Sony MZ-RH910 User Manual

Printed in Malaysia© 2005 Sony Corporation2-588-603-13(1)Operating InstructionsMZ-RH910Recorder Operation ___________Software Operation ___________Hi-

10About available functions and supplied manualsThis section explains the functions of this portable MiniDisc recorder and the manuals that have been

100Using SonicStage HelpSonicStage Help provides further details on how to use SonicStage. SonicStage Help allows you to search easily for information

1011 Double click [Overview] in the left-side frame.2 Click [About This Help File].The explanation will appear in the right-side frame.3 Read the text

102Referring to SonicStage HelpClick [Contents] on the left side of the Help window to view a list of items for each operation. Click on any items for

103We recommend that you back up your music data as a precaution against hard disk crashes or computer replacement.Backing up audio dataTo SonicStage

104Using MD Simple BurnerBefore using MD Simple BurnerMD Simple Burner allows you to record music tracks from an audio CD in the CD drive of your comp

105Recording using MD Walkman operations (Simple mode)1 Insert a recordable disc into the MD Walkman and then connect the MD Walkman to the computer.F

106Recording by computer operations (Standard mode)To start MD Simple Burner, click [Start] – [All Programs]* – [MD Simple Burner] – [MD Simple Burner

107The window for recording selected tracks from an audio CD[Erase]Disc name (MD)Track information (CD) Album TitleRecording mode drop down menu[REC/S

108Other informationUninstalling SonicStage/MD Simple BurnerTo uninstall SonicStage/MD Simple Burner, follow the procedures below.1 Click [Start]–[Con

109On copyright protectionThe OpenMG technology allows you to enjoy digital music, while maintaining the copyrights of its holders.Restrictions on aud

11Software Operation (pages 86 to 112)This section explains the installation and basic operations of the supplied SonicStage/MD Simple Burner software

110TroubleshootingPlease refer to the following steps if you encounter a problem while using SonicStage/MD Simple Burner.1 Check the symptoms in this

111The software cannot be installed onto your computerProblem Cause/RemedyThe installation was not successful.You are using an OS that does not suppor

112Using a MD Walkman connected to the computerProblem Cause/RemedyYour computer does not recognize the MD Walkman.The MD Walkman is not firmly connec

113IndexAA-B Repeat 42Accessoriesoptional 68supplied 12ATRAC3plus 81AVLS 56BBattery 17, 18Battery life 20BEEP 56Bookmark 41CCD drive 88CDDB 88, 105CD-

114RRecordinganalog 34digital 21from microphone 32level 33, 35recording mode 34Synchro-recording 38time 82Recording mode 105Recording mode (Bit rate)

115This warranty is valid only in Canada.

12Checking the supplied accessoriesOptical cable (except for the North American and Mexican models) (1)Clamp filters (small-size)• for the North Ameri

13Recorder OperationHow to use the supplied clamp filtersWhen using the recorder connected to the computer, make sure to attach the clamp filters in t

14Looking at controlsThe recorderA MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack1)B LINE IN (OPT) jackC HOLD switchSlide the switch in the direction of the arrow to disabl

15The display window of the recorderA Operating condition indication display areaDisplays the indications of each operating condition.x: stopN: playX:

16The earphones with a remote control (except for the North American model)A VOL (volume) +, – controlB HOLD switchSlide the switch in the direction o

17Getting startedCharge the rechargeable battery before using.1Insert the rechargeable battery.2Charging the rechargeable battery.1Connect the AC powe

18z•If the display disappears after a short time, the rechargeable battery is sufficiently charged.• If the rechargeable battery is completely drained

194Unlock the control.Slide HOLD to the opposite direction of the arrow (.) on the recorder or the remote control to unlock the controls.For models su

2To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.To prevent fire, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with news

20When playing continuously in Hi-MD mode(Unit: approx.hours)(JEITA)When playing continuously in MD mode(Unit: approx.hours)(JEITA)• Stop the recorder

21Recording a disc right away!This section explains the basic procedure for making digital recordings using an optical cable connected to a CD player,

222Insert a recordable disc.1Slide OPEN to open the lid. 2Insert a disc with the label side facing front, and press the lid down to close.3Confirm the

234Record a disc.1Select and pause the sound source to be recorded.2Make sure that the x indication appears in the display window.3While the recorder

24• When you record on a 1GB Hi-MD disc, connect the AC power adaptor to the recorder, charge the rechargeable battery fully (battery level indication

25Playing a disc right away!1Insert a recorded disc.1Slide OPEN to open the lid. 2Insert a disc with the label side facing front, and press the lid do

26The playback sound may skip if:• the recorder is subject to strong, repeated shocks.• a dirty or scratched disc is played.When using a disc in Hi-MD

27Using menusHow to use the menu itemsThe recorder has many menus with useful functions for recording, playback, editing, etc.To set the menu items, d

28List of menusThe following table shows the menu items that you can select. Menu items can be set with the recorder only.Items listed under “Menu 1”

29REC Settings REC Mode Selects the recording mode (PCM, Hi-SP or Hi-LP).page 34REC Level* Manually adjusts the recording level. page 35MIC AGC* Sets

3This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits a

30Various ways of recordingBefore recordingAbout the operation modeThis recorder has two operation modes, “Hi-MD mode” and “MD mode”. The operation mo

31Viewing various informationYou can check the remaining time, track number, etc. when recording or during stop.1 Enter the menu and select “Display”.

32While recording •When a disc used in Hi-MD mode is inserted in the recorder, the free space will show as “2.0MB” when the remaining recording time b

332 Turn the jog dial to select “Sens High” or “Sens Low”, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection.Sens High: When recording a soft sound o

34Recording from a TV or radio (Analog Recording)This section explains how to record from equipment with analog output, such as a cassette recorder, r

35zAudio components that support the linear PCM, Hi-SP and Hi-LP mode are indicated by the or logo mark.• It is recommended that you use the AC pow

36Adding track marks while recordingYou can add track marks (track number) while recording to divide the material into separate parts, that allow you

37Recording without creating a new groupThe recorder is factory set to automatically create a new group for each recording. To record without creating

38To start/stop recording in sync with the sound source (Synchro-recording)When making a digital recording (e.g., from a CD), this function automatica

39Various ways of playbackViewing various informationYou can check the track name, disc name, etc. during playback.1 Enter the menu and select “Displa

4Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems

40Selecting the play modeYou can listen to tracks in various play modes. The play mode can consist of a combination of Main play mode, Sub play mode a

41Listening to tracks by a specific artist (Artist Play) (in Hi-MD mode only)If the track data includes the artist name, you can listen to tracks by a

422 Turn the jog dial to select a track, and then press the jog dial to enter the selection.To erase bookmarksWhile playing the track for which you wa

43To cancel Repeat PlaySelect “Off” in step 2.Searching for a track (Search)You can easily search for a track by track name, group name, artist name,

44• After step 4, Bookmark play is canceled.• After step 4, A-B Repeat play is canceled.• During a search, unlabeled tracks appear at the end of each

45To cancel the settingSelect “Normal” in step 1.To modify and store the sound (For models except European models)You can modify the sound and store t

46Editing recorded tracksBefore editing• When you edit the contents of a 1GB Hi-MD disc, connect the AC power adaptor to the recorder, charge the rech

47About the character paletteDuring operations on the recorder, characters can be selected from the character palette in the display window. The chara

483 Turn the jog dial downward.The cursor shifts from the letter input area to the character palette.4 Select a letter and press the jog dial to enter

49Assigning tracks or groups as a new group (Group Set)With this function, you can assign existing tracks or groups to a new group, and also you can a

5• SonicStage and SonicStage logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.• MD Simple Burner, OpenMG, “Magic Gate”, “MagicGate Mem

503 Turn the jog dial to select the number of the desired last track, and then press the jog dial to enter.This selects the last track of the new grou

51If the selected track is not in the group, the name of the currently selected track appears with “B” in the display.2 If you are moving a track from

52Erasing tracks and the entire disc (Erase)Note that once a recorded item has been erased, it cannot be recovered. Make sure to confirm the contents

531 Play the disc you want to erase to check the contents.2 Press x.3 Enter the menu to select “Edit” - “Erase” - “All Tr Erase”.“ALL TRACKS WILL BE E

54To add track marks while recording (except while synchro-recording)Press T MARK on the recorder at the point you want to add a track mark.You can us

55Formatting the disc (Format)When using a disc in Hi-MD mode, you can use the Format function to restore a disc to the condition it was in at the tim

56Other operationsChanging the displayed menu items (Menu Mode)You can specify the display of all items in the menu (Advanced mode) or only basic item

57Storing the settings for individual discs (Disc Memory)The recorder is factory set to automatically store settings for each disc. The recorder autom

58Selecting the disc mode (Disc Mode)When you insert a 60/74/80-minute standard disc (blank) into the recorder, you can use this function to specify u

59Changing the operational direction of the displayWhen you turn the jog dial downward, the display scrolls downward. This is the factory setting. You

6Table of contentsAbout available functions and supplied manuals ... 10Recorder OperationLooki

60Using the recorder with a computerWhat you can do through connection with a computer To use the recorder connected to a computer, you must install t

61Connecting the recorder to your computerWhen you connect the dedicated USB cable directly to the USB connecting jack on the recorder, power (bus pow

62• If you use the recorder connected to the computer, it is recommended that you insert a fully charged rechargeable battery as a precaution against

63Viewing non-audio data stored on the disc in the display window of the recorder (File List)When using a disc in Hi-MD mode, you can view non-audio d

64The storage space for each disc (formatted with the recorder/the SonicStage software)Disc type Total size Disc management space1)2)1)This is space t

65Additional informationPrecautionsOn safetyDo not put any foreign objects in the DC IN 3V jack.On power sources• Use house current, nickel metal hydr

66• Because of the battery’s characteristics, the capacity of the rechargeable battery may be smaller than normal when it is used for the first time o

67SpecificationsAudio playing systemMiniDisc digital audio systemSystemsMiniDisc system, Hi-MD systemLaser diode propertiesMaterial: GaAlAsWavelength:

68Optional accessoriesOptical CablePOC-15B, POC-15ABLine CableRK-G129, RK-G136Stereo MicrophonesECM-MS907, ECM-MS957 MDR-series Stereo Headphones/earp

69Troubleshooting and explanationsTroubleshootingIf a problem occurs during recorder operation, follow the steps described below before consulting the

7Editing recorded tracks ... 46Before editing ...

70While recordingSymptom Cause/Remedy“NOT ENOUGH POWER TO REC” appears and recording cannot be done on a 1GB Hi-MD disc.• Recording is not possible wh

71The lid does not open after recording.• The lid does not open until “SYSTEM FILE WRITING” disappears in the display.“TRACK FULL” appears even before

72Playback sound skips. • The recorder is placed where it receives continuous vibration., Put the recorder on a stable place.• A very short track may

73While editingSymptom Cause/Remedy“NOT ENOUGH POWER TO EDIT” appears and editing cannot be done on a 1GB Hi-MD disc.• Editing is not possible when us

74A new group cannot be created.• This is due to the MiniDisc system limitations (in MD mode only). Group information has been written to the area whe

75The playing time of a transferred track is different from the time that appears on your computer monitor.This is due to a calculation discrepancy be

76The recorder does not work or works poorly.• The lid is not firmly closed., Close the lid until it clicks. Then slide OPEN to open the lid.• Moistur

77MessagesIf the following messages appear in the display window on the recorder, check the chart below.Message Meaning/RemedyAVLS NO VOLUME OPERATION

78DATA SAVE • The recorder is writing information to the system file, such as the recorded data or editing information., Wait until the message disapp

79NO DIGITAL COPY• You tried to make a copy from a disc that is protected by the Serial Copy Management System. You cannot make copies from a digitall

8Software OperationWhat you can do with SonicStage/MD Simple Burner ... 86Installing ...

80READ ERROR • The recorder cannot read the disc information correctly., Reinsert the disc.REC ERROR • Recording was not correctly done., Place the re

81ExplanationsAbout Hi-MD“Hi-MD” is a new MiniDisc format.Incorporating the new ATRAC3plus audio compression technology, Hi-MD is a new recording form

82About “System File”The system file is space on the disc that is used to store information other than audio files; for instance, track numbers.If the

83When using a disc in MD modeYou cannot record in MD mode on this recorder.About recordable audio formatsThe audio formats that can be recorded on th

84Note on digital recordingThis recorder uses the Serial Copy Management System, which allows only first-generation digital copies to be made from pre

85Difference between digital (optical) and analog (line) inputsThe input jack of this recorder works as both digital and analog input jacks. Connect t

86What you can do with SonicStage/MD Simple BurnerSonicStage allows you to import audio data to your computer from music sources such as audio CDs and

87Software OperationBasic operational flow using an MD WalkmanProviding the required system environment (page 88)Installing the software onto your com

88InstallingProviding the required system environmentThe following system environment is required in order to use the SonicStage Ver. 3.0/MD Simple Bu

89Installing the software onto your computerBefore installing the software• Make sure to close any virus-check software, as such software usually dema

9

904 Click [Install SonicStage and MD Simple Burner] and then follow the displayed instructions.Read the instructions carefully.Depending on your regio

91Using SonicStageImporting audio dataThis section explains how to record and store audio data from an audio CD to My Library of SonicStage on the har

923 Point to [ Music Source] on the upper-left side of the screen and click [Import a CD].The screen switches to the “Music Source” (Importing CD) sc

93Transferring audio data from your computer to the MD WalkmanAudio data stored in My Library of SonicStage can be transferred to your MD Walkman an i

944 If necessary, change the transfer mode.As the default setting, tracks in the OpenMG (PCM/ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus) format will be transferred in the same

95Transferring back audio data from the MD Walkman to your computerAudio data that has been transferred from your computer and stored on the MD can be

964 Click in the middle of the screen.The transferring of the tracks selected in step 3 starts.To stop transferringClick .To import cover art set us

974 Click in the middle of the screen.The “Import” dialog box appears.5 Click [Yes].The importing of the tracks selected in step 3 starts.To stop im

98Writing audio data to a CD-R/CD-RW discYou can write tracks in My Library of SonicStage to a CD-R/CD-RW disc. Analog tracks recorded on a Hi-MD devi

994 Click in the middle of the screen.The selected albums or tracks appear on the right side of the screen (the CD-R/CD-RW) as a tentative list of i