc Wilson

Posted by Jan Yskout on 4/30/2002, 11:38:34

As university student, it would be really easy to have a fast audio upload function. Some lectures take up to three hours. It s convenient to record them and save them in a space saving format (eg. Mp3, wma) on my PC. That way I won't have to wait another three hrs for the upload and in the mp3/wma format it would be easy to send the college to fellow students who missed the lesson or didn't take very good notitions. Hope you can add it, Your Sincerely, Jan Yskout

Posted by Kevin on 4/30/2002, 11:44:54

My whole family are avid piano players, and recently my younger brother took up this hobby. Before, I had to use the old analogue technique in order to record my family's performances for keepsake reasons. I was hoping that NetMD would allow me to instead allow me to have the recordings on my computer, and later burned onto a CD. Alas, this was not the case. I beleive NetMD technology to be really successful- however, the lack of uploading has somewhat barred my respect for this new technology. I do not, I beleive, it is worth the asking price.

Posted by Jong Dae Kim on 4/30/2002, 11:45:41

for all reasons already mentioned, as well as an incentive to purchase a netmd recorder/plyer

Posted by riemer dekker on 4/30/2002, 11:56:12

although i understand that copywrite will be the issue in this proposel this will be the only thing missing to beat mp3 and other formats in the long term! make it free, cos if you don't MD will loose the battle with mp3...

Posted by Efraim Plotkin on 4/30/2002, 12:02:14

Dear Sony: I am a happy user of three Sony Minidisc products, but I really start to hate it when it comes to transferring my live recordings to PC. The process is cumbersome and slow. Adding this feature would make MD the ultimate format for professionals and amateurs alike. Please implement this feature!

Posted by j lyman on 4/30/2002, 12:13:23

I am a part time musician, I use my MD to record ideas for licks etc. I need to be able to upload those to my pc in order to eaily edit them.

Posted by Eric Rodriguez on 4/30/2002, 12:14:01

Dear Sony, Truly you have made one of the best portable audio devices currently available. You've mixed most all the good features of a cd with all the good features of an audio cassette. Near reference sound quality(CD), ease of live recording(Cass), the ability to skip by tracks(CD), easy editing(Cass), a host of other features. These things make for a genuinely great product, unique and versatile. Honestly, I've only known of minidisc technology for the last two or three years and first became involved by buying an MZ-R37. I enjoyed it much but found that it didn't supply a long battery life or a long recording length. Though these problems diminished the quality of the portable itself, many of us minidisc users continued to use the format due to the abilities it had that could only be equaled by a computer using a CD-RW. Yet, being portable put it miles ahead of the CD-RW. When MP3 Players showed up and sported decent sound quality, good battery life and long recording length, the minidisc seemed to fade because its weaknesses were highlighted by the MP3 player's strengths. At that point, you did not decide to quit making and marketing minidisc in the United States. Instead, you let the minidisc evolve. MDLP gave users great volumes more space per disc and you solved battery life problems. I would later go on to buy the MZ-R700. Moving from use of two batteries for a few short hours to one battery and longer hours seemed to be an answer to prayers. But even with as great as the minidisc had become at that point, it still had slow digital transfer. MP3 players still boasted that they could do in minutes what would take minidisc hours to do. And so, the minidisc was again falling sort of the glory of portable music. But you didn't hinder the minidisc from growing. Instead, you would create NetMD and once again encourage and capture the attention of the users who felt that the format was going away. I have an MZ-N707 on order to come in a few weeks and I'm thrilled because of its quick ability to move music from PC to minidisc(thank you for the program feature, another feature long missing in minidisc). And now, finally it seems, minidiscs and MP3 players are finally neck and neck. But, there isn't much more that can be done in this competition. And with other portable technologies coming out, it may not be long before minidisc falls apart. But future technologies don't appear to be sporting live recording, so minidisc may still have an edge. But analog sound is the enemy of minidisc users. We seek supurb sound quality, and analog transfer of our personal recordings is to say the least, a thing of disgust. We long to be able to have pure control and quality of our recordings whether they be business meetings or band performances. That is why we ask you to give us the ablility to upload digitally what we record through the mic and line-in ports on our portable minidisc recorders. That is the sound of music to our ears. To be able to use what we've created and make our own music and to have the ability to access it, mold it into something better. Great sound quality. But the end of minidisc is coming if it cannot evolve. It needs to reach the next level of music. That level could be acheived by giving users the ability to access their recordings on computer through upload. It won't answer all minidisc's problems but it will certainly help us realize why we love minidisc so much. The only other hope you might have is to give minidiscs the ability to hold the CD length amount of CD quality audio, basically making the minidisc a mini CD of sorts. 74 to 80 minutes of standard cd quality audio would be an incredible thing in a minidisc. And in that case, you could hold an incredible amount of sound in ATRAC. Much more than even MDLP gives. But this doesn't appear likely. Also remember, DVD is preparing to take audio by storm and up-ing the ante by bring sound quality to 96,000 Hz as opposed to CD's 44,000 Hz, which minidisc's and other portables' sound is based off of. Keep sound alive in the minidisc. Allow the minidisc to keep evolving. Give us the ability to upload what is rightfully ours, what we've created. Give us users of minidisc another reason to smile and praise minidisc. Believe me, I tell all my friends about minidisc and have even offered to buy them a portable. Give me another reason to. A concerned lover of sound, Eric Rodriguez

Posted by Mike C on 4/30/2002, 12:22:28 , in reply to "Lectures on computer"

I am also a student here in the United States and use my Sony MZR700 and MZR55 to record lectures. I completely agree with Jan's points above and would hope that new features can be added. Also, please consider unit feature reimplmentation of a clock and possibly an on/off timer that would allow time stamping and recorder operations respectfully. Why my model 55 has the clock and the 700 does not , escapes me. More advertisment and better distribution would certainly boost sales. Honestly, most people who see the unit I own, don't know what it is. Thank you Sony, I love this product.

Posted by Paul Wells on 4/30/2002, 12:23:02

I am a huge minidisk user and this would make my work alot easier.

Posted by Mat Chavez on 4/30/2002, 12:31:13

Recording my band is exactly what I want to do. I teach High School music, and I purchased a NetMD because the advertising led me to believe the unit was capable of uploading. All I ask is that if I press the record button on the unit, you respect that I created it, and am not violating any copyright rules. It's not your place to assume I'm at fault. If you are willing to ADVERTISE on AUDIOGALAXY (the reason I found your product), you are HYPOCRITICAL if you think you can POLICE downloads. Audiogalaxy has more music piracy than you can shake a stick at, but we can use NetMD 3 times? You know as well as anyone that the music is stolen before you get to "police" it. My advice - don't play cop. It's not your place because you can't determine what is and isn't legal with your current system. It's not fair to those of us playing by the rules. -Mat

Posted by Dmitri on 4/30/2002, 12:37:52

Dear Sir Please add the above mentioned feature in your software.

Posted by Rod Verette on 4/30/2002, 12:44:04

Other competing methods of live digital recording are beginning to erode Sony's market share. Companys like Archos Technology and Creative Labs are among those that provide a small package live recording device. Both of those companies permit high speed uploading to the computer. Sony would do well to ensure customer satisfaction by including high speed uploading as well. This is not about piracy: indeed, it's about market survival.

Posted by Brian Youn on 4/30/2002, 12:44:47

There are so many new audio recording devices coming out on the market that allow direct uploading to the hard drive. I personally would love to see MD add this feature so that this great format can continue to live on.

Posted by Don Poulsen on 4/30/2002, 12:46:28

You make devices not music. Let me make music and do what I want with it. Listen to all these people not your wallet! MD will fizzle out like 8 tracks did if you dont.

Posted by Mike Sloan on 4/30/2002, 13:01:15

Sony- It is not only musicians and reporters and such that would love to see the ability to upload recorded audio. I'm an avid Minidisc user and would love to see the audio upload feature added so that I can digitally manipulate my recordings. It would definately be a great asset to the MD format and give Sony an edge over competing formats! Please consider this proposal carefully. -- Mike Sloan

Posted by Phil Genera on 4/30/2002, 13:08:56

Using minidisc to do my field recording for gathering theatrical effects would be wonderful. To be able to easily pull effects of disc into an editing console would save me time and enhance quality, as well as making MD a viable option for theatre use.

Posted by Don Chaps on 4/30/2002, 13:34:17

I purchased a Minidisc for live recording. Doesn't it seem logical to expect a path to edit and reproduce my recordings without losing quality? This is like selling a car with no drive train. You can sit in nice leather seats, hear the powerful growl of the engine, roll the windows up and down, but can't go anywhere. I would like Sony to complete the design loop.

Posted by Marcus Curle on 4/30/2002, 13:46:56 , in reply to "Uploading: A great asset"

For years MD technology has been a great asset for bands that need an affordable digital medium to record to. The drawback? Loss in audio quality that occurs when the recorded music is uploaded to a computer through analogue means. With digital high-speed downloading now readily possible on Sony's new portables, it's confusing why Sony wouldn't provide the ability to upload live recordings digitally. Adding this feature would not only be great for musicians, but would also be the needed element to take MD technology to its rightful place in music media culture throughout North America.

Posted by Adim on 4/30/2002, 14:03:47

This is a very important feature. I assumed, as well as others, that this feature was already installed on my MZ-N707 NetMD model. I love Sony.

Posted by eric oswald on 4/30/2002, 14:10:50

add audio upload

Posted by Jean-Laurent on 4/30/2002, 14:42:41

This is a very important feature to keep MD on top of audio recorder.

Posted by Steve Jess on 4/30/2002, 14:43:01

Adopting the MiniDisc for our field recording needs in 1997 revolutionized the process of producing news for our public radio station. We are now looking for the next generation of field recording units, and find that MiniDisc could very easily lose out to solid-state mp3-based recorders because with a solid state recorder we can transfer an entire interview to hard disc in seconds. I would much rather see that capability added to MiniDisc units, providing the best of both worlds - the affordability of MD with the quick access of a solid state recorder. Steve Jess Boise State Radio

Posted by David Clubb on 4/30/2002, 15:03:29

I fully support minidisc.org in saying that audio upload is something that a minidisc player needs.

Posted by B. Canon Chapman on 4/30/2002, 15:05:40

I believe that MiniDisc's full potential can be reached while still maintaining the Artists' copyrights. The problem lays in the internet not the Hardware. Why then should users who are not breaking any laws be punished?

Posted by Andy Lane on 4/30/2002, 15:06:33

The NetMD upload proposal enables only those people who wish upload their own, analoguely recorded material to do so - it has no real copyright implications. It would also turn the MD format into a powerful digital dictaphone. Thanks.

Posted by Jean-Francois VINCENT on 4/30/2002, 15:07:52

As a long time MD-user, I have needed several times to edit the content of my Minidiscs on a computer, because the hifi system I was using couldn't offer all the functions I was looking for (advanced fade-in/out, level equalisation, special effects, noise reduction and so on). Unfortunately, transfering the audio content to my computer was -still is!- a painful operation, which much be done through analog cables. The NetMD protocol could be the opportunity for you to add fast and convenient PC to MD transfert which would please the heavy users we are. Of course we all know that there are some legal issues behind that problem, but one cannot frustate its customers just because a minority of them is enforcing the laws. I do not want to make illegal copies with such a function, but just want to edit my private recordings! Thank you in advance for listening to our complaints... and giving us a solution. Jean-Francois

Posted by Paul Davies on 4/30/2002, 15:12:01

I fully agree with the minidisc.org request for a NetMd upload feature.

Posted by Todd Langevin on 4/30/2002, 15:18:07

as of now I have to burn a CD on my Philips Audio CD burner via optical cable and then put the newly created CDR in my pc to rip the wav files from it for comversion to another format or archival purposes. I cant understand why I cant skip the middle man and go straight from MD to PC. Please add this feature, I really love using minidiscs for live recording but this issue makes me want to find a more pliable media.

Posted by Robert K Jung on 4/30/2002, 15:18:07

One of the major uses I make with Sony MD recorders is recording live speeches and church presentations. And often, friends desire a copy of what they just heard live. It would save me a LOT of time if I did not have to wait for a real-time recording that sometimes does not come out perfectly because of system load or active background program. I would certainly update my collection of MD recorders to include ones that have upload capability. Currently, NETMD downloading is not a big advantage to me because ordinary real-time recording from PC to MD is very reliable. Recording MD to PC is the unreliable function. There is a small marketing window for such a feature. If some other vendor comes up with a reliable digital recording function that uploads easily to a PC, that could cut into the MD market. I would consider purchasing that function even if it weren't an MD recorder. Sincerely, Robert Jung

Posted by gennaro Puorto on 4/30/2002, 15:21:24

I am agree

Posted by gennaro Puorto on 4/30/2002, 15:23:21 , in reply to "Free me from my Phillips Audio CD Burner"

Of course, I am agree

Posted by Ian Burrows on 4/30/2002, 15:37:18

We actively use minidisc MZR900 recorders in our call centre to record calls so we can assess these. While MDLP is excellent at storing phone quality calls in abundance, NETMD would allow us to upload calls to a PC and share with the company via e-mail. While we can burn to CD with the right equipment, it is costly and a PAIN IN THE ARSE. So SONY listen to both consumer and BUSINESS and provide this facility to allow a truly open medium to fulfil its full potential.

Posted by John Kenneth Grytten on 4/30/2002, 15:48:28

IMHO it is meaningless to not allow USB transfer... At least it should be possible for mono-aural recordings (for interviews etc).

Posted by Chris Zirker on 4/30/2002, 15:58:30

I play alto saxophone in a jazz band, and many of my friends and relatives frequently request recordings of my band. Having NetMD audio upload would make e-mailing my own recordings much easier and faster. Also, I have made attempts at recording myself playing and mixing different parts I've written together, and it is much easier to do on the computer, but it is very difficult and cumbersome to upload all these tracks through analog cables. NetMD audio upload would be a useful tool for me and and other musicians like me who can't afford expensive recording equipment. Please add audio upload. Thanks!

Posted by Wesley d'Haene on 4/30/2002, 15:58:38

-

Posted by Mikail on 4/30/2002, 16:00:31

I play the trumpet, and it would be much easier for me to upload my recordings, thanks

Posted by Matt Sanders on 4/30/2002, 16:22:29

I use my Sony Minidisc recorder to record rehearsals and live performances for my two bands. It is extremely helpful, but it would be so much easier to be able to quickly upload the recordings to my PC for editing purposes. PLEASE add this functionality to your Minidisc line-up. It would be such a great thing; I'd go out and buy a new recorder immediately!

Posted by Joe on 4/30/2002, 16:24:03

some mp3 based hardware players allow upload to PC. Minidisc is my format of choice as the media is cheap but most importantly very reliable. It would be great if you were to add the upload feature to continue minidiscs competitive edge thank you

Posted by Morgan Rivalin on 4/30/2002, 16:28:35

Please add the hi speed audio uploading to your NetMD system. It will make the system perfect! Thanks for considering my point of view, as MD for 5 years now.

Posted by Rick Lewis on 4/30/2002, 16:31:49

Like minidisc -- would love it if I could upload my daily disctation to my computer, so my "voice recognition" software could transcribe it -- why not?

Posted by Stuart Howlette on 4/30/2002, 16:35:10

if the audio upload was allowed, it would spur many, including myself into buying into the product. Even limitations to what you can do with it would suit me, as long as i could do it.

Posted by K Li on 4/30/2002, 16:49:55

I have been a devoted sony consumer as long as i can remember. Sony devices were the first products I purchased when my family immigrated to America. Recently, though, Sony products seem to have fallen behind the technology curve. The entire clie line is devoid of any feasible wireless access, sony's own mp3 player is trapped by its own software. It brings me to my next point. Sony nearly missed the enormous potential of the minidisc format until someone created a digital to USB cable that revived the format. It seems that the company recognized this sort of rebirth and have been updating and marketing the next generation of minidisc technology. If sony is determined to remain a player in the future of digital music, there are only two options -- litigate against consumers' right to make copies or innovate. By adding an upload feature, in whatever form (other than analog), it would help stimulate the platform, aiding in consumer adoption. Please add this function. I would rather not purchase a device made by another manufacturer as I am a devoted sony consumer.

Posted by Christian Becker on 4/30/2002, 16:51:08

Please add this feature. It would be wonderful to have an easy way of copying my own recordings to PC to make it available for other people. Tnx, CB

Posted by Andy Adams on 4/30/2002, 16:51:50

Having been a minidisc fanatic for 7 years (and having sold it to many of my friends), I can not wait to receive my first NetMD recorder. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to upload songs to the computer, and I hope that you will reconsider this functionality. One of the great things that minidiscs are used for is recording voice material by microphone. When one of my colleagues left last year, I brought my portable minidisc in and had everybody record their impressions. Blending that in with music from the time he was here was going to make it the perfect going-away gift. Trying to the get what we recorded to the PC so I could put it on a CD was a nightmare. He was a big mp3 player fan and we went back and forth about which was better, and he won in this instance. Hopefully, this will be rectified as soon as possible.

Posted by Neiertz Tom on 4/30/2002, 17:20:34

Please add an Audio Upload Feature Thank you

Posted by James Crawford on 4/30/2002, 17:41:40

Please add the above-mentioned functionality; it would make MiniDisc product the most desireable and best-selling digital audio format on the market.

Posted by Nicholas on 4/30/2002, 17:58:38

Definitly include this feature as it would make putting live recordings on the PC for mixing, etc... As MD needs to survive and this would make MD a 'complete' digital system and make it more popular. Also, for downloading please make it possible for standard ATRAC files to be downloaded faster than realtime. As I find having the limit of LP2 a bit dissapointing to say the least!

Posted by Olaf Boedecker on 4/30/2002, 18:07:18

I think it would be in your best interest to add an audio upload function to Net MD. I suspect that MD is really in danger of becoming obsolete otherwise, which would be really sad, since it is the most fascinating format around. Please go and create a unit that is capable of uploading!

Posted by Ofer Fuchs on 4/30/2002, 18:14:08

Minidisc is a great format, but it really needs compressed audio upload to make it complete. Please do what's right for Minidisc and its users!

Posted by Kingsley Smith on 4/30/2002, 18:34:31

My customers want upload via USB to a PC, not for piracy, but for their own live recordings. Surely if they were wanted to copy they would just do so from CD. Add the feature to the software if possible, if not the next gen of hardware

Posted by Michael Worrell on 4/30/2002, 18:52:51

Net MD is a great idea that has been a long time coming, but a two way street between the device and a PC is what it's going to take to get me to bite, and I'm a big fan of the format.

Posted by Peter Cowan on 4/30/2002, 18:56:18

As someone that uses my minidisc player for recording interviews for radio, I urge you to PLEASE give the netMD software the ability to upload audio data to the computer.

Posted by Tony Wall on 4/30/2002, 19:01:45

I currenly am forced to "upload" or record my MD recordings (live seminars) via coaxial digital from my Sony JB940 Deck. Quality is perfect, but the problem is speed. 5 hours takes 5 hours. I am running out of time. (Aren't we all?) Please consider adding this feature to your MiniDisc line in some way. I will be among the first to buy your new product.

Posted by Ronald Shikiya on 4/30/2002, 19:03:12

...its true potential is achieved. Real competicion with the CD-RW format it is just in the corner. Audio upload and download to a computer will definitely do it.

Posted by Matt Burt on 4/30/2002, 19:05:20

I record (legal) live stuff. NetMD sounded promising, but it does nothing for my application. If I could upload I might consider getting a new MD recorder.

Posted by James Watts on 4/30/2002, 19:09:42

I think NetMD and MiniDisc format is awesome and really serves a niche here in the US. But have you asked yourselves why it hasn't really caught on here? It's because we aren't able to do live recordings and UPLOAD in "file" format or NetMD format. This would really make a huge difference here I believe. It's just to cumbersome to do a live recording, then have to take the time to do an analog UPLOAD in realtime. You have the technology and please give it to us. Cordially, Jim Watts

Posted by Josema Alonso on 4/30/2002, 19:19:11

Dear Sirs, I've tried to use my brand new MZ-N1 as a replacement for my TCD-D8 portable DAT recorder. Unfortunately I cannot. I make legal live recordings with my DAT and then upload them for editing to my PC using the digital out of my D8. Since my MZ-N1 doesn't have a digital out I can't. A much better solution would be to let us go from our NetMD->PC using your software. Please, let us do it. If only for analog recordings would be enough for me. Then I should be able to transform to WAV or other uncompressed format and edit them to make samples or copies for my friends. Hope you finally listen to us. We deserve it. Best Regards.

Posted by J on 4/30/2002, 19:19:52

TONS MORE MONEY

Posted by Cesar Castano on 4/30/2002, 19:27:02

The format should be modified to have a way (may be in the TOC) to establish the source of the music files ( analog input, digital input, PC Downloaded, and Protected for those files you don't want to allow copy )

Posted by Neil Deadman on 4/30/2002, 19:30:32

I think that as todays technology advances MiniDisc will be left behind if this feature is not implemented and fast!!! Make MiniDisc win the battle with MP3 players by making an exsisting portable format equal to its rivals. You could even add a Memory Stick slot in the deck to give a wider audience and allow future compatibility!!! PLEASE ADD THIS FEATURE AND FAST!!!

Posted by Matt Hendrickson on 4/30/2002, 19:34:47

Hello, Audio upload to a computer would work great for me! I record live music regularly (mostly from my church) and then try to archive it to my PC. This process is lengthy and archaic and results in a whole lot of distortion. Digital uploading would a) make my archiving process much easier; b) allow me to reduce my inventory of loose md's ;c) allow me to maintain recording quality in my archives; and d) (most importantly to Sony) encourage me to buy a new MD recorder! I've been awaiting this function for about 3 1/2 years now, and have been holding off purchase of a new recorder until this feature is added. I use my current recorder/player 10-15 hours a week and the wear is starting to show. I really want a new one, but I think I'll probably hold off untill digital audio upload is available. Thanks for listening! Matt Hendrickson

Posted by Sanny Marr on 4/30/2002, 20:23:35

allowing audio upload will benefit all minidisc users for sure!!!

Posted by Max Forkel on 4/30/2002, 20:25:35

As others have already expressed the portable MD recorder is an excellent and easy recording medium except for its its lack of digital and fast uploading capabilities... for people who record live (legally recorded) music this added feature would make us much happier... our only options now are to record digitally , upload by analog at real time, subjecting the signal to several AD to DA to AD passes before having a digital signal to master in the computer... sometimes working , most times degrading our hopefully good master. The NET MD could replace DAT tapes completely if it used its USB capabilities to its fullest. Please listen to the legal tapers and users of your equipment and develop the MD Net to its full capabilities.

Posted by Yosef Blanche on 4/30/2002, 21:11:05

I have owned the MZ-N1 for about a month now and the only thing it lacks is the upload capability. Being a student, I love you minidisc to record lectures or to make my own study notes however, I am limited by not being able to upload and edit the discs. It would be greatly appreciated if this ability to upload recordings were permitted. As a committed minidisc user, I beg you to implement this feature in the next generation of players. Thank you.

Posted by ihyei on 4/30/2002, 21:17:10

Please help minidisc maintain an edge. We have to try to make these new minidisc recorders better than anything out there. This will help keep the minidisc format alive! thanks

Posted by Roger Tseng on 4/30/2002, 21:26:32

Sony, Please allow audio upload! the potential of NetMD has yet to be reached with the current restrictions! please. it would be a huge benefit to the international MD community.! Roger Tseng

Posted by James Baummer on 4/30/2002, 21:39:05

Sony, you should change OpenMG to allow uploading. Yes, it will help people to steal music but it is vital for people recording concerts etc to be allowed to upload faster then real-time.

Posted by Howard Bernier on 4/30/2002, 21:50:40

Please add Macintosh support ! You've got a winning product. Let's make it the BEST !!

Posted by Kyle Paul on 4/30/2002, 22:14:29

Everyone has already said what needs to be said. Please seriously consider adding this option. I don't want to see MP3 players take over the market here in the US. Thank you.

Posted by Christopher Plescia on 4/30/2002, 22:17:10

Not everyone is interested in pirating music. I am a medical student and I was hoping to be able to archive old lectures on my hard drive using the minidisc format. The lack of uploading functionality has been a real dissapointment with this unit.

Posted by John Livdahl on 4/30/2002, 23:04:41

Since Net MD marks all PC downloaded tracks just don't allow a PC downloaded track to be uploaded and the Net MD upload feature doesn't expose any new piracy issues. If some one can record a cd on a md then upload it they could also RIP the CD directly on the PC with out the MD compression loss. Please add upload for non-pc music soon... John

Posted by Brian Asaro on 4/30/2002, 23:11:46

I bought my MD because I thought it could upload...now I realize it doesn't do that. I waited over a month while it was on backorder because it was so new it hadn't hit the shelves yet, then I find it doesn't upload. I want to return it because it is otherwise useless to me. I bought it solely for recording live music that I could transfer onto my PC in MP3 format. I just got it the other day, it's brand new and I haven't even used it yet. After I read the manual and realized there was no facility to upload, I decided I'd return it. There's no way I'm paying $230 for something that won't do what I wanted it for. But I just remembered about this site and I was surprised to see this topic right on the front page, so it obviously a hot topic. And now I realize there are so many like me that need this feature to make the MD useful. I also realize that for this upload feature to happen, it would most likely be an all software solution, meaning that I could keep my hardware and wait for an update to the NetMD software. But I have roughly 25 days left to return my item free of charge and I will do so unless I know for sure that Sony will make this upload feature happen. Please SONY, let people like me know you will include this feature so I am not forced to return it. I have 25 days left.

Posted by Warren Bowman on 4/30/2002, 23:25:01

I don't see why audio upload isnt aleady an enabled feature. I have bought eight MD decks or portables over the years, each time to take advantage of new features. Without audio upload, I may just skip buying any NetMD gear, and keep using what I have.

Posted by Kyall Glennie on 4/30/2002, 23:34:20

I own a Sony MZR-700, and I love the machine. I would purchase a NetMD if only if offered upload capabilities. Currently I do not record a lot of analog, but I plan on doing so if I had the capacity to upload it quickly and without sacrificing quality. It is very important for me to have this feature before I purchase another Minidisc unit. Please take serious this petition; your customers are die-hard fans who only seek the best out of their equipment!

Posted by Robert Matrai on 4/30/2002, 23:34:56

I'd like to upload my old (3-4 years old) music to my PC so i can recorded to my new NetMD in LP2 or LP4 mode.

Posted by Billy Tan on 5/1/2002, 1:37:38

i used to do a show for school, and always had to do my recording in school. an uploading fucntion would give me the flexibility to work from home with my MD. i would buy straightaway if u added an uploading function.

Posted by Max Gross on 5/1/2002, 1:49:21

To who it may concern (any and all representatives of Sony) I would like to first like to express my absolute love for your Japanese domestic products that in more ways then I could possibly describe make my life wonderful and more convenient. However, with the possibly of adding an upload feature to minidisc I can without question say that you have the chance to outdo yourselves. I make live recordings of nature sounds to my minidisc and then edit them for use as samples in my dj mixes for songs (it’s a personal hobby), and to have an upload feature would save me a great deal of time and sound quality. If you do come out with a minidisc unit with this feature I will be sure to purchase it, as I am already quite happy with my MZ- R00, and MZ-N1. And I think that to add another would not be out of the question. Thank you

Posted by Iain Frew on 5/1/2002, 1:57:23

Please provide data transfer from NETMD to PC for live recordings editing/remastering. Mini CD portable recorders are scarce at the moment but more will follow. Mini DVD portable recorders are just around the corner with huge capacity potential. Both formats will soon be manufactured similar in size to minidisc, with power consumption to match and will be a huge threat. I expect we are still approx. 2 years away from 2nd generation recorders so there is nice market window opportunity for NETMD. Since you have the technical capability at your fingertips now, please take the next step with NETMD and provide what your customers are asking for..if not..it may be too late.

Posted by Benjamin Ho on 5/1/2002, 1:58:57

i currently do lots of self-recording for archival purposes. this includes live performances. i'm pretty sure the reason we have this petition is because of the fact that we felt that this would be such a great attribute of the NetMD format. we really hope you consider this feature. thank you.

Posted by James Nakashima on 5/1/2002, 2:02:20

This is the only feature missing from making NetMD a perfect product, in my eyes.

Posted by Derek Ju on 5/1/2002, 2:09:07

I think adding an upload feature would be an excellent addition to the NetMD technology as it would not pose a threat to any piracy.

Posted by Kalin Fetvadjiev on 5/1/2002, 2:42:34

I have a recent example on this one: a band asked me to record one of their lives. I did it, it sound great, but now they want the recording available on tape and cd. Audio upload would make this task a trivial one, whereas now I have to take my time and spend >1h, and still I am not sure of the results.

Posted by Edward Lee on 5/1/2002, 3:01:21

NETMD was big step in the right direction, now it is time to take another step.

Posted by BISCHOFF Sébastien on 5/1/2002, 3:05:21

MD as always sound to me to be a very innovative format in digital world. When i've buyed my first MD deck, i've hoped that it will become soon the next generation floppy disk, but it wasn't... Now that MP3 and other new audio format are widespreaded, users are waiting for a more flexible way to exchange files between their MD's and PC. Why not considering to include the ability to download files as is on md without converting it in atrac (and then allowing netmd to be a next generation file carrying medium with great advantage over other coming media like dataplay!) and even the ability to playback material recorded in another audio codecs. For all this reason an upload ability is really needed, but it must not be the last step in the md innovation! Turn MD in a data medium, increase the data density on discs and you will barely win the fight against ICs, HD, CD, dataplay MP3 players.

Posted by Martijn Morrien on 5/1/2002, 3:23:38

Please add the upload function, I make a lot of mixes myself and now I'm stuck to my digital audio card in my pc to record my mixes to my hard disk before I can create a CD of one of my new mixes. Please add the upload functionality! Martijn

Posted by Yarin Nahmani on 5/1/2002, 3:38:14

I have been a MD user since the days of the MZ-R3! going through a bunch of Sony units (and one panasonic unit, which cleared out to be a big mistake). I love this format and its flexibility combined with more than decent digital sound quality. It was great watching it evolve, and i think that the two most important improvements to this format/to the players, was the invention of MDLP, and NetMD, BUT! the NetMD feature isn't complete without an uploading function! the lack of uploading function makes it criple, and i know of several ppl that didn't buy a NetMD player/recorder cos' of that reason. upload feature would be gr8 for me since i'm a DJ, and i record my sets via portable MD unit (R900), i wanna upgrade to a NetMD, but the lack of uploading is holding me back. with the upload capability i would be able to transfer my mixes to the PC digitaly!

Posted by rosen marinov on 5/1/2002, 3:42:44

don't hinder creativity when you base your advertizing campaign on it!

Posted by John on 5/1/2002, 3:46:19

So many good and creative things could be done with an upload feature that wouldn't involve piracy or otherwise compromising artists' rights or livelihood. I've seen minidisc "awareness" grow greatly in the US over the last couple of years; this is Sony's opportunity to pounce on the buzz! Thank you.

Posted by john m on 5/1/2002, 4:21:08

with more portable audio devices coming on the market all the time, ie (ipod, dataplay etc) and every time a new one appears it has more features. It seems only logical that a products new incarnation should take advantage of these newer functions to provide for the customer better ease of use otherwise people will look else where for a product that does. Minidisc has already survived several format wars (..philips dcc) it is a very good format but electrical devices can always be improved...

Posted by Ted Rees on 5/1/2002, 4:23:34

As a semi-pro musician, I regularly record rehearsal and acoustic sessions (sometimes with my daughter singing). I need to be able to convert these recording to data format so I can send to my relatives and friends. NetMD upload would give me a good reason to upgrade and would keep me believing in the format. GO for it!

Posted by Jani Mäntylä-Blå on 5/1/2002, 4:34:19

Having the upload feature for the NetMD according to the standards of SCMS, is very important addition. As we're using MD to record on the road and then allowing us to create CD's from those recording and edit them further on the PC would allow greater usability of MD. This would also allow transfer of the music from disc to disc for normal use. Taking the flexibility of the MD to a new level. In the times of the digital age it's foolish creating artificial barriers on the use of consumer products, thus allowing other competing formats taking over the position that MD has gained.

Posted by Clement Cheng on 5/1/2002, 4:38:24

Very often I record to MD and need to edit it afterwards, without a PC. As such, I cannot use the NetMD feature of my N1 to record; I have to do it the "old-fashioned" way with the optical output on my sound card to avoid the data becoming write protected! Add this, along with audio upload, and you've got a winner!

Posted by Martin Roberts on 5/1/2002, 6:01:01

This functionality would be great for ploding lecture to pc for achivle on hard drive or cdr.q

Posted by Andrea Durham on 5/1/2002, 6:46:58

Dear Sony, Audio upload would be a really big addition to an already great format. It would allow me to put interviews, my friends music and just plain fun onto my computer and use it to create... Yours sincerely, Andrea

Posted by David James on 5/1/2002, 7:03:03

This would be great for me as I would be able to back up my extensive minidisc collection in a much shorter period than would otherwise be possible.

Posted by Rash on 5/1/2002, 7:10:51

Dear Sony! I just love MD because it is so cool. I just hate MP3 because of it poor quality compared to MD, high media price, etc. The only think MD lacks is audio upload. I agree that upload function will make MD better portable audio format available. Please don't let all those MP3-devices "eat" your part of an audio market!

Posted by Dan Morelle on 5/1/2002, 8:16:49

Make MD even better...

Posted by David Fincher on 5/1/2002, 8:18:34

I am now on my fourth md device and three out of four of them have been Sony. I have always been pleased with the quality of your audio devices and I use them regularly for a variety of functions at home and at church. One interesting thing I have done is record my kids singing songs (they are 6, 3, and 1 year old). It sure would be nice to have an easy way to move those songs to my computer so that I could burn a CD and send it to the grandmas to listen to. I could do it now through analog, but it would take forever to set it up and it wouldn't sound good (recording into a regular laptop sound card is a fuzzy proposition at best). I can see no reason why my own recording of my own material couldn't be saved to a computer for archiving or duplication. One day, someone else will figure out how to add this, be it another company, or a hack. Wouldn't you prefer to do it yourself so that you could receive the credit and control exactly how the upload function is implemented? Thank you so much for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, David Fincher

Posted by Rob Ahad on 5/1/2002, 8:19:31

I did not buy a USB equipped MD because I don't need the download to MD function. I would have bought the unit if it had an upload to computer function. (I like to record ambient sounds and work with them in the studio. An MD is perfect, small, quiet, and good quality. Too bad you are too worried about copyright to make a product which would fit my needs.) Rob Ahad

Posted by HS on 5/1/2002, 9:10:46

THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, YOURSELF (SONY) WANTS THE MINDISC TO BE THE ULTIMATE FORMAT FOR HOME AND PORTABLE MUSIC FOR NOW AND GENERATIONS TO COME, AND TO BE HONEST IT CAN BE. BASIC MISTAKES OR TECHNICAL INTENTIONS OF LEAVING OUT FEATURES, NAMELY THE OPTION TO UPLOAD MUSIC (AND OTHER MINOR FLAWS), DOES NOT GUARNTEE OR HELP MD TO ESTALISH ITSELF ON A GLOBAL SCALE THE WAY IT SHOULD. MP3 PLAYERS ARE KNOCKING IN FEATURES THAT TIP THE BALANCE IN THEIR FAVOUR. YOU CAN CHANGE THAT. THINK ABOUT IT. I DREAM OF SONY (IN ANSWER TO THE SLOGAN QUESTION), BUT IT SEEMS THAT YOUR DREAMS ARE MAKING MINE AND OTHERS DREAMS VERY LIMITED.

Posted by Rob Woiccak on 5/1/2002, 9:22:33

I love my MZ-R50 dearly, but without direct digital upload, I'm never going to buy another minidisc player. Give us what we need!

Posted by Camile Gauthier on 5/1/2002, 9:40:01

I'm currently using my Mini-Disc recorder to capture my prof's lectures and then via analog connection enoding it into MP3 to post on my site afterward.... on an MZ-N1!!!!!!.... The word analog shouldn't even be uttered when speaking about this unit. Help me out here.

Posted by Benny Chan on 5/1/2002, 10:24:09

Please, Sony, allow the uploading and transfer of your files. If you want to take over the well established MP3, you will need to do the proposed additions. You were the underdog in the video game console war and now you are on top. You can do this again with the atrac vs mp3 formats. I believe that the MD is superior to the mp3 players by a large majority. You made a huge step forward with NetMD. Now you need to take the next step and go beyond MP3.

Posted by Erik on 5/1/2002, 11:10:59

I hardly use MD anymore because of all the hassle to copy the MD to PC.

Posted by James on 5/1/2002, 11:15:27

MD is a great format, and NetMD just adds to that, but it does lack a certain 'something'. It would be great to see audio upload sometime in the near future. Keep up the good work! James

Posted by Naveed on 5/1/2002, 11:47:13

this funtion can single-handingly ruin MP3 players and give MD the top seat!

Posted by Mike Davis on 5/1/2002, 11:55:36

Live and independent artisits are desperately in need of a quick and loss free system for distributing their music through the web. Sony could tap a previuosly untapped market by adding musicians to their already lengthy roster of Minidisc users.

Posted by Mawuena Dotse on 5/1/2002, 12:05:30

By being able to upload NetMD format we can finally contend with expensive MP3 devices and Netmd WILL be the norm. it would also be easier to transfer old md formats to the new netmd format, which I want to do. I have lots of music in normal atrac format and want to put them in atrac3 format so I can fit more on them. Please think about it. the money is waiting to be spent on buying the equipment, and you know it is

Posted by Tian Chen on 5/1/2002, 12:45:26

.

Posted by didier on 5/1/2002, 12:45:49

I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD I WANT TO UPLOAD MY MUSIC FROM MD, BACK AND FORTH LIKE A WILD MAN! put it in there now!

Posted by Jamal Zaghal on 5/1/2002, 12:47:21 , in reply to "think about it!"

Yes, by all means please make this happen. I know it is simple for you "SONY". Thanks in advance.

Posted by Scott Simpson on 5/1/2002, 12:48:35

I've been a broadcast journalist for 8+ years, and I love my Minidisc equipment. It's great for field recording, but I feel like a sap when I have to go from digital-analog-digital again when I want to edit the material in our computer system. I also like to archive my reports on MD, with the ultimate goal of transferring them to PC and burn to CD. But that's not going to happen until I can find a straightforward way to transfer my MD tracks to the PC. I'm certain I would buy a MD machine with upload functionality, from Sony, Sharp or whichever company wants my money.

Posted by Bradley Watson on 5/1/2002, 13:05:59

The audio upload fucntionality would aid me greatly as a producer. --Bradley T. Watson

Posted by antonio reyes on 5/1/2002, 13:19:04

It would be a great improvemente over NetMd. and i think that NetMD UPLOAD can make a wider market than today is. think about.

Posted by Brais Gonzalez on 5/1/2002, 13:24:32

Utilizo el minidisc para grabar mis ensayos de piano y los de mi grupo de camara, y me gustaría poder subir al PC las grabaciones para poder grabar en CD mi propia musica y dejarsela a mis compañeros que no tienen Minidisc (ellos se lo pierden!!)

Posted by stephen on 5/1/2002, 13:26:50

lets make MD the king of the internet

Posted by David Pitkin on 5/1/2002, 13:37:13

audio upload makes things better

Posted by Jonathan Parker on 5/1/2002, 13:41:10

I'm a musician, and I use my Sony MZ-R900 Minidisc recorder as a rehearsal tool and to record my own live performances. I've used various Sony products to record my performances for more than 25 years. If Sony implements the Audio Upload feature described in this petition, I will happily purchase a new Minidisc machine that uses it. Please also note that your customers need a Macintosh and/or Unix version of your Open MG Jukebox software.

Posted by Robert Lindemann on 5/1/2002, 13:41:14

Dear Sony, please add the audio upload feature. MD - fine; MDLP - great; NetMD - even better, but still the dog has only got three legs. Help the poor pet live a decent life. Give it its fourth leg.

Posted by Pedro Balboa on 5/1/2002, 13:50:28

Please add audio upload an sp recording through usb. Por favor, implementen una solución técnica para grabar audio en pc desde un minidisc grabador, y añadan la posibilidad de realizar grabaciones a traves del puerto USB en modo SP, gracias.

Posted by Jason Williams on 5/1/2002, 13:50:42

It would make my life easier and my ears would like it better if I were able to upload the sound effects I record for my church dramas if I could do it quickly and digitaly. Please think hard about it.

Posted by Ben on 5/1/2002, 13:58:15

True... With digital uploading enable, it's definately save a lot of hassle, I own a aging MZ-1 which is bulky & without many features modern MD players have. And recently bought a MZ-N1, since my aging MD player doesn't support MDLP, most of my songs are stored under standard stereo format, heaps of them, if now I want to convert all those songs into LP4, I can only do it in analog mode & it has to be real time, somtimes the songs got distorted & I have to do it all over again... It's a nightmare..

Posted by Julian Nuss on 5/1/2002, 13:59:26

I think that this would put MD over the top in personal music systems. I use my MD for live recordings of music (my band) and meetings. Thanks

Posted by Bill Lewis on 5/1/2002, 14:03:03

Hello, First I'd like to thank you for making so many great products. I have several items, from Laptops to Stereos, Portiable radios, CDs and Minidisc units. One thing that has kept me from purchasing a new NetMD player/Recorder is not being able to upload my mixes or class notes to my computer without the same hassle I now go through with my MZR900. I really like MD alot, but unless it makes my life easier, why bother? I understand the reasons you may not want to include this, but /w the current competition that the mp3 players are giving MD, adding the upload feature would offset this greatly. And besides, I've noticed that Sony is now offering a CD player which will play mp3's, which shows that Sony has become more flexable with their great product offerings. I love your products, and whenever you offer something that fits my needs, I purchase yours over any other competitors items. So please add this feature, and I will purchase and promote your products whenever I can. Thank you for your time. Best regards, Bill Lewis lewisb62@hotmail.com

Posted by Rinaldi Wibowo on 5/1/2002, 14:07:09

I use the MD to record lectures for both archival and streaming. Adding a direct MD to PC transfer will complete the MD format for me.

Posted by Calle Soderberg on 5/1/2002, 14:18:55

The addition of this feature would make editing my live recordings so much easier. MD has so many advantages over solid state recorders but the lack of this makes me considering leaving the MD camp.

Posted by Dan Fosse on 5/1/2002, 14:46:09

I run with a big circle of musicians. I find myself using Mini Disc to master multitrack recordings from my PC. I also do a lot of live recordings of my friends bands. The ability to do high-speed MD>PC transfer would cut down on mastering time. I could also share music that I created with fellow musicians. I could keep copies in first generation ATRAC to avoid quality loss. I am not interested in stealing or bootleging copyrighted material. I would, however, like the ability to copy original material from MD to PC. MD>PC transfer ability would make Mini Disc a truly universal audio media.

Posted by Mike Paulus on 5/1/2002, 14:54:24

Please don't waste it.

Posted by Mark on 5/1/2002, 15:09:01

The addition of audio uploading to the NetMD software would be a valuable contribution to all of the many classes of MD users. By allowing this feature, you would be doing a great favor to consumers, and also providing an added incentive for the minidisc form factor to grow as an audio/data storage medium. Thank you for your time and devotion.

Posted by Thomas Olson on 5/1/2002, 15:10:18

The ability to transfer from MD directly to the computer without a chain of A/D converters could put Sony in the Professional gear market, where buyers pay thousands on professional budgets. I have recorded my own live eprformances, and some assoictaes' and have always run in to the trouble of what to do with it... and then "Why did I invest in thsi system?"

Posted by Genevieve Lajeunesse on 5/1/2002, 15:16:36

Uploading would make MD a really useful option for field recordings for radio work.

Posted by Dan Sicko on 5/1/2002, 15:17:29

I'm willing to overlook the lack of OpenMG + Macintosh compatibility if Sony would just add uploading capability to NetMD!

Posted by Joe Edwards on 5/1/2002, 15:18:48

Sirs, I also would like to request that SONY reconsider a upload option with the current NetMD MD recorders. I use my R909 for recording several of my lectures. The limitation that the MD players have regarding uploading forces me to spend several hours copying the lectures to my PC. If the NetMD players had upload capabilities, I would be able to save several hours a day transferring lectures. Please reconsider the upload option carefully. If the NetMD machines I would wholeheartedly embrace a N1, but until then I will just continue to use my R909. Thank you. Joe Edwards...a potential N1 consumer.

Posted by Aaron Ximm on 5/1/2002, 15:29:01

I use MD to make extensive field recordings, and participate in users' groups with many more people who do -- professionally, for education, for reseach, for artwork, and as a hobby. MD has been a real winner in this domain because of its unparalled ease of use, battery life, and size in the field. For myself and others like me, it would be an incredibly good thing to be able to make high-speed, digital uploads of our own recordings. Currently, I am working on moving over 120 hours of recordings to a PC; this is not atypical for serious users. You can imagine the difference high-speed, lossless transfers would make! Note that for this community it would be perfectly acceptable for 'audio upload' to be limited to our *own* recordings, made via analog inputs or digital ins from our own external mic preamps. In the latter case, I believe the lack of SCMS data would indicate when recordings are our own. Best regards, and congratulations on a fine product. I look forward to continuing to use MD in my work. (signed) aaron ximm

Posted by Dor Shahaf on 5/1/2002, 15:29:21

NetMD Audio Uploading Could be the best thing that happend to the mini disc format over the years. That Must Be Include.

Posted by Brent Green on 5/1/2002, 15:30:43

I have been an avid fan of MiniDisc for over five years. In fact, I transferred all of my CD collection onto MiniDisc and gave the CDs away to my family and friends. Since the new MD systems supports MDLP, it would be nice to get my songs up to the PC so that I could convert them to LP2. By the way, I love NetMD - way to go! Brent

Posted by Tim Corcoran on 5/1/2002, 15:32:27

I use my R900 minidisc to record piano recitals. My only gripe is how difficult it is to get these files onto my PC for editing. I will purchase a NetMD unit the DAY it supports uploading. Until then, NetMD is far less useful than my Sony Clie for holding MP3 songs.

Posted by Craig Thomas on 5/1/2002, 15:33:31

do this and sell a lot of product. full duplex (even in mono) would be absolutely superb also...

Posted by Mujtaba Shah on 5/1/2002, 15:40:52

I record live concerts but cant upload them to my pc.

Posted by Phillip Taylor on 5/1/2002, 15:43:53

I am in a band and we frequently record live show with my Mini Disc. I would love to be able to upload these files with Net MD. Thanks!

Posted by brian dalton on 5/1/2002, 15:45:35

i use minidisk to record my live performances on the piano...and i would really like it if i would be able to upload it onto my computer to edit, modify, save, and create a cd of my performances. thanks brian

Posted by Michael Robbins on 5/1/2002, 15:55:41

I have used your format since the beginning, have purchased thousands of dollars of equipment since, and use it for work and pleasure, you are so close to major success with the format, please take it to the next level by implementing the upload feature.

Posted by Dr. J.B. Axelrod on 5/1/2002, 15:56:14

As an Historian, I often need to conduct oral history interviews. Minidisc is a near ideal tool for this purpose. Its only serious flaw is its current inability to upload digitally into my computer (Macintosh, by the way) for storage and editing. As it currently stands, NetMD is of absolutely no use to me, as I seldom manipulate mp3 files. With digital uploading of mic-recorded samples, however, NetMD would be invaluable to field researchers such as myself, and would certainly contribute to your equipment and media sales.

Posted by Tim Dunne on 5/1/2002, 16:00:52

Uploading ability makes sense. This is a great product - please reconsider the castration of it by software

Posted by Thomas Davie on 5/1/2002, 16:15:39

please

Posted by Alex Goldvarg on 5/1/2002, 16:18:24

Please add this very important feature!

Posted by J on 5/1/2002, 16:35:18

Having a NetMD audio uploading function on the new line would make up my mind. I also wonder whats up with the missing Mac software for the new NetMD Sony products. A lot of Mac people will NOT buy a NetMD and if you look at the numbers the low cost of this software is well worth the return. Sony is missing some BIG markting points by overlooking the needs and wants of the MD market. Ask the people what they want and give them the best for a fair price.

Posted by James Speed on 5/1/2002, 16:39:24

Please take MD to the next level by adding USB upload capability. I know countless musicians who would benifit personally and professionally from the added capability.

Posted by Benjamin Stern on 5/1/2002, 16:44:06

I think that if there were a way to digitally transfer music from minidisc to PC, minidisc would soon become the accepted standard for amateur and student musicians. They could: - keep a record of their practice/rehersals - send mp3s to their teachers or friends to evaluate - make basic demo recordings and post them on the web.

Posted by Terry on 5/1/2002, 16:49:46

I've been your loyal customer since MZ-1. Please don't turn me down and I know you can make it!! Terry

Posted by James Hoagland on 5/1/2002, 17:14:19

Being able to record meetings and lectures on MD then upload the recording to a computer would be a great asset.

Posted by Steve on 5/1/2002, 17:29:49

As Jonathan Parker's message. If this was available, I would buy it. I am a keen supporter of Minidisc and have friends in a band whom I would like to record.

Posted by Patrick Dean on 5/1/2002, 17:37:56

I often use the minidisc format to record lectures in class, a habit that has aided me greatly. However, the slow method of recording to my PC using a the sound card is irksome at best. I would Much appreciate the addition of Net MD upload.

Posted by SonyTEL on 5/1/2002, 17:40:55

This is a very important feature to keep MD on top of audio recorder, Mac and PC.

Posted by Alan Vosper on 5/1/2002, 17:47:33

Minidisc is a great technology, as versatile as the tape deck was in the eighties. Tapes gave many options to people as to what to do with their music with affordable equipment. The advent of CD's has made this versatility disappear due to higher costs of recording equipment untill only the last few years. While MD and NetMD does already have great versatilty, it can only be increased by the addition of an audio upload capabilty. Such a feature would even surpass the capabilities of audio casette tapes. With all these wonderful features, the quality level of the sound stored, and the affordability of blank minidiscs, Minidisc would have literally no competeion as a choice of music medium for the future. -Alan Vosper

Posted by Mark Bausch on 5/1/2002, 17:49:01

To the folks at Sony: I have several uses for Minidisc...probably the most important pertains to my job as an organic chemistry professor. One of the things I've used the internet for, in my first semester organic class, is a repository for the audio from my lectures. I use the MD format to record the lectures, but then to get them into the RealAudio format I am currently required to move the audio, in real time, to my computer prior to compressing it for the 'net. Oh how I have often desired the ability to move the lecture audio to my computer in the same way that I can move other files/images etc. I trust that you folks have the brainpower to work out anti-copying schemes...but to have the ability to move analog audio to computer, file-by-file...would be a tremendous achievement. In addition, you would knock all of the digital voice recorders out of the water. Thanks for your time.

Posted by Bernard Carville on 5/1/2002, 17:55:02

As a professional musician of many years standing the upload feature would be an absolute blessing! Minidisc has been a wonderful tool for recording live perfofmances,rehersals,etc. I don't own a computer but I would love to be able to share with the other musicians I work with. I am sensitive to the bootlegging issue but the guys who do that are going to find a way no matter what! Please don't make us all pay for the dishonesty of a few! Mini disc has been a wonderful tool for me. I've become a better musician for having it!

Posted by Marck Evers on 5/1/2002, 18:04:15

On behalf of the edittors of www.MDcenter.nl, the biggest Dutch site about MiniDisc we want to let you know that the first lack we found in NetMD was not to be able to transfer your own live recordings from you MD back to your PC. So we fully agree with the proposals done in this petition and think that it is possible without violating any copyright issues. Sincerely, MDcenter.nl team: Marck, Niels, Sjoert, Erik & Gerben

Posted by Alejandro Abad on 5/1/2002, 18:04:33

The Minidisc format is incredible. I use my MZ-R900 EVERY DAY, and charge it ONCE A WEEK or less. Ii have bought an MZ-N1 and I feel that Audio UPLOAD would make the Minidisc even more superior. When I sing with my band, it would be ideal for me to be able to use my -N1 to upload recordings to my computers to so I could pass MP3's of our performances to other members of the band that don't own an MD player/recorder. There are countless uses for Audio UPLOAD, and it really wouldn't make Copyright Infirngement an issue if it were well implemented. I would be willing to pay a reasonable price for an OpenMG upgrade. Thankyou for your time, and I hope my words will help to convince you. If this is not the case, so be it, I'll still support Minidisc EVERY DAY !!! I suppose we must also realise that maybe audio Upload is technically more difficult, I really don't know. If it is a hardware limitation that Prohibits audio UPLOAD, then Sony could do us the favour of informing us, so that we could understand the problem and not try to ask for something that simply cannot be done. Again, thankyou for your time. Best regards, -Alex Abad.

Posted by John Anthony Ramirez on 5/1/2002, 18:08:26

I believe Minidisc has the capability of becoming the next great personal media of choice. However, without the ability to upload to a PC, it will be delegated to a second-rate option, with limited sales appeal. Sony, forget for a moment, that you own artists, and think of the artists that you can foster. More importantly, for your shareholders sake, think of the bottom line potential.

Posted by Frank Roberts on 5/1/2002, 18:28:20

I've been an MD enthusiast for a long time, but whereas once it was THE choice for portable players and recorders, now customers are being seduced more and more by other alternatives. Better software, with more flexibility will do much to *keep* MD on top. Thanks.

Posted by Todd Bainbridge on 5/1/2002, 18:38:05

I would switch from Sharp to Sony if this function were implemented.

Posted by Orlando Montalvo on 5/1/2002, 18:43:09

By adding a feature like this to a minidisc recorder, already a top quality and strong music device, I will be able to spend only a fraction of the cost it would take to record my music digitally. Other devices have this capability, but cost a great deal, meaning essentially, thats money and word of mouth Sony will miss out. Don't let that happen, MD has the potential to become one of the most popular recording mediums of all time.

Posted by Kevin McCoy on 5/1/2002, 18:45:09

NetMD looks wonderful, but it needs to be useful in both directions, recording to and from the MD.

Posted by Jonathan Chang on 5/1/2002, 19:07:08

This feature, if enabled, will make net.md so much more appealing and give it an edge on the mp3 dominated scene. This factor is one of the things that will decide whether I buy a Net.MD unit or not

Posted by Clint Fisher on 5/1/2002, 19:14:19

Dear Sony, Since the Compact Disc is so prevalent, your real market for the MiniDisc player (at least in the United States) is for people who are recording with it. Period. I'm sure your sales figures for pre-recorded MiniDisc titles will accurately reflect this. I would've purchased a MiniDisc long ago had I found a unit that would do native digital output to my computer. Why? Because I record live music, and I want to upload it to my computer to ultimately master and publish this music. As a recording engineer, I can not tolerate the signal loss incurred when outputting to analog only to be re-sampled again in digital -- which is the procedure I would have to go through now were I to use MiniDisc as a format. Please breath new life into the MiniDisc format and implement digital uploading from your line of MiniDisc recorders. If you are concerned about copyright violation, please keep in mind that the majority of MD users are likely using it for personal recording anyway, and will not be even playing copyrighted material with these units. Thank you, -Clint Fisher

Posted by Seth Bert on 5/1/2002, 19:24:52

I love my MZ-N1 and it is great for recording my drum work and Dave Matthews concerts. Minidiscs are one of the most versatile formats around, but not allowing a NetMD upload holds back alot of people from buying the new portables. A firmware update or software update would be wonderful if possible for the MZ-N1. Even if the uploading was limited to microphone recordings it would help alot. Thanks for listening Sony (hopefully) .

Posted by jason henry on 5/1/2002, 19:27:04

As an amateur guitarist and music teacher being able to upload live recorded content to my computer for tweaking and editing in it's original recorded state would be an invaluable tool. I understand there are obvious reasons why this may not be desirable from the music industry's standpoint, but I believe the net result among the MD enthusiast community would be nothing but positive and those who could possibly use this feature for unethical applications are in the vast minority. Please thoughtfully consider the minidisc community's voice in this matter and we will be grateful. sincerely, jason henry

Posted by Steve Bennett on 5/1/2002, 19:34:50

I would happily purchase Sony's $500 professional MD recorder for my City to record Council and Planning Commission meetings IF there was an fast way to upload the recordings to a computer and from there to our website so interested citizens could listen to the preceedings at their convenience. But there's not...so I won't.

Posted by Nassib Khayat on 5/1/2002, 19:40:26

Ok, that's nice. Highspeed computer done downloading. But what about uploading? If it does not have uplading then I might as well by an MP3 player. It will only take a simple software upgrade!

Posted by Nathan Pullar on 5/1/2002, 19:42:45

And a deal breaker in whether or not what I decide to purchase a "netMD" recorder. I will not buy one until this function is available.

Posted by Scott Thistle on 5/1/2002, 19:49:14

I've been a Minidisc user since 1997, and it is a wonderful digital recording format. Although I wish portable MD recorders could have an optical digital output, the next best thing would be to upload FROM the MD to the PC. The more versatile the MD format is, the more acceptance it will have in America.

Posted by Dan Dawson on 5/1/2002, 20:11:05

Greetings! I bought the MZ-N707 for the sole purpose of recording live audio interviews of persons I met in my travels to foreign countries. I then use these audio clips in slideshows and video presentations I put together. I bought this unit because I completely expected it to be capable of it, and was completely surprised to find that it was not able. I would hate to have to record beautiful digital audio only to drop it to analog through my soundcard in order to get it back into the computer! Thanks for your work and creating of an [almost] great product! Sincerely, Dan Dawson

Posted by Robert Ye on 5/1/2002, 20:19:43

This would be very helpful for notes that I will record in College. I don't want to have like 100's of Minidics to shuffle through, I'd rather be able to upload those recordings onto my computer and keep them there. Also, saving recordings my many other things in life onto the computer would be great!

Posted by Jonus on 5/1/2002, 20:24:07

For those of us who use your technology as a cheap, simple, and effective means of recording: classes, concerts, our own music, interviews, and a million other things. What good is NetMD if it is crippled? What good is a recording of my band on NetMD if I can't put it on my computer simply with you technology? Thanks. Peace.

Posted by Matthew Chimes on 5/1/2002, 20:56:03

I'm a huge MD fan, but much desired features are still left out of current portables, audio uploading just being one of them. Combined with the best features from Sharp's portable line, Sony Minidisc would finally catch on in the US... but do market it better!

Posted by Girish N on 5/1/2002, 20:56:46

People pay for convenience, which is why competing formats have always overshadowed MD in the US till now, despite the excellent potential of the medium. Custom upload and on-PC editing/track management capabilities are a must for the format to survive at this stage in the era of digital music players, and time seems to be running out. Please consider the opinions of the many fans here (of which I am one) and introduce upload and editing before they become disillusioned with a format they clearly love.

Posted by v kowtha on 5/1/2002, 21:10:44

My seven year old has been using the sony minidisc player fir vocal lessons that she got when she was 3 years olds at Montgomery Wards and has amassed several hundred minidiscs of her personal recorded music. We have not erased one of them and we would love to have a way for her to edit her own music on a computer. Please make her day by allowing the minidiscs to be uploaded on to the computer asap.

Posted by Bohus Blahut on 5/1/2002, 21:19:23

I was attracted to MiniDisc due to its small size, high quality, and the ability to run at synch speed. I am a professional editor and cameraperson for both film and video. I have been able to stop lugging around heavy recording equipment for location sound recording. This audio has to get transferred into the computer for editing and as you know time is money. I'd rather spend my time in a creative pursuit than in a menial task like copying audio from MD to computer in realtime. Please consider adding the abilities cited in this petition. You will be helping independent filmmakers all around the world in the process of making better films. I am also a musician and we record our practice sessions on MiniDisc. I want to make CD copies of these practices, but have not done so since that would mean spending hours trasferring material, and losing the digital quality of the original. I own three minidisc recorders. The thing that would make me buy a fourth immediately is if you were to implement these proposed changes in the next version of Net MD. Thank you.

Posted by Paul Schroeder on 5/1/2002, 21:24:51

Hi, I use the MD to record classes vocal and instrumental performances. It is a great tool and is so superior to the old days of cassette recording. (Students also think MDs are cool.) I would love digital upload capability to shuttle these recordings to the PC. Please consider including digital upload capability in future versions of NetMD products. Thank you.

Posted by Clay Schneider on 5/1/2002, 21:32:40

Please -- allow me to upload my live recordings to the pc for edit.

Posted by George Singer on 5/1/2002, 21:59:22

Allowing music to be uploaded to the computer digitally over USB can only serve to increase the market for minidisc, especialy one with such amazing encoding capabilities as the type R dsp processing on the Sony NetMD based minidisc recorder. The difference between the allowed analog and digital uploading is only one of convienence. Why not make the minidisc an integral part of every individuals life (utilizing music and data?) Sony has its hands on a gem; improved error correction and at least audio uploading will allow your NetMD minidisc recorders to redefine our digital world.

Posted by Anant on 5/1/2002, 22:01:25

I really think audio uploading feature will put NETMD on par with all the current MP3 technologies and MD will really have kickstart. Sony should not deprive the users for their own recordings. -Anant

Posted by Chris on 5/1/2002, 22:08:39

it would be so great if i could upload my live recordings on to my computer. If this feature was included, I think MD would skyrocket to be the best and most popular portable audio format.

Posted by Mike Marmo on 5/1/2002, 22:25:23

Minidisc is a very versatile format and is in heavy competition with other formats such as mp3 and cd-rw. Audio upload will benifit minidisc users and its popularity.

Posted by Fabian Lamaestra on 5/1/2002, 22:31:54

The mp3 to ATRAC is far too slow, to say the least. Please work on a more flexible way of tranfer.

Posted by Dan Conde on 5/1/2002, 22:45:30

I saw the adds about 32 speed PC transefers and assumed it was 2-way. I plan to retun the MZ-N1 to the GoodGuys before my 30 days is up and complain about false and deceptive advertising. You should be able to transfer your own recordings to a PC. This is not copyright infringement. Are we milking the features so we are forced to buy the next new version next year??? Sony?

Posted by Daniel Chun on 5/1/2002, 23:05:56

I Have used sony products ever since i bought my R37. Now I have the R55 R37 R700 R500 R909 and N505. Sony has been doing good all along but I bought my N505 hoping to be able to upload some of my bands recording. Please fufill this request to add the upload feature to the NetMD software. -Daniel

Posted by matthew leo on 5/1/2002, 23:13:23

minidisc is an awesome format and i believe an upload feature would further enhance minidisc

Posted by Wilson on 5/1/2002, 23:15:30

This was just what i was waiting for.. i wanted to use my md to upload live recordings to my computer... to my dissapointment.. this is still an unavaliable option =(

Posted by Mike Ruley on 5/1/2002, 23:40:05

I, along with many other MD users, feel that this capability would drastically boost interest in the minidisc format, which many have already considered extinct for a few years now. Not only that, uploading digitally 32x faster than normal sure beats dubbing via analogue input in realtime! I would also take this opportunity to ask Sony to manufacture an in-Dash Car MD/CD combo receiver with all the high end features currently in demand of car audio, such as 3-sets of high voltage preamp outputs, parametric EQ, Subwoofer controls, and of course the high quality of the Sony name.

Posted by Andy Owen on 5/1/2002, 23:48:55

Now solid state MP3 players are beaten on sound quality and convenience for download, why not put them out of the game with uploading ability?

Posted by spinyhedgehog on 5/1/2002, 23:54:17

to supress some one's creativity limits one's life if you don't open the channel then some one will and some one will walk away and some one will not ever hear of the Brelin Wall

Posted by Eitel Gerhard on 5/1/2002, 23:59:01

The people want it !

Posted by Nathan on 5/2/2002, 0:10:52

Sony please consider adding this important feature to an otherwise outstanding product line. NetMD will be very successful with the addition of uploading capabilities, and this in turn will also satisfy your most loyal MD customers! Thank you.

Posted by Joe Hoffman on 5/2/2002, 0:25:43

As a student, this would be extremely beneficial to me in that i could record lectures and store them on the computer. It would also be a great addition for anyone in a band who would convert a live recording into a CD, or even just to use a computerized mixing program after recording

Posted by Dorian Staps on 5/2/2002, 0:49:33

Keep MD, a medium that revolutionized handling of audio recordings, versatile and competative. Even, or rather especially, in nowadays environment which relies on the simple and fast transfer of information, customers expect Sony to lead the way. Sincerely, D. Staps

Posted by A.L. on 5/2/2002, 1:06:49

MiniDisc is a fantastic product and represents one of the most flexible mediums for the enjoyment/recording of music currently on the market. However, I gave up on MD some months ago in favor of solid state and hard-disk based recording due to NetMD's lack of an upload feature. Having to transfer a compressed digital signal to another medium via A/D conversion and back to digital through a computer's soundcard is an archaic, time-consuming method that results in unacceptable recordings. Two ideas that would help MD gain more respect as a recording format: 1. Allow analog and digital (S/PDIF) uploads of uncopyrighted (i.e. original) material via NetMD 2. Ship new units with a 650MB MD2 drive to allow for uncompressed PCM recordings. If Sony were to offer uncompressed MD audio recorders/players, the CD would look obsolete in comparison due to size, and MD could gain the audiophile approval that CD's have garnered for years.

Posted by Luke James on 5/2/2002, 1:18:18

I love the new net MD idea its really going to help bring MD to the masses. but its kinda pointless if you cant take your own matrial off the MD back to the computer.

Posted by Gary Ayre on 5/2/2002, 1:26:45

Why would Mr/Mrs Average purchase an expensive MD system that doesnt upload when there are plenty of other cheaper MP3 based systems that do?

Posted by stefan geissler on 5/2/2002, 1:26:50

it´s among the absurdest things that one pays for technology (the netmdplayer) and also a fee when buying datastoragehardware (i.e. here in austria), and the result is that you cannot even transfer your OWN (I mean selfmade) music with this technology. what is missing, beside uploading of course, is a LINUXclient. and really the most beautiful thing would be that one can use netmd as a kind of soundcard with datastorage function which i.e. can record directly onto harddisk and which also can be mounted into the directorytree without using stupid clientsoftware. cheers sg

Posted by John Michael Carmona on 5/2/2002, 1:41:21

I believe that the MD format is so much superior to any MP3 format. Before the only con for MD is the real time recording but now that's past. But Sony should not just stop on equalling this capability but surpass it. MD records have proven to be very good portable recorders, that is it can record from any source with great quality. And since this time of the world, everyone is interconnected through the Internet, a fast and feasable way should be implemented to share these portable recordings done with the MD, and with this petition, I ask Sony to give into consideration the facts stated here and to keep in mind that we will continue to be great supporters of this audio format

Posted by Christophr C. Coloma on 5/2/2002, 2:12:51

I am what you may call as an outdated audiophile. I have music set-ups that use analog electronic equipments, 'cause here in the philippines new digital equipments are very expensive. But I am always updated with reports, writeups, comments etc on new formats. I have long considered buying an MD. But I still find it a very premature RAW music media format. I believe that designing your MD format to allow uploading of music files to PC will eventually maxed its design, capability and superiority over the other formats. Revolutionize!

Posted by Concerned 707 owner on 5/2/2002, 2:23:22

Beta should be your lesson in history here. Let me emphasize *history*... You tried to charge royalties on that format. Oops. Every time you see a VHS tape, be reminded that people will deal with less quality to not have to be hassled by big brother. And what's the point of not letting uploads created on an MD not be transferred? The DCMA protected against digital copying, but ATRAC is a compression scheme that +by definition+ degrades the quality of the audio anyhow! It's essentially the same as crippling a digital upload to "analog quality". So if I get a mic, plug it in, and record in a LOSSY FORMAT, what's the point of regulating that? Look - you can enable this, or I'm going to need to return the unit and buy a portable preamp for my Creative Nomad. I'd rather use the ruggedness and portability of MD, but if this isn't able to upload, I'll deal with my Nomad. It records 16-bit 48000 wav. Oh, and it has a little more room... I just hate to lug that thing around! Knowing I can upload with it will motivate me, however. Bulky, but unrestricted (VHS) Sleek, convenient, but crippled (Beta) For your sake, and especially ours, don't make the same mistake again!

Posted by Daniel on 5/2/2002, 2:34:21

To compete with other recording media and codecs, the Minidisc format and the ATRAC codec need this addition to its funcionality audio upload is a must

Posted by Howard Liu on 5/2/2002, 2:48:07

It would be very very convenient for n1 users such as me to have the upload ability a perfect example would be my band's music since i use my netmd to record music from my band practise, it would be extremely awesome if i could upload onto my computer and send it to my friends, instead of jus lendin my md around for listenin so yeh netmd audio upload would be great sony!!! i have supported u guys, and always will, so keep up the good work in providin wot users want!

Posted by John Wu on 5/2/2002, 2:53:44

....

Posted by Jesus Nunez on 5/2/2002, 3:07:08

I'm talking for every minidisc user when i say that MD-PC uploding should be more felxible. I currently own an mz-n1 and have owned several models in the past. When I heard of the new NETMD technology I truly believed that my previous recorders were obsolete and felt forced to trade them for sony's latest. Please agree to the petition, and you will reach NETMD perfection! You will make all of our dreams come true...you will reach one of your main technological objectives: simlpify life. You will attract a broader public; you will surpass evey one of your once potential competitors - this is your chance to kick dataplay out of the market. Listen to our creed and do what you guys do best. Innnovate and be STYLISH at the same time! Then let sharp and panasonic follow your lead (even though I'll stick with you guys, ALWAYS). Make the uploaded tracks playable only in your openmg software; use unique file encoding to prevent copyright issues...or don't mind what I said and do it your way. Please, you guys, enhance md recoders and strengthen the md community. Oh, by the way, when will the minidisc.com website be operating again? Thanx, Jesus Nunez

Posted by Julien Barret on 5/2/2002, 3:18:14

A list of possbible future enhancements for MD, that would be great: -Net MD Audio Upload -"Super MD" (MDHD, same as MD Data 2 Sony's MD Discam) for audio devices -Firewire input for faster upload/download

Posted by Pascal Charbonneau on 5/2/2002, 3:20:56

Music students around the globe will be grateful for this function. Music students are already great consumers of minidisc products. Adding this function would permit them to transfer the live performances they give onto a more standard format. (i.e. : demo and audition tapes) Thanks

Posted by Ashish Joseph on 5/2/2002, 3:25:20

I am an avid fan of Sony products in general especially its minidisc players. However, I would love the ability to be able to upload live guitar recordings of mine to my personal computer from my mindisc recorder. Consider this a plea to include this feature in the NetMD software!

Posted by Nicholas Chong on 5/2/2002, 3:36:03

NetMD is great technology but without the uploading feature, it's missing what it takes to be AWESOME. Currently, I can only fiddle with my recordings in the form of MDs and that doesn't seem to be very cool when i'm surrounded by computers and all which cannot manipulate these recordings. Computers are the present and the future as we know it and MDs can very well co-exist with them given the right ingredients. AllI can say is that MD and NetMD would be just another thing of the past if Sony doesn't play the right cards. P.S. Secure!=Future-proof

Posted by Ursus Schneider on 5/2/2002, 4:29:28

Hi, I have just bought a NetMD N1 version and actually wanted to use it for taking notes while traveling around the world for 1 year. My idea was that I could connect the N1 to any PC using USB and upload my audio notes and send them home. I now know that this cannot be done using the hardware I bought. I do understand that their are piracy issues involved but, please, make the NetMD's useful by adding audio upload via USB. Thanking you in advance Ursus Schneider

Posted by John Chrapowicki on 5/2/2002, 4:29:51

Other audio recording devices allow direct uploading to the hard disc so why let MD slip behind them? Please add this feature ASAP and bring MD fully into the 21st Century.

Posted by thomas on 5/2/2002, 4:47:06

as a journalist, i could use this function. we need it! pleeeeease!!!!!!!!!

Posted by aziz on 5/2/2002, 5:12:22

you can do it sony!!

Posted by Rogier Pieters on 5/2/2002, 5:34:36

Dear Sony, A lot of the minidisc users use their (Net)MD equipment to make live recordings, for school, concerts or interviews. It would be very usefull for them to be able to upload the audio they have recorded at high speed and with high quality to their PC. Thank you very much, Rogier Pieters & all minidisc users arround the world

Posted by Dusan Krizaj on 5/2/2002, 5:36:41

Ja, Sony to moras maredit ! (Yes Sony, you can do it !)

Posted by Hatem Eldoronki on 5/2/2002, 5:41:03

I have a huge collection of audio tapes that I needed to convert into digital format. NetMD, I thought was the solution. But I also needed to edit the sound quality digitally, AND be able to re-produce these recordings to CD-R and MP3 format too. Imagine how many hours I wasted trying to record these tapes to NetMD in real-time, then REPEATING the process again, from MD to PC (to edit the sound quality), then from PC to NetMD which doesn't take long now, but is almost like a closed-end contract, meaning that once I've made my final MD production, I can't really use it as a master that is directly transferrable to other audio formats. That's why I gave up NetMD, and got me an Archos 10GB MP3 Player/Recorder, but I still miss the 'Sony' brand name on it. At least make a lightweight high capacity MP3/digital recorder if you don't want to enable NetMD upload to PC. Thanks.

Posted by Yota Yoshimitsu on 5/2/2002, 5:45:52

As a avid MD user who often makes live recordings, having the facility to upload MD audio digitally to PC would make it much easier to edit and store such recordings. It would greatly enhance the versatility and superiority of the MD format - for fully-digital recording, playback and editing. It would make an already excellent format even better.

Posted by Vincent FONTAINE on 5/2/2002, 5:59:51

Please add the new function decribed by www.minidisc.org Also, can I ask for the MD2 (second generation of MD capacity), i.e. MD of 640 MBytes using blue lazer technology as DVD. It should by interesting to put 80 minutes of UNcompressed music on a single little carbridge (with same information that on a CD), and more hours of compressed music with ATRAC without MDLP. Why not more of ten hours of compressed music with the MDLP ... Vincent.

Posted by Movi on 5/2/2002, 6:06:51

Adding such a function would (IMHO) complete the functionality of the OpenMG format. Sony, please do not think: every user=pirate music (mp3, or whatever)distributor

Posted by Adam Gladys on 5/2/2002, 6:35:01

It would be great to be able to upload the long lectures into the computer.

Posted by Vaidy Narayanan on 5/2/2002, 6:48:14

Dear Sony: Minidisc is a great format, but it really needs compressed audio upload to make it complete.

Posted by Andrew Kirkby on 5/2/2002, 7:39:15

Hello, It would help greatly if I could upload the saxophone music I record via NetMD as it would improve the sound quality a great deal, and would allow faster transfer, without jumps or skips in my music

Posted by Scott Sprabery on 5/2/2002, 8:06:16

To Sony Corportation: Please consider the ability to upload music from minidisc to computer. My family has old recordings that we would like to keep on minidisc and be able to upload to the computer. Once in the computer we can use audio cleaning software to make the music pop and click free, and then have a wonderful clean archive. Thank you for your consideration.

Posted by Tim J on 5/2/2002, 8:09:12

Dear Sony, The only thing that prevents MD from being the "ultimate" music format is the upload of music from the unit to PC. Hey, you're already halfway there! Why not finish what you started? There are undoubtably thousands of people out there who use MD for journalist/recording engineering work who would say that having an upload feature would be the icing on the cake for this great format. As for the average Joe user like myself, I would love the idea of being able to make my own mixes of music on MD that I PAID FOR on my PC. If piracy is your main concern, why not do as Microsoft did with MediaPlayer, and have it so that you can only use your uploaded files on one PC, with the option of "migrating" the files, or maybe you could even "buy" a multi-pc liscense? We know that you have a record company to protect, but why treat us like pirates? OpenMG is a joke. Here's hoping, Sony. Tim

Posted by Pavel Duda on 5/2/2002, 8:12:10

I'm often use my MD to record lectures and so faster uploading to the computer will make me happy.

Posted by Peter Slavik on 5/2/2002, 8:19:20

Mr.Sony, why didn´t you make this important thing ?

Posted by Y.Goulnik on 5/2/2002, 8:21:39

I I just bought a second MD

Posted by K.orsay on 5/2/2002, 8:24:25

I just bought a third MD recorder but I decided not to support Sony NetMD technology because as a musician, for live and practice recordings, this is of no use to me. I am a great advocate of minidisc technology, also owns a Sony MD 4-track recorder. And I would not hesitate one second to buy yet a fourth one if it did support NetMD upload and download of my own analog recordings unlimited

Posted by Linus on 5/2/2002, 8:33:24

While being able to download my mp3's to MD "quickly" in digital form is usefull. Not being able to digitally upload from my MD back to my computer (in mp3) really cripples the customer proposition. To make things clear, NOT being able to upload files that originated as digital recordings is OK by me. But please ALLOW analog recordings to be digitally uploaded (and exported to a meaningfull format like mp3) to my computer.

Posted by Mattia Zamboni on 5/2/2002, 8:41:33

Adding the upload feature would help a lot MD to survive against the upcoming powerful MP3 players!

Posted by Bruce Miranda on 5/2/2002, 8:53:00

I have music from pre Net MD days that I just cannot lose. I need to be able to store this on my computer for safe keeping.

Posted by Michael May on 5/2/2002, 9:13:57

The Sony minidisc format has been a personal help in so many ways. As a music teacher, I have the ultimate in convenience and sound quality in presenting music samples in my classroom by using the minidisc format. I record 78s from my personal collection for listening on my portable MD player. Live recordings of my school band and my own piano solos are made both easy and fun when using the MD deck. The NetMD uploading provision will enable me to share my own music with other band directors, relatives, etc., by using the internet. Please add this feature--make an already great idea (the MD format!) even better!!! Mike May

Posted by Dale Greer on 5/2/2002, 9:15:42

The addition of rapid audio uploads from MD to PC would make MiniDisc the ultimate digital audio recording and playback device. This obvious feature would be a boon to musicians, electronic journalists and field recordists. After that, the only missing feature to add would be Macintoish and Unix compatibility with OpenMG.

Posted by Moshe G on 5/2/2002, 9:20:37

sony, please make ammends

Posted by Jun Ming on 5/2/2002, 9:21:39

I SUPPORT THIS PETITION ASKING SONY TO ENABLE NetMD-Based Audio Uploading from MiniDisc to Computer

Posted by John Pariseau on 5/2/2002, 9:29:19

Dear Sony, As you know, it is wrong to steal music, copyrighted songs, etc... And, as you have shown with the latest iteration of MiniDisc recorders (NetMD), you are very concerned about fair use, and protecting the rights of the Artist who created the content (music). However, this fails to take into account us, the people who have to record their own music. What about me? What about all the independent artists struggling to make a living, trying to produce a quality CD? MD makes the recording process an easy, high quality, economical solution to the biggest question: We can sing, play, but how do we get our music out there? With an upload option for content that was recorded by the owner of the MD unit, the artist has lost the last hurdle to getting his content (he owns, produced) into the computer. Not only artists, but students in college (for archiving classes) and teachers who wish to record their classes. I was asked by a professor if she should get something like I had. I told her, "No, get an mp3 based solution, as that will be the easiest for you". I wanted to recommend MD, but there was no way she had the time to fool with recording her talks again, to get them into the computer. There are a myriad of other times it would have been beneficial to use MD, but I was unable due to the real-time recording-to-computer issue that I feel has plagued the MD. Since MD is a digital format, it should be treated as such. NetMD is halfway there... Thank you for your time, John Pariseau

Posted by Phil Briggs on 5/2/2002, 9:35:56

I think that allowing audio uploading would be great for those who record lectures, interviews and music (such as band recordings and rehearsals) onto MiniDisc for the (perfectly legal) purposes of archiving. And if you could also allow NetMD recording in SP format (using the ATRAC Type-R codec) that would also be great as it would allow users to record even higher-quality recordings at high speed. It would also be relatively easy to add, given that the OpenMG software allows you to record in SP format (even though it's merely a conversion of an ATRAC3-encoded file into SP mode).

Posted by Gene on 5/2/2002, 10:07:31

Please add uploading features

Posted by Renny Chao on 5/2/2002, 10:34:00

If you allowed for audio upload, the whole netmd system would be complete. With more flexibility, and ease of use, you would not only make Minidisc users happy, but also spur interest in prospective buyers. Your NetMD concepts is awesome, now complete the package with uploading, and you'll have the best audio solution/package for years to come.

Posted by Andrew Carlson on 5/2/2002, 10:36:10

Minidisc will not be able to compete and will die a slow death without implementation of new technologies for digital interfacing. I think firewire should be a consideration rather than usb so that it will integrate better with pro-level audio and video progams and hardware.

Posted by Hovo on 5/2/2002, 10:55:30

I make a lot of recording of school lectures. Uploading them onto the pc and being able to organize and play them would make my and everyone else's life a lot easier.

Posted by Bryan Childs on 5/2/2002, 10:59:11

.

Posted by Jeton Ademaj on 5/2/2002, 11:09:40

Dear SONY, Please note that most live source recording using minidisc is NOT related to any form of piracy or so-called 'bootlegging'. Most people using MD to record do not transgress the concerns of any "content provider" in any way, but we're nonetheless penalized by misplaced anxiety. Furthermore, MiniDisc is an inherently inferior (loss-inherent) piracy tool. There's no evidence that allowing digital transfer of *inherently inferior, ATRAC-compressed sound* would have any negative effect on the revenues of the music industry, as artists releasing their own live material typically use non-compressing hi-resolution equipment. If anything, so called "fan-taping" has been shown to increase the "brand loyalty" to a particular artist, and those same fans reliably purchase the artist's own release of material that's been available on bootleg, no matter how much later the release. Please reference those sudies on the matter that were conducted by the Wall Street Journal and others in the early 1990's. Audio upload capability is an extremely useful feature desired by anyone using MiniDisc to record live sources of any type. Jam sessions, meetings, newsgathering and other personal recording needs cry out for further handling and editing, meaning transfer with no further loss. In fact, such transfer is a major potential selling point, one that could expand the base of MD users substantially. Consumers typically like having recording capability even if they don't use it, and past experience shows that consumers will find unexpected utility in devices that offer easy functionality. And the market has matured with regard to 'loss-tolerance', meaning that more and more average people understand the content loss they're incurring by converting back and forth between digital and analog signals, so SONY could swing ahead of the market curve here. In light of all this, I think SONY could enjoy an image makeover. Besides "content", SONY is also a major electronics company with a reputation for quality. Unfortunately, SONY Electronics is also famous for odd limitations and disabilities in it's products, bespeaking a deep distrust of it's own customers. I think SONY does itself a big favour by recognizing how much faster a company's "brand image" can evolve for good or ill now that customers can chat together the world over.

Posted by Jin Bae on 5/2/2002, 11:14:21

This is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Please add the audio upload!

Posted by Mark Forman on 5/2/2002, 11:26:03

I purchased MD to have a portable digital field recorder with a digital link to my computer. I never realized that I could not transfer my recordings back to the computer for editing. What a waste of technology, why even have a portable digital recorder without a digital output. I do feel cheated by Sony.

Posted by Doug McCauley on 5/2/2002, 11:52:08

MD is in for the stuggle of it's life with all of the new technology that is emerging. Don't get left in the dust because of a choice to restrict the cabilitities of the technology. I have been using MD since 1992 and I am not opposed to switching to a media that is better adapted to my needs. Sony do it right or jepordize the future of MD.

Posted by Soma Szabo on 5/2/2002, 12:03:52

I agree with several letters above. I own 2 MD decks (JE-520, JA-20ES) and a Sharp portable (Net MD) (I would have bought a *Sony* if it had not had the 'END-search' button... - very annoying!) and would benefit of the upload function as I work with computers every day... Sony, please consider our proposal, THX in advance, Soma Szabo from Hungary

Posted by Keith on 5/2/2002, 12:06:41

Please make this more flexibile. Especially the MD upload function

Posted by Gilles Peigné on 5/2/2002, 12:09:43

I am a musician who bouht the MD N1 for recording my music, to transfer it to a PC for sound edition and i have been very disappointed by the importation function that doesn't work for this purpose. Please do something smart for it.

Posted by Shai on 5/2/2002, 12:16:30

The more you develop it and expand it's capabilities, the wider market recognition it will have.

Posted by Jim Anderson on 5/2/2002, 12:18:14

My sole reason for using Minidiscs is to record rehearsals of my band, which I then transfer to my computer and save as mp3 files and upload to a web site for all in the band to download. Obviously I now have to go from a digital to an analog format and then back to digital, and it just seems silly that I can't keep my own music in the digital domain. I would really welcome and encourage Sony (and other minidisc manufacturers) to strongly consider adding an uploading functionality to minidisc recorders, such as enhancing the NetMD features. This would make minidiscs a stronger format and would increase its life expectancy. Thank you for your consideration. Jim Anderson

Posted by Meeuwes Mollinger on 5/2/2002, 12:21:41

Apart from using my minidisc recorder to listen to a lot of music, I also use it to record live. For example, recording my voice for a song. I would love to be able to quickly upload this recording, without further degradation of the signal, to my PC for further editing. This way I can use my minidsc recorder in the creative process in a less time-consuming and signal degrading way. Quite frankly, I was surprised OpenMG did not have the possibility to do this. I would also like to see 'real' SP recording ability in OpenMG (converting other formats and recording from CD) and Simple Burner.

Posted by Gary Akins on 5/2/2002, 12:24:39

Minidisc has proven to be a useful format for live recording, especially in video production work; setting up MD recorders and microphones at different locations in a large room is a great way to capture the ambient audience reactions so they can be mixed into the soundtrack during post-production, while feeding the stage microphones directly into the camcorder. The ability to do a high-speed upload of live-recorded audio into the PC for post-production would be a great time-saver.

Posted by lazyrighteye on 5/2/2002, 12:33:07

I record a lot of field recordings with my MZ-R55. Seems silly to record digi then send to my G4 analogue. While I'm at it, backlight on the recording unit also seems way too logical to not include. Oooh, and stereo signal indicators would be nice too. I think that's it... Thanks, lazyrighteye

Posted by João on 5/2/2002, 12:41:27

It would be of great importance to me that the upload feature was available. I do compose musics and not rare times I wanted to transfer my material to the computer. The problem is that I have a portable wich doesn´t even have a analog line in imput. If the upload feature existed, I could simply transfer the music to the computer by the USB conection and then burn them to a cd. Please do make that function available.

Posted by Marc on 5/2/2002, 13:00:37

MiniDisc, an already wonderful technology, can only benefit from a two-way NetMD system. The best way to record could become the most popular if this feature is added. Thank you.

Posted by John Bryan on 5/2/2002, 13:01:34

We're unable to consider MD for our newsgathering needs for reporters, despite its fidelity for web and broadcast use, because of the lack of upload capability. This artificial hobbling of a great digital format is a huge problem. You need to fix it.

Posted by Dave Nash on 5/2/2002, 13:14:10

The current NetMD technology is invaluable to a professional sound engineer like me, allowing me to quickly transfer the music I need for the forthcoming event quickly and easily to my MZ-N1. However, a vital feature is missing, and this is the uploading of recordings to computer. At the moment it is still a painstaking process of recording the sound through the soundcard, not only reducing the quality, but also taking up a huge amount of valuble time. Please could you add upload functionality to the NetMD recorders as this would give all MiniDisc users a major boost in functionality and ease of use. Also could you consider improving the download speed? Thankyou very much, Dave Nash Re:Birth Records

Posted by Karen O'Lone on 5/2/2002, 13:27:42

I love minidisc. The one draw back is why not have the ability to have the fluid movement of music from my PC to my MD but from my MD to my PC. IT really hinders the possiblity of using less equiptment to do more. For most people who are using the MD, the PC is a central part of the organization of media. To not allow transfers to go both ways is self-defeating.

Posted by Jonathan Demers on 5/2/2002, 13:30:48

Adding upload and Macintosh support would make a great product even better. Thank you.

Posted by Einolu on 5/2/2002, 13:36:56

dont u trust us? ~EO

Posted by Saravut Teepprasan (Thailand) on 5/2/2002, 14:01:12

That's why I buy N1

Posted by Galo Rodriguez on 5/2/2002, 14:13:57

will make netmd streamline and will sell alot of units.

Posted by ALI ABDUL MALIK on 5/2/2002, 14:15:33

Audio uploading through the USB port would be a great tool for DJs who are promoting their skills through recording an actual set on MD, then transferring it to a PC for additional "touching up" to make it sound the best it could. It would be very convienient (sp?) because users don't have to transfer at real-time speed anymore and lose quality- they can transfer at speeds above real-time and KEEP the excellent quality of a digital recording! Everything is SO much easier this way because sound cards aren't REQUIRED JUST for MD-to-PC transfers anymore. They don't need to put extra money out just to do something the a portable device (given the software) can do already. This is one of the reasons why I didn't buy a SONY MZN-1. I was expecting this feature to be on the device already. SONY, I would buy a NET-MD device IF it has this feature. Thanks SONY!!!

Posted by Pete Fedak on 5/2/2002, 14:21:09

As a customer trying to decide whether I should buy an iPod or minidisc player, I am in a predicament. The iPod (supported by my favored, the Mac) enables file-transfers each way. The NetMD (supported, at the moment, only by PCs) does not. Which is the better buy? Well, obviously the iPod as a mac fan. But if the NetMD were to support file-transfers back to the computer, that would enable me to record live sounds and dump them into the computer thus winning me over as a supporter of NetMD. Please free the consumer!!!

Posted by pandelis petrou on 5/2/2002, 15:27:26

i believe the md market went bigtime up because we can record our favorite tunes off the net so thats why they should allow this

Posted by Richard Reid on 5/2/2002, 15:27:57

Sony: I add my support for this proposal and petition to make NetMD more versatile. Although I understand Sony's concern for protecting its catalog of recordings from potential misuse, to hobble NetMD weakens the uniquely elegant MD against its speedy competitors. Sony has incorporated sufficient protections within the MD format itself to guard against inappropriate copying. NetMD with high-speed upload to computer capability would bring MD to the very forefront of the industry. If Sony wants to see its "Wunder" take off in the North American market, please give this proposal your consideration and approval.

Posted by Joe on 5/2/2002, 15:49:30

I will not consider buying any NetMD product until this obvious flaw is remedied. Also needs Mac support.

Posted by T Bunales on 5/2/2002, 15:53:36

I have a band....want to upload my music. Please let me!

Posted by Sandro Crivell on 5/2/2002, 16:06:54

MD is the best audio tool of the last decade. To make it complete, please add uploading facilities so I can put my band's music on my pc without spending one year beside my win desktop !

Posted by Knapen Joel on 5/2/2002, 16:17:47

Plutot que de bloquer la qualité de copie des MD il vaudrait mieux la pousser au maximum. je passerai au NetMD lorsque je serai sur et certain d'obtenir le même résultat qu'avec ma platine de salon MDS JB-940. je suis un utilisateur de la première heure et j'ai déjà acquis tout ces appareils: Mds s30 Mz R2 Mz R55 Mz R70 Mz R900 Mz E909 Mds JB940 Mds Pc2 Mds Pc3

Posted by Ian Johnston on 5/2/2002, 16:18:15

I use my portable MD recorder variously as a field reporting recorder, note taker, and recording device in small musical venues where more extensive equipment is either unavailable or impractical. The ability to digitally transfer those recordings to computer, rather than having to run them through the A/D and D/A stages of a sound card again would be fabulous, and help ensure professional-sounding results when working with sound-editing software. I've always wanted this feature, please add it!

Posted by David Murttha on 5/2/2002, 16:18:55

I chose to invest in the minidisc format because I could use it to record (like audio cassettes) yet still get the great sound quality of digital (like Compact Discs). Now, my computer is much more important in my music life, and I would not like to have to abandon my favortie music format because it is stuck in the past. The future of the field of consumer recording can rest either rely on the evolution of the minidisc...or it will find another format to invest in...and it might not be a format supported by Sony. So please allow computer upload through the NetMD connection. thank you.

Posted by Jay Minner on 5/2/2002, 16:27:25

Dear Sony, uploading capabilities would create the ultimate format. I am a musician and I love minidisc. It's so easy to record new works and pieces without having to go to a studio. An uploading function would let me put my pieces online easier and burn it to cd faster. Please consider it........

Posted by Iain Cowper on 5/2/2002, 16:52:04

We use Sony MiniDisc gear extensivley both at work (a small media company) and socially for music and hospital radio - it would be so much more complete if it had the simple feature outlined above - come on guys, make MiniDisc THE portable audio device to have for both Pros and Consumers. Regards, Iain Cowper, UK

Posted by Marcos Moreno on 5/2/2002, 16:53:17

If you make it, we'll buy it. MD should be pushed to its maximum functionality. It is by far my favourite format and i want to be able to do as much as possible with it. And i want it to be as versatile as MP3, so the market will increase.

Posted by Bill Damon on 5/2/2002, 17:10:08

It would make it so much easier to send the recordings of my son's pre-natal heartbeats to relatives around the country.

Posted by Nigel Long on 5/2/2002, 17:17:01

As an MD user since 1998 the biggest issue I have is the lack of portability of my music (not downloaded mp3s by the way) to and from my PC. This proposal is sensible and doesn't seek to interfere with the rights of copyright owners. I fully support it.

Posted by B Smith on 5/2/2002, 17:41:00

I want a minidisc recorder for making high-quality field samples for music production. Please don't make me lose audio quality from resampling.

Posted by Sean Stevens on 5/2/2002, 17:44:00

you could own the market. charge another $40/unit to make up the "losses" you think you'll incur in your music biz. -sean

Posted by david ku on 5/2/2002, 17:50:01

this will make the unit better than mp3 players in everyway

Posted by carlos velasquez on 5/2/2002, 18:02:21

Upload feature will make minidisc a complete solution to people who love music!!!!

Posted by Phil Ouellette on 5/2/2002, 18:03:39

I operate the sound system for my church and use my MD recorders every week. I record split traks onto MD for use during worship and I also record the pastors sermons and conference speakers for later distribution to the congregation. Since there is no way to quickly get the recordings into a PC I usually end up just creating a master tape real time for use in our tape duplicator. I would much prefer to rip the recording to a PC and burn CR-R's for distribution to the congregration, since this elimintes the real time recording nature of tape. However due to the artifical restriction on uploading recordings in MD systems I am unable to do so. Everyone who uses MD loves the portable recorders and editing capability, but not having any high speed way to get recordings into a PC means we have to keep using tape for distribution. This has the potential to be a very real growth area for MD since virtually every church faces this same issue. Applications like this are a market niche where MD could really thrive. Why is there this fixation on copyrite protection for MD? If I want to copy a CD I just stick it in the CD drive of my computer and duplicate it. Why on Earth would anyone want to go through a MD first if they are trying to rip off copyrighted music? This doesn't make any sense. Stop crippling MD and it will have a chance to really succeed in the USA! Phil Ouellette Vineyard Christian Fellowship Greenville, SC

Posted by Sachiko Honda on 5/2/2002, 18:23:06

I am a musician whose source of income is not solely dependent on music-related activities. But, I'm very, very serious about it. To me the most effective way of improving the skill is listening to one's own recordings, which is already given by your MDs. And, not only that, archiving them without loss of quality for future reference or for gifts perhaps is an incredably attractive feature that a tiny piece of equipement can offer. Make it complete, please! Music is for everyone, not only for commercial producers!

Posted by Darren Beveridge on 5/2/2002, 18:34:55

As a musician, I absolutley love the recording capabilites of the MD. I have on many occasions recorded our band's live feed from the mixing board onto my MD. BUT...that music is then STUCK in MD format, which is useless to me other than for listening to. Because it is in .omg format, I cannot edit it, I cannot burn our music to CD etc. because it cannot be translated to other editable, burnable formats. In my opinion, SONY would benfit greatly by the provision of translation software to allow .omg to be translated to MP3 or wave, so it may be edited in standar music editing software. Every musician I know would be interested in having an MD recorder then. It's just such a small matter! Another suggestion is that SONY be smart about this too, because someone else will create a way to translate the format digitally, and they would lose any ability to profit from this conversion patch process...it's only a matter of time...why not capture the market first themselves!!!!!!!

Posted by Savio Yu on 5/2/2002, 18:57:49

The addition of this function would greatly enhance the MiniDisc format as a storage medium and as a medium for amateur recording and sound editing. By allowing users to quickly edit and upload music on to their computers, they will have gained a new threshold of versatility for the Minidisc.

Posted by Pekka Johansson on 5/2/2002, 18:58:38

Remember Beta? Think more open, data capabilities are today&future (could compete iPod).

Posted by Michael Hughes on 5/2/2002, 19:03:03

My appeal is simple. Give us the same tools and capabilities that mp3 users have. Otherwise I fear you will doom Minidisc to ultimate failure in the US. The first generation of NetMD is a great start, but is incomplete. Please give us the tools!

Posted by Michael Veronneau on 5/2/2002, 19:28:46

Please enable the digital transfer of recorded audio information from the mini-disk recorder to the PC. It would be a real boon for amateur video enthusiasts...

Posted by Randall Boudwin on 5/2/2002, 20:34:11

The only reason I have a minidisc player/recorder is for recording myself and my family. From family songs to journals, it's all I use it for. The time I would save with this feature would be worth a lot to you in what I would spend and advertising I would give. It would be great that I could finally recommend MDs to my not so technical friends.

Posted by Wai Hung Fung on 5/2/2002, 20:56:39

NetMD full Potential had never been reach. An updated version with upload function is needed.

Posted by Leonard Huang on 5/2/2002, 20:58:01

By enabling uploading, NetMD will be a major contender in the portable recording medium. The question now is, will you allow it?

Posted by Alberto Delisau Pizarro on 5/2/2002, 21:10:16

It's essential for me. Thank you.

Posted by John English on 5/2/2002, 21:37:34

please!

Posted by Bob Greer on 5/2/2002, 22:15:53

It would be another reason to buy MD instead of the other contenders.

Posted by Andy Jennings on 5/2/2002, 22:28:11

This may seem a bit primative but if a garage band or band without a record label makes music, putting all their inputs together with a mixer, the mixer can have an output to MiniDisc. Then it's much easier for a low budget band to get their music onto their computer and onto the internet with the NetMD technology (if this change occurs) than to use expensive software to record their music onto the computer.

Posted by david on 5/2/2002, 22:38:18

I WISH YOU B LISTENING

Posted by Mark Story on 5/2/2002, 22:38:59

Adding the proposed features, creates new avenues for emerging artists and business clientel as well.

Posted by richard yi on 5/2/2002, 22:46:58

yes

Posted by John on 5/2/2002, 22:54:07

Posted by Trevor on 5/2/2002, 23:02:54 , in reply to "Please add this feature"

please add this feature!

Posted by Lance on 5/3/2002, 0:19:23

Posted by Prateek S. on 5/3/2002, 1:01:30

Dear Sony, I have purchased well over 6 of your MiniDisc units, and I plan on doing so for years to come. But I have restrained from purchasing 3 NetMD units. Simply because I cannot upload. I find that the unit should be able to upload my ametur band recordings so I may "brun" a cd and give it to those who are not fortunate enough to have a MiniDisc player. I do not like the fact that SP is supported, but the inability to upload is the major reason why I will not purchase a NetMD unit. I have written 4 articles on professional site, in all I promote NetMD, but I am seriously reconsidering my stance. Please allow SP & Uploading. Sincerely, -Prateek S.

Posted by mantugaul on 5/3/2002, 1:25:44

netMD sales will be increased like a rocket boss...

Posted by George Win on 5/3/2002, 1:40:02

This will make MD the best music media in the world.

Posted by JB MOREL on 5/3/2002, 2:57:47

i would love to get my MD field samples on my computer with d/a to a/d.

Posted by Johnny Ngo on 5/3/2002, 3:33:18

Posted by Martin Joergensen on 5/3/2002, 3:40:10

Adding this feature will make Mini Disc much more vertisile.

Posted by Tommy Ung on 5/3/2002, 4:46:34

one of the main features of a minidisk is able to record live using the mic and its pretty useless if u can't upload it to ur computer.

Posted by Matthew Petty on 5/3/2002, 5:24:54

An upload feature would open up a whole world of field recording - analogue loses quality. Theatre SFX, Vox Pops, interviews for web pages etc etc etc. Please think of all the possible uses and users you could 'go create'!

Posted by Fernando Duque on 5/3/2002, 6:56:57

Minidisc is not the ultimate medium for one reason, not having the upload capability. Other than that I would not change it for the world. Please add uploading, and put an end once and for all to the question of what is the best and most versatile audio format...MINIDISC.

Posted by Frédéric (FRANCE) on 5/3/2002, 7:50:05

Upload with NetMD for the survival of Minidisc format !

Posted by Nikos Avlogiaris on 5/3/2002, 8:03:17

Dear Sony not allowing the Upload from MD to PC the potential of an NetMD is restricted to half and this is not Desired for both the customers and you. Not allowing the Upload is not a good in order to restrict illegal copying is not a good reason because with the available technology this can be done easily cheaply and in many ways. Removing the Upload restriction will be very welcome from the Minidisc community and morover it would be a goud reason to temp customers towards NetMD rather than MP3 players.

Posted by Michael Silva on 5/3/2002, 8:06:34

the only thing stopping me from purchasing current netmd

Posted by jon on 5/3/2002, 8:09:27

If NetMD is supposed to be a new facet for the MiniDisc, it should be comprehensive. At the basic copyright and security issues are already in force. Cut some slack and allow uploads as well.... Most Mp3 devices allow that....so how can NetMD compete without allowing for uploads?

Posted by Tobias Berardo on 5/3/2002, 8:55:55

I think it would be fantastic to be able to use a minidisk for more than just music. Like a diskette would be better.

Posted by Anirudh H on 5/3/2002, 9:13:32

If you guys allow for these features you can literally take over the Mid-East market ...

Posted by Daryl Marco on 5/3/2002, 9:13:56

The new Nomad Jukebox has the ability to record to wav and transfer via firewire, and I'm sure will a number of other upcoming products. With such a feature set, net md will need upload to compete.

Posted by Ong Jin Khang on 5/3/2002, 9:17:33

It brings out the full potential of MD and will definitely be the giant leap in portable music. So please implement audio upload!!

Posted by Nathan Rao on 5/3/2002, 9:19:38

Dear Sony, This is wonderful technology, but I need to upload audio recordings (live interviews, reports for webcast and FM radio) quickly once they're done. For the time being, I do it using old-fashioned cassettes; I'm waiting for the quick-upload capacity before switching to MD or some other digital technology. Yours sincerely, Nathan Rao

Posted by Javier Anton on 5/3/2002, 9:34:36

MD has been out since 1992, but now, with MDLP and NetMD (a full working system for uploading/downloading, please) can be the great product that we all want. Thanks and greetings from Barcelona, Spain Javier Anton MZ-R900 MDS-JB940

Posted by Anna on 5/3/2002, 9:57:03

Dear Sony, I love the minidisk format but as a composer I have had to go back to my cumbersome DAT in order to have digital upload to my computer. When I am able to digitally transfer from an MD to my (Mac) computer, I will immediately go out and buy one! (I already have digital in, but I need the digital ourt from the MD) Thank you for your consideration!

Posted by Kenny Liebschiet on 5/3/2002, 10:13:48

I've been using minidisc for three years, and although was initially excited by NetMD, I quickly saw the shortcomings. I will not upgrade my portable recorder unless the new device has bidirectional audio transfer to the PC. I use my MD for language learning, and would love to more easily archive my lessons.

Posted by Oliver Kranold on 5/3/2002, 10:25:43

Please support up- and download of all audio data on all platforms (especially MAC). Thanks ahead, Oliver Kranold (Germany)

Posted by B4Art on 5/3/2002, 10:40:20

Let do return this stupid Sony hardware. Lets play REAL MP3. Ban to ATRAC and there followers!

Posted by matt yaple on 5/3/2002, 11:06:47

Business, scholarly, and professional groups routinely record hours of discussions, presentations and colloquy. The ability to review,parse, edit, arrange and format this speech serves the interests of these groups and the owners of the enabling technologies. I strongly support the attached proposal.

Posted by Po Chen on 5/3/2002, 11:26:43

Musicians of all sorts will flock to Minidisc technology if they could have a completely digital solution for recording, editing, and producing CDs.

Posted by Michael Chiaramonte on 5/3/2002, 11:44:04

I frequently like to record concerts that are given at school. These concerts are not always recorded by the group giving the concert (for example our Concert Band or Orchestra) and it would be ideal to be able to transfer the music recorded via a Sony Stereo Microphone to MiniDisc directly to a PC for processing and burning to CD. Please, grant us, the members of the loyal MiniDisc community, this functionality. Thank you for many wonderful hours of music provided by this tiny wonder. Yours, most gratefully, Michael Chiaramonte

Posted by Greg on 5/3/2002, 11:50:56

Audio Upload is a very important feature for musicians like myself. I want to be able to take a recording of myself and allow people to retreive it online.

Posted by Chris De Vivo on 5/3/2002, 11:52:35

I have used MiniDisc since the MZ-1, the only portable player/recorder that I know of that can do SPDIF INPUT & OUTPUT! It has been sorely missing from ALL other Portable MD's since then. NetMD's could be the ULTIMATE format IF you would give the user the freedom to upload too. In my case, with my MZ-1, I would use the Opto-Link to archive lectures on my hard drive, and remix our bands live gigs. The MD community needs this capability to realize the full potential of these fine products. From business prospective MORE people will want one and that translates to more blanks & accessories which translates to more MD based revenue... Chris De Vivo

Posted by Jean-Philippe Beauchamp on 5/3/2002, 11:57:18

Please add uploading.

Posted by Eddie Doyle on 5/3/2002, 11:57:21

I currently use minidisc for music, recording from FM radio and dictation. The latter two would greatly benefit from a a quick, hi-quality transfer mechanism to the PC. To really compete with and stay ahead of MP3 devices (including the newer devices with vast storage via hard disc) the minidisc format needs to remain a compelling and long lasting proposition for the consumer. The ability to upload and download files (both ATRAC and ATRAC3) is a critical next step in keeping the minidisc format alive and evolving. You have made the important first step.

Posted by Damain Norton on 5/3/2002, 12:04:47

sony, listen. we all have invested our hard earned dollars purchasing your electronics and music cd's. If i can't DIGITALLY copy those LEGALLY PURCHASED cd's (((((((****HASSLE FREE*****)))))) to my MD recorder SCMS copy prohibited with the blank MD inside that i PAID ROYALTIES ALREADY FOR when i bought the blank md then you sony just might have a lawsuit on the front of your doorstep. It's not my problem you can't find a way to stop pirates, it's yours. Love your company, love the technology, please don't alienate the customers who are willing to pay for real digital music, and the customers who can actually hear the diffrence between a 15.00 cd and a free MP3 track. Theres no comparison, you get what you pay for. You wrote the rules when you created this innovative little format. We understand where your comming from, please dont slam the door in our faces. Ill never buy an MP3 player, because if i wanted to hear music that sounds like its been on a tape sitting in the sun for ten years, i would still be using tapes. Ive been spoiled with digital sound, and i don't want to go back. DON'T DO THIS TO ME, DON'T LET ME BUY A CD AND NOT BE ABLE TO HIT 2 BUTTONS AT NIGHT AND HAVE A SCMS COPY PROTECTED ATRAC1 DIGITAL MD COPY IN THE MORNING. PLEASE. THIS IS THE EASIEST WAY TO LEGALLY COPY DIGITAL MUSIC. NO, THIS IS THE EASIEST WAY TO COPY MUSIC, PERIOD. I'VE BURNT CD'S BEFORE. IT"S A PAIN IN THE ASS COMPARED TO MD CD (LEGAL) DIGITAL DUBBING.

Posted by Tim Loeschke on 5/3/2002, 13:04:16

Yes, please!

Posted by Tony Cella on 5/3/2002, 13:26:28

With the addition of adding audio uploading to the NetMD software , you would be doing a great favor to consumers, and also providing an added incentive for the minidisc form factor to grow as an audio/data storage medium. Thank you

Posted by Blas Gonzalez on 5/3/2002, 13:29:19

que Sony incorporará esta caracteristica en futuras versiones del MD, y conseguirá de esta forma que el numero de fans a este formato crezca vertiginosamente. Los que usamos el minidisc para hacer grabaciones en directo necesitamos alguna utilidad que nos permita editar nuestra propia musica. Gracias SONY

Posted by Vesa Karhila on 5/3/2002, 13:32:01

Dear Sony, I am using my two Sony MD units for recording FM radio (JB940) and live music & speech (MZ-R900). Currently I can make digital copies of my live recordings only in real time. I am not able to combine live recordings from different MDs into a single "master" MD and then make copies of the master. If your NetMD system would allow me to fast upload my own recordings, edit and combine them in my PC, and then fast download them to a single MD, if this was possible I would immediately upgrade my MD recorder. Thank you in advance.

Posted by Brian Call on 5/3/2002, 13:40:23

I would really like these features to be added because i would love to be able to make CDs of myself playing instruments, so that i could send them out in place of audition tapes. It act as a sort of makeshift home studio.

Posted by Drew Hilling on 5/3/2002, 14:14:24

Adding an upload feature to NetMD will make MD my format of choice for live recording. I will upgrade my equipment, and even further extol the many virtues of the MD format. A move like enabling uploading of live recordings can only enhance the position of MD in the market and take it beyond a mere mp3-like device in most people's minds.

Posted by Germán Vargas on 5/3/2002, 14:23:08

Sony you can do it now! I am wating for this feature to buy an MD unit.

Posted by Brad on 5/3/2002, 14:24:14

Our jazz ensamble often records its performances and some practice pieces, and we usually end up spending money to get copies out to each member to practice with or listen to. I think that it would be of great help to be able to share our talents with the internet freely, or to share practice pieces with the members, saving time, money and energy for all involved.

Posted by wAi C. Yim on 5/3/2002, 14:29:11

signed

Posted by Mark Cho on 5/3/2002, 14:37:50

Please add an audio upload feature and improve the NetMD software!

Posted by Eric Rosario on 5/3/2002, 14:43:03

This would greatly increase minidisc value to those who like to make recordings and like to manipulate them using a computer. This wouldn't be hurting the record industry or any artists.

Posted by Zac Collins on 5/3/2002, 14:51:17

I have the M1 and love all but the lack of function of uploading to my PC through Net MD, I feel it would be a great addition to a allready great product to all such a feature! Zac Collins

Posted by Tao Tong on 5/3/2002, 15:50:40

After I received my NetMD 505, I was excited about the audio file download feature. It is natural to expect it can also upload my MD tracks to my PC. I was disappointed when I found this feature is missing. Adding this feature would certainly boost the NetMD sales and satisfy the customers.

Posted by Simon on 5/3/2002, 16:10:01

The Minidisc format has made live recording amazing! Keep going by facilitating uploading to my computer! YES!

Posted by Dave Conner on 5/3/2002, 16:50:16

For any format to catch on it must, repeat must be user friendly. Net MD is 1/2 of the way there. Please make Net MD 100% user friendly. Thnaks

Posted by David Jendiroba on 5/3/2002, 16:54:23

I support the petition above and agree that restrictions uploading recordings (music or live recording) to the NetMD are limiting the use of such a wonderful portable device. I myself record various types of lectures, including scientific and religious, and most of the times I wish I could share those with friends who can't afford an MD player. It's very frustating! DJ.

Posted by Chris Dowd on 5/3/2002, 16:57:44

I've got an "old" Sony MZ-R55. I'd make the jump to a new model, if it had uploading capabilities for my large collection of radio recordings (Blues Hour and Dead Hour). Thanks for the consideration!

Posted by Rabbhi on 5/3/2002, 17:01:15

I think ading an uploading feature to Minidisc systems would be great for us users and the business. For someone like me who records from my band and lectures it would be ideal to have this function. Maybe it will attract more people to MD also as it would be a popular addition.

Posted by Victor on 5/3/2002, 17:17:52

The net MD is a minidisc player with awsome capabilities. Its by far the easiest and best format for storing mp3's. However, to make this truely great, and to get computer users to embrace this technology over flash, sony needs to allow uploading. Also, Open MG technology is not ready yet. Its hard to use, and as an independent artist, I have been unable to mass copy my work on LP4, having to go back to the slower method of my old Minidisc recorder.

Posted by Mark Bossard on 5/3/2002, 17:19:31

Why is Sony hamstringing itself? The netMD idea has so much powerful potential, yet Sony is killing the MD by severely hampering it's capabilities. The net MD interface should be fully open: -Direct control of the MD contents from the PC (or MAC) ON DISC not just on hard drive -Upload.. please.... where is the sense in killing uploads -Track Protect? Why? That makes the netMD a pain in the but for recording tracks... It kills the MD's rewritability AND simple MD functions on the netMD recorders -WHERE is the FULL bitrate conversion? -I could go on and on.... I am severely disappointed in Sony's netMD. The way Sony treats the MD community makes me feel like dumping the MD scene all together. -Mark Bossard