Retro Buyer's Guide: MiniDisc!
This Does Not Compute・28 minutes read
Minidisc technology has evolved over the past 30 years, with features like NetMD and MDLP revolutionizing the format for cost-effective digital copying and extended recording times, but High-MD faced decline due to the rise of MP3 players. Various mini-disc players exist from different manufacturers, with considerations for proprietary batteries and options like add-on battery compartments for portables to extend run time using regular double A batteries.
Insights
- Minidisc technology evolved over the years, with NetMD and MDLP introducing digital copying and extended recording times, making it a cost-effective alternative to early MP3 players.
- When considering portable mini-disc players, it's crucial to avoid devices with proprietary batteries, especially if they require rechargeable ones, as they may become rarer and cause potential irreparable damage.
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Recent questions
What is the history of the minidisc?
The minidisc was launched in 1992 as a digital replacement for compact cassettes, offering recordable disks and various recording modes.
How did NetMD revolutionize minidiscs?
NetMD introduced direct USB connection for digital copying, LP2 and LP4 modes for extended recording, and enabled longer playtimes and digital transfers.
What are the key features of High-MD?
High-MD offered 1GB media storage, superior audio quality, but faced decline due to hard drive-based MP3 players like the iPod.
What are the benefits of recording your own minidiscs?
Recording your own minidiscs allows customization, use of older MD recorders, and cost-effective alternatives to early MP3 players.
What are the considerations for portable minidisc players?
Portable minidisc players may use proprietary batteries, with some prone to leakage, while Net MD recorders are recommended for newcomers due to simplicity and use of standard batteries.
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Summary
00:00
"Minidisc: Digital Replacement for Compact Cassettes"
- Minidisc was launched in November 1992, making it 30 years old, designed as a digital replacement for compact cassettes with recordable disks being a key feature.
- Pre-recorded minidiscs are uncommon and expensive, so it's recommended to record your own disks using older MD recorders from the early 90s.
- Initial minidiscs came in 60, 74, and later 80-minute varieties, recorded in real-time through analog connections, with some devices offering optical digital input.
- In the late 90s, Sony introduced NetMD, allowing direct USB connection to computers for digital copying of audio onto disks, offering LP2 and LP4 modes for extended recording times.
- NetMD and MDLP revolutionized minidiscs, enabling longer playtimes and digital transfers, making it a cost-effective alternative to early MP3 players with limited storage.
- High-MD, introduced in the early 2000s, featured new media holding 1GB of data, but faced decline due to the rise of hard drive-based MP3 players like the iPod.
- Pre-recorded minidiscs are collectible and limited in selection, with newer releases mainly in electronic music genres like vaporwave and Future Funk.
- Recording your own minidiscs is a popular choice, with portable recorders like the MZR3 and MZR37 offering editing controls, audio inputs, and decent battery life.
- Home units are less popular but can be cost-effective if repaired for drive mechanism issues, while playback-only portables like the MZ-EP11 offer a compact design with external screens and remote controls.
- Remote controls for playback-only portables can be essential but may be costly and not universally compatible, while the devices require specific gum stick style rechargeable batteries that are becoming rarer.
16:41
Portable Mini-Disc Players: Battery Considerations and Recommendations
- The MZ-EP11 minidisc player uses a regular double A battery, not a proprietary one.
- Various manufacturers, not just Sony, produced mini-disc hardware over the years.
- Some mini-disc players, like the one manufactured by Sharp, used larger proprietary gum stick batteries.
- The Iowa mini-disc player utilizes a proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery, unlike the standard nickel-metal hydride gum sticks.
- When considering portable mini-disc players, it's crucial to avoid devices with proprietary batteries, especially if they require rechargeable ones.
- Some manufacturers offered add-on battery compartments, known as battery side cars, to extend run time using regular double A batteries.
- Portable mini-disc players with gum stick batteries are prone to battery leakage, potentially causing irreparable damage.
- Net MD recorders, like the uploader type, are recommended for those new to mini-disc formats due to their simplicity and use of standard double A batteries.
- Advanced Net MD recorders with analog and digital inputs offer more flexibility but come at a higher cost due to reliance on gum stick batteries.
- High MD hardware, while offering superior audio quality and storage capacity, is not recommended for newcomers due to high costs of players and media.
32:31
High MD: Costly and Modern, Not Retro
- High MD is not recommended due to its high cost, which can reach hundreds of dollars.
- High MD is considered too modern for those interested in retro futurism, unlike other retro media formats.
- The speaker prefers other retro media formats over High MD for their compelling appeal.
- The speaker encourages viewers to like the video, subscribe, and follow them on social media at "this does not comp."
