Sony Net MD Not Phasing out.......

[Drag0n]

I know i wrote this on another post,but theres probably alot of people wondering about this,so i posted as a thread now.
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I know many rumours are out there saying that Sony is discontinuing the MD format and not making players any more. A customer service rep told me that they just put out new models,and they are NOT going to ditch the format.
Heres the chat i had online with SONY> (Just before Christmas 2005,slightly over a month ago.)

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LiveAssist Transcript

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chat id : 00e97646-48ca-49ce-be64-ea67a3dc2c3a
Problem : I was just wondering if you were phasing out the minidosc format or high MD format??? I heard rumour that theres no sense in going crazy with this because all models and mini-disc CDs are being discontinued. Is this true?
Tuan_ > Welcome to Sony Online Support. I will be glad to assist you.
Tuan_ > Hi Paul.
Paul > hello
Paul > i was wondering if hi-MD and MD format was being discontinued?
Tuan_ > Paul, it is a wrong information.
Paul > its hard to find mini discs and rumours on forums are that theyre phasing out
Tuan_ > We have these models now.
Paul > will you have them for many years?
Paul > in USA?
Tuan_ > Yes, it will be there for sure.
Tuan_ > We are proud of those models.
Tuan_ > Would you like to purchase any of these online?
Paul > and i heard regular minidisc may be phasing out ,,and hi-MD is taking over?
Paul > i want to get a hi-MD player from the SONY Music store in Riverhead,NewYork at the TANGER OUTLET CENTER
Paul > but i wanna be sure theyll be around for a long time
Tuan_ > It is not like that. The Hi-Md walkmans can transfer recordings from a microphone using the USB interface.
Tuan_ > In Net-MD walkmans, you will need to use the A/V interface and third party software.
Paul > so,can i use my pc to transfer my music from my CD collection to Hi-MD?
Tuan_ > Yes, it is the same for both NetMd and Hi-Md walkmans.
Paul > i liked the idea of being able to carry many songs
Paul > is the hi-MD sound after compression as good as LP2 or LP4? or is it more compressed,therefore more lossy?
Tuan_ > Yes, the quality will be almost same.
Paul > almost? so its more lossy than LP4 then?
Tuan_ > There will not be a reduction in quality.
Paul > i see
Paul > what is the top of the line Hi-MD model?
Paul > and cost approximately?
Tuan_ > Please stay online while I check this information .
Paul > thankyou,,i will wait
Tuan_ > It is taking a bit longer than expected. Please stay online.
Paul > ok
Paul > i am here
Paul > im happy this format isnt going away though,,and i wish it would take off better.
Paul > I hope SONY is thinking of producing some true audiophile quality pieces in the future also.
Tuan_ > Sure, Paul.
Paul > it seems like theyre sacrificing audio quality for battery life these days .
Paul > these*
Tuan_ > Shall I forward the link where you will be able to view the latest Hi-MD models?
Paul > sure
Tuan_ > http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...man&Dept=audio
Tuan_ > Please click on the link and it will open in a new window.
Tuan_ > Are you able to view the page I have sent?
Paul > ill see
Tuan_ > Are you able to view the page I have sent?
Paul > it sent me to a general page
Paul > ok,,i found it
Tuan_ > Are you able to view the models ?
Paul > yes i am
Tuan_ > The latest model is MZ-DH10P which have 1GB1 / 6752 Song capacity with 1 Hi-MD MiniDisc. It is a Digital Music Player with Built in 1.3 Megapixel Camera.
Tuan_ > The MZ-DH10P sports a built-in, rechargeable battery that can last up to 14 hours1, good for those extra long excursion.
Paul > is there an audio quality difference in the top models,,or feature difference?
Tuan_ > It is the feature difference.
Paul > if the battery is built in,,and i go camping for a week,,im in trouble......i need removable batteries
Paul > ok,,so all MD's sound the same,,its just afeature difference?
Tuan_ > The features will be different. Sound quality is best all for these models.
Paul > ok
Paul > ok,,thankyou so much....im going to look over the models,because i want to get a Hi-MD after Christmas
Paul > Have a good night!
Tuan_ > Sure, Paul.
Tuan_ > It is worth a purchase,
Tuan_ > You too.
Tuan_ > Thank you for contacting Sony online support today. We wish you a happy holiday season.
Tuan_ > Analyst has closed chat and left the room
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So theres the chat i had with SONY.
And i want to buy the Sony MZ-RH10 Hi-MD


Have Fun!!! :RS80 Smile:

 

[The_X]

It kind of sounds like a conversation with SmarterChild. Good to hear MD is sticking aorund though, at least according to Tuan here. I've always been curious about it but put off because I thought it wouldn't last.