Sony MiniDiscs gain data storage capacity
Sony MiniDiscs gain data storage capacity
Sony has updated its MiniDisc digital music systems to include PC-compatible storage capabilities which will offer mobile professionals the opportunity to store files while on the road.
The overall memory capacity of each disk will be increased too. The new Hi-MD product will be available from spring this year. Users will be able to easily store Images and texts files on the medium, while the playback compatibility will be maintained with current MD products.
Gregory Kukolji, Group Marketing Manager for Sony personal audio in Europe said: "The launch of the Hi-MD format, together with a range of Hi-MD Walkman products, will add a new dimension to the European portable audio arena."
Data will be stored alongside audio tracks, so users can listen to music on the format while going to work, then transfer documents to their PC when they reach the office.
The new MiniDisc system will include the FAT filing system that is used to store data in many PC hard drives and other media too. It also complies with the USB Mass Storage Class, which means that the Hi-MD device will be recognised as an external storage device when connected to a PC or laptop USB port.
Hi-MD is compatible with current MiniDisc media, so formatting an existing disk under the Hi-MD format will almost double capacity from 177MB to 305MB.
Sony is also looking to build high-density MiniDiscs that will be capable of holding up to 1GB when formatted as Hi-MD.
Related Article: