Re: MiniDisc suggestions

[Travis Hartnett <tiktok@sprintmail.com>]

MD units don't have digital out because the audio is stored in a 
compressed, proprietary format.  If you had digital out, you'd end up with 
ATRAC data, which doesn't do you much good, since I'm unaware of a program 
that can read ATRAC format.  

Considering the compression going on during the recording process, I don't 
think you should really sweat doing another A/D step to get it into your 
computer.  MD is an inexpensive consumer format.  If you're going to get 
all picky about digital audio quality, at least get a DAT.

TravisH

********
Someone said:

-- there are no MD players that allow you transfer files
from the MD to the computer as data. this is because Sony
invented and controls MD technology, and they are
super-adamant on preventing file sharing from happening, as
their music/media divisions pay for much of the rest of the
company to run.

-- the cleanest way to get MD to the computer now is
digital audio output. however, as far as I know no portable
units have digital outputs (Sony are bastards!). I had to
fork up $400 for a new desktop component unit just to get
that digital output. then I run that into my M-Audio
Dio24/96 card with TOSlink digital input. if you just want
to buy a portable unit however, you'll be stuck with just
analog transfer from the MD to the computer. (However, most
portables do have a digital input with a proprietary cable.
digi input to a unit that has data compression, but no digi
outs? Sony is clueless.)