Aiwa AM-NX1 User Manual

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3-253-939-11(1)

Portable MiniDisc Recorder

Operating Instructions

Recorder Operation ____________________________ Software Operation _____________________________

page 9 page 42

AM-NX1

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

To prevent fire, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with news papers, table clot hs, curtains, etc. And don’t place lighted candles on the apparatus.

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

Certain countries may regulate disposal of the battery used to power t his product. Please consult with your local authority.

Caution

The use of optical instruments with this product will incre as e eye hazard.

CAUTION RADIATION WHEN OPEN

AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM

— INVISIBLE LASER

Information

IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE, OR LOSSES OR EXPENSES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT OR THE USE OF ANY PRODUCT.

The validity of the CE marking is restricted to only th ose countries where i t is legally enforced, mainly in the countries EEA (European Economic Area).

• SonicStage, O p enMG and the Ope nMG

logo, MagicG at e M emory Stick and the MagicGate Memory Stick logo, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, Net MD and the Net MD logo, ATRAC, ATRAC3 and ATRAC3 plus are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

• Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and

Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and /or other countr i es.

• IBM and PC/AT are registered

trademarks of Inter national Business Machines Corporation.

• Macintosh is a tra demark of Apple

Computer, Inc. in the United States and/ or other countries.

• Pentium is a registered trademark of

Intel Corporation.

• All other trademarks and registered

trademarks ar e trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

• ™ and ® marks are omitted in this

manual.

Notice for users

On the supplied software

• Copyright laws prohibit reproducing the

software or the manual accompanying it in whole or in part, or renting the software without the permission of the copyright holder.

• In no event will SONY be liable for any

financial damage, or loss of profits, including claims made by third parties, arising out of the use of the software supplied with this recorder.

• In the event a problem occurs with this

software as a result of defective manufacturing, SONY will replace it. However, SONY bears no other responsibility.

• The software provided with this

recorder cannot be used with equipment other than that which is so designated.

• Please note that, due to continued efforts

to improve quality, the software specifications may be changed without notice.

• Operation of this reco rder with soft ware

other than that provided is not covered by the warranty.

Table of contents

Recorder Operation

Looking at controls ............................. ............10

Getting started ...............................................13

Playing an MD right away! ..............................16

Various ways of playback ..............................18

Viewing various informat ion ..................... .... ... ...................... .... ... .......18

Selecting the play mode ........................................................................18

Playing a track repeatedly (Repeat Play) .............................. ... .... ...19

Listening to tracks in a desired sequence (Program Play) ..............19

Adjusting the sound (Virtual-Surround • Digital Sound Equalizer) .....20

Varying the virtual sound to create different acoustics (Virtual-

Selecting the sound quality (Digital Sound Equalizer) ..................20

Changing playback speed (Digital Speed Control) ...............................21

Using the group function ................................23

What is the group function? ..................................................................23

Using the group function when play in g .................................. .... ..........23

Playing a track in group play ..........................................................23

Selecting the play mode for group play (Group Play Mo de ) .........24

Repeat play for the selected group play mode

Playing groups in a desired sequence (Group Program Play) ........24

Surround) .........................................................................20

(Group Repeat Play) ........................................................24

Other operations .............................................25

Useful settings ............................... ... .... ...................... ... ...................... .25

How to use the menu items .............................. .... ..................... .... .26

Turning off the beep sound ............................................................ 26

Preserving battery power (Power Save Mode) .............................. 26

Starting the playback quickly (Qu ick Mod e ) ................. ................27

Protecting your hearing (EAR GUARD) .......................................27

Turning on/off the backlight ..........................................................28

Storing the settings for individua l discs

(Playback Information Memory) .................................... 28

List of menus .......................... ..................... .... .... ..................... .... .29

Power sources ................................................30

Battery life ................... ..................... .... .... ..................... .... .... ........ 30

Additional information ....................................31

Precautions ...........................................................................................31

Specifications ....................................................................................... 34

Troubleshooting and explanations ................35

Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 35

While charging ............................................................................... 35

While playing ................................................................................. 36

While using group function ...........................................................37

Others .............................................................................................37

Messages .............................................................................................. 39

Explanations ......................................................................................... 40

Software Operation

What is a Net MD? ..........................................43

Basic Operations ............................................44

Basic operational flow using the Net MD ............ ...................... ... .......44

Providing the required system environment .........................................45

System requirements ......................................................................45

Installing the software onto your computer ..........................................46

Before installing the software .........................................................46

Installing SonicStage Ver.1.5 .........................................................47

Connecting the Net MD to your computer ...........................................49

Storing audio data to your computer .....................................................50

Starting SonicStage ........................................................................50

Recording audio CDs to the hard disk drive ..................................51

Labeling audio data ........................................................................53

Transferring aud io data from your com puter to the

Net MD (Check-out) .................. .... ... .... ...................... ... .... ..............54

Checking out audio files to the Net MD .........................................54

Listening to an MD ............................. ...................... ... ...................... ...57

Listening to an MD with the Net MD connected to the

Listening to an MD with the Net MD disconnected from the

computer ..........................................................................57

Advanced operations ......................................58

Using other functions! ............................... .... ..................... .... .... ..........58

Using the SonicStage onlin e help .......................... ...................... ...58

Other information ...........................................60

Settings and Precautions ...................................................................... 60

Settings according to OS ........................... ... ...................... .... ... ..... 60

For users with OpenMG Jukebox, SonicStage, SonicStage Premium,

or SonicStage Si mple Burner ins talled on

their computer .................................................................62

Note on hard disk drive space ........................................................63

Notes on system suspend/hibernation mode ..................................63

Backing up the audio data ..................... ...................... ... ................63

Uninstalling the SonicStage software ..................................................64

For Windows XP users ..................................................................6 4

For Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 98 Second Edition

For Windows 2000 users ...............................................................65

Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 66

If your computer does not recognize the Net MD ......................... 68

If the installation was not successful ............................................. 68

Information and explanatio ns ................................. .... ... ...................... .70

Net MD FAQ ................................................................................. 70

On copyright protection ....................................... ..................... .... .71

Glossary ...............................................................................................73

Index ..................................................................................................... 75

users ................................................................................ 64

Before using this product

This manual explains the recorder operations and the installation and basic use of the supplied SonicSta ge software. For details on the various operations, refer to the pages indicated below.

When using the recorder

Recorder Operation (pages 9 to 40)

Pages 9 to 40 in t his man ua l e xp la in t he use of t he Net MD a s an or di na ry MiniDisc recorder.

3-253-939-11(1)

Portable MiniDisc Recorder

Operating Instructions

page9

Recorder Operation ____________________________

page42

Software Operation _____________________________

Troubleshooting and explanations (page 35)

This section shows the troubles you may find while using the recorder, and their solutions.

AM-NX1

When using the Net MD (the recorder) connected to your computer

Software Operation (pages 42 to 74)

Pages 42 to 74 in this manual explain the instal la tion and basic operations of the suppli ed SonicStage software. Refer to these pages for details.

Other information (page 60)

This section shows the tr oubles you may find while using the SonicStage software, and their solutions. It al so has the list of frequently asked questions and answers .

SonicStage Ver. 1.5 Help

This is an online help that you can view on your computer screen. Refer to online help for details on the use of the software . To display the help window, see page 58.

Notes on the “Software Operation” section

• The displayed items in the illustrations that appe ar in this section may differ from the actual items

displayed by the software.

• Explanations in this section assume familiarity with basic Windows operations. For details on the use

of your computer and the operating system, please refer to the respective manuals.

• Explanations in this section cover general Net M D pro duc ts. For th is rea son, some explanations (and

some illustrations) may not be applicable to your Net MD. Please refer to the operating instructions of your Net MD as well.

Checking the supplied accessories

AC power adaptor (1) Battery charging sta nd (1) Headphones/earphones

Dedicated US B cable (1)

Dry battery case (1)

NH-14WM Nickel metal hydride rechargea bl e battery (1)

with a remote control (1)

Battery carrying case (1)

Recorder Operation

CD-ROM (SonicStage Ver. 1.5) (1)* Carrying pouc h (1)

∗ Do not play a CD-ROM on an audio CD player.

Looking at controls

The recorder

A Battery compartment B Terminals for attaching a battery

charging stand

C Terminals for attaching a dry battery

case

D DC IN 3V jack E OPEN switch F Handstrap hole

Use the hole to attach your own strap.

G Dedicated USB cable connecting jack H CHARGE/DATA indicator I i (headphones/earphones) jack

The headphones/earphones with a remote control

A Volume contro l (VOL+, –)

Turn to adjust the volume.

B x (stop) button C NX/ENTER button: play, pause,

enter

D Dis pl ay window E (group) +, – F >: FF

.: REW

G Clip

H HOLD switch

Slide the switch in the directio n of the arrow (a yellow mark appears) to disable the buttons o n th e remote control. To prevent the buttons from being accidentally operated when you carry the recorder, use this function.

I SOUND button J DISPLAY button K P MODE/ button

Using the clip for the remote control

It may be hard for you to read th e indications in the display if the remote control is attach e d upside down with the clip in its c urrent position. In this case, attach the clip in the opposite direction as shown below.

1 Remove the clip.

2 Attach the cl ip in th e opposite direction.

The display window of the remote control

A Disc indication B Track number display C Character information display D Play mode indication

E SOUND indication F Battery level indica tio n G Group indication

Getting started

Charge the rechar geabl e battery befor e using. Ev en if the rech arge able battery is not charged, you can use the recorder as long as the AC power adaptor is connected.

Insert the rechargeable battery.

Insert the NH - 14WM

battery compartment lid.

rechargeable battery minus end first.

Charge the rechargeable battery.

1 Connect the AC power adaptor to the

battery chargin g st and and the AC adaptor to a wall outlet.

To a wall outlet

AC power adaptor

Battery charging stand

To DC IN 3V

Close the lid.Slide OPEN to open the

2 Place the recorder on the battery

charging stand.

Attach the connector to the jack firmly.

CHARGE/DA TA indicator lights in red, and charging starts. When charging completed, the CHARGE/DATA indicator goes off. The battery is fully charged after charging is continued 2 more hours.

3 Remove the recorder from the batter y

charging stand.

For models supplied with the AC plug adaptor

If the AC power adaptor does not fit the wall outlet, use the AC plug adaptor.

Using the alkaline dry battery

Attach the dry batter y c ase to the recorder. Rear of the

recorder

Insert an LR6 (size AA) alkaline dry battery. To operate the recorder for the longest possible time, use the dry battery together with a fully charged rechargeable battery.

Insert the battery mi nus end first.

Make connections and unlock the controls.

1 Connect the headphones/earphones

with the remote control to i.

Connect firmly.

2 Slide HOLD to the opposite direction of

the arrow (.) on the remote c ont rol to unlock the controls .

HOLD

To i

Connect firmly.

Y ou can also char g e th e rech ar geab le b atte ry b y connecting the A C p owe r adaptor d irectl y to th e recorder. Connect the headphones/ea rp hone s with the remote control to i. Connect the AC power adaptor to DC IN 3V on the recorder, and then press x on the remote control while the recorder is stoppe d. “Charging” and e appear in the display and charging starts. Full charging takes about 3.5 hours. Chargi ng is complete when disappears. Charging time may vary depe nding on the battery condit ion.

Notes

• If you start playback or do another operation

during charging, the charging will stop.

• “Charging” and e may not appear in the

display immediately after you place the recorder on the battery char g ing stand. The indication will, however, begin flashing after a few minutes and charging will begin.

• Charge th e ba tt ery at a tem p erature of +5°C

(+41°F) to +40°C (+104° F).

Battery life

See page 30.

Playing an MD right away!

Insert an MD.

1 Press OPEN to open the lid. 2 Insert an MD to the direction of the

arrow with the label side facing front, and press the lid down to clos e.

Play an MD.

1 Press NX/ENTER on the remote

control.

A short beep sounds in the headphones/ earphones when you operate.

2 Turn the volume control toward s VOL +

or – on the remote control.

Volume control

(VOL+, –)

/ENTER

The volume will be show n in the display.

To stop play, press x.

A long beep sounds in the headphones/ earphones when you operate. After you stop the recorder, the recorder will automatically turn off in about 10 seconds. Playback starts from the point you last stopped playing. To start with the first track of the disc, press NX/ENTER on the remote control for 2 seconds or more.

To Operation

Pause Press NX.

Press NX again to resume play.

Find the beginning of the current track Press ..

Press . repeatedly until you reac h the

beginnin g of the desired track. Find the beginning of the next track Press >. Go backwards or forward while playing Press and hold . or >. Search for a point in a track while

viewing the elapse d time (Time search) Search for a specific track while viewing

track numbers (Index search) Cue to the beginning o f every 10th tr ac k

(only during playback of the disc with no group settings)

Remove the MD Press x and open the lid.

For more details, see “Using the group func tion” (page 23).

Once you open the lid, the point to start play will change to the beginning of the first track (except when the disc information is stored to the Playback Information Memory).

While pausing, pr ess and hold . or >.

While the recorder is stopped, press and hold

. or >.

Press + or –.

If the play does not start

Make sure the recorder i s no t lo cked (pages 11,

14).

Note

The playback sound may skip if:

• the recorder receives stronger continuous

shock.

• a dirty or scratched MiniDisc is played.

Various ways of playback

This section explains the operations that are done on the remote control. For details on operations done on the recorder, see the pages indicated for eac h op eration.

Viewing various information

You can check the track name, disc name, etc. during playback. Group-related items appear only when a track with group settings is played.

DISPLAY

1 While playing, pres s D ISPLAY.

Each time you press DISPLAY, the display changes as follows.

Display windo w on the remot e cont r ol

Track number SP/LP mode of the

current track

Note

Depending on the group settings, the ope r ating conditions, and the disc settings, you may not be able to select certain indications or the indications may ap pe ar differ e n tly.

Selecting the play mode

You can select the various play m odes using the P MODE/ button.

P MODE/

/ENTER

1 Press P MODE/ repeatedly.

Each time you press the button, the play mode changes as follows:

Play mode indication

Display: A/B

Track nu m ber Elapsed time Track number Track name Numbers of

tracks in the group

Numbers of remaining tracks

Track number Group name and track

Group name

Disc name

name

Indication

(none) (normal Play)

1 (single-track play)

SHUF

(shuffle play)

Play mod e

All the tracks are played once.

A single track is played once.

All the tracks are played in random order.

Indication1)Play mode

PGM

(program play)

Group play mode ( ) appears whenever you play a disc with group settings. For more details, see “Playing a track in group play” (page 23).

Tracks are pl ayed in the order that you specified.

Playing a track repeatedly (Repeat P lay)

You can use th e r ep eat function for normal play, single-track pl ay, shuffle play, and program play mode.

1 While playin g in t he selected play

mode, press P MODE/ for 2 seconds or more.

appears in the dis play.

To cancel repeat play

Press P MODE/ for 2 seconds or more.

By pressing the P MODE/ button during repeat play, you can change the play mode to used with repeat play.

3 Repeat step 2 to program mor e tracks.

You can prog ram up to 20 tracks.

4 After programming the tracks, press

NX/ENTER for 2 seconds or mor e. The program is st ored and playback

starts from the first track.

The program play setting will remain in memory even after playback finishes or is stopped.

Note

If you open the lid, all program settings are canceled.

Listening to tracks in a desired sequence (Program Play)

1 While playing, press

P MODE/ repeatedly unti l “PGM” appears in the display.

2 Press . or > repeatedly to

select a track, and th en press NX/ ENTER to enter that track.

Track number

Programmed sequence

Adjusting the sound (Virtual-Surround • Digital Sound Equalizer)

You can vary the virtual sound to create differe nt acous tics, o r modify the sound t o suit your taste and store it for later use. The following two effect can be selected.

V- SUR (Virtual-Surround)

Provides 4 kinds of virt ual surround conditions.

Digital Sound Equalizer

Provides 5 different sound qualities.

SOUND

Varying the virtual sound to create different acoustics (Virtual-Surround)

1 While playing, press SOUND

repeatedly to select “V-SUR”

2 Press SOUND for 2 seconds or more. 3 Press . or > repeat edly to

select the surround mode.

CHURCH V-SUR C

4 Press NX/ENTER to enter the

selected surround mode.

Selecting the sound quality (Digital Sound Equalizer)

1 While playing, press SOUND

repeatedly to select “SOUND.”

2 Press SOUND for 2 seconds or more. 3 Press . or > repeatedly to

select the sound mode.

Each time you press . or >, A and B change a s follows:

METAL SOUL JAZZ TECHNO USER

SOUND 1 SOUND 2 SOUND 3 SOUND 4 SOUND U

4 Press NX/ENTER to enter the

selected sound m ode.

To cancel the procedure

Press x for 2 seco nds or more.

Each time you press . or >, A and B change as follows:

STUDIO LIVE HALL

V-SUR S V-SUR L V-SUR H

To cancel the setting

Press SOUND repeatedly until the indication at B disappears.

To modify and store the sound

You can modify the so und and store the results in “USER”.

1 Do steps 1 to 3 of “Selecting the sound

quality (Digital Sound E qualizer )” (page20),

. or > repeatedly until

and press “USER” appears.

2 Press NX/ENTER.

. or > repeatedly to select the

3 Press

frequency.

Changing playback speed (Digital Speed Control)

The speed contro l function is useful for language study and other purpose. Thi s function changes the playback speed without changing the playback pitch. The playback speed can be varied from +100% to –50% the normal speed, in 13 steps.

Frequency (100 Hz) From the left, you can se lec t 1 00 H z, 250 Hz, 630 Hz, 1.6kHz, 4 kHz, or 10 kHz

4 Turn the volume con trol repeatedly to adjus t

the level .

Level (+6 dB) You can select from among five lev els . –6 dB, –3 dB, 0 dB, +3 dB, +6 dB

5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 to adjust the level for

each frequency.

6 Press NX/ENTER to enter the selection.

To cancel the procedure

Press x for 2 seconds or more.

To return to the preceding setting

Press x.

DISPLAY

/ENTER

1 While playing, press DISPLAY for 2

seconds or more.

2 Press . or > repeatedly until

“USEFUL” appea rs in th e di splay, and then press

NX/ENTER.

3 Press . or > repeatedly until

“SpeedCtrl” appears in the display, and then press

The player changes to speed-s et t i ng mode. Select th e speed while listening the sound.

NX/ENTER.

4 Press . or > repeatedly to sele ct

the desired play back speed, and then

NX/ENTER to enter the

press selection.

“SC” appears in the display.

To cancel the procedure

Press x for 2 seconds or more.

To return to the preceding setting

Press x.

Once you open the lid, the playback speed reverts to the normal speed (0%).

Note

When using digital speed control, you may hear noise or an echo in the playback.

Using the group function

What is the group function?

The group function is provided to allow playback of di scs with gr oup sett ings. The group function is convenient for playb ack of MDs on which several albums or CD singles have been recorded in MDLP (LP2/LP4) mode.

What is a disc with group settings?

The recorder ca n operate various functions in units of group; that is tracks that have been recorded on a disc as part of separate grou ps , as shown below.

Note

It will not be possible to make a group setting if the tracks, groups and disc name on a disc exceed the maximum number that can be input.

Using the group function when playing

The recorder ca n operate various playback wit h a disc which has group setting.

P MODE/

Before group settings are m ade

Disc

2 4 5 6 7 8 12 131415

Track 1 to 5 are assigned to group 1. Track 8 to12 are assigned to group 2. Track 13 to15 are assigned to group 3.

Track 6 to 7 are assigned to no group.

After group assignments hav e been made

Disc

Group 1

2345 6

Tracks that were not assigned to a group are treat ed as being part of “Group - -” .

You can create a maximum of 99 groups on a disc.

Group 2

712345

Group 3

/ENTER

Playing a track in group play

In group play, all groups are played in order, starting with group 1, followed by the unassigned t racks (“Group -- ”) . Playback stops after all the tracks have been played.

1 While playing, press P MODE/

until “ ” appears in the display.

To cue to the start of a group (Group Skip)

1 While playin g, pre ss + or –.

Pressing the – button cues to the first track in the current group. Pressing the button again cues to the first track of the previous group.

Selecting the play mode for group play (Group Play Mode)

The shuffle play and progr am play function can be use d during group play mode.

1 Press P MODE/ repeatedly.

After normal playback, the following play modes are displayed.

Display Play mode

All tracks in the groups

(Normal Group Play)

, SHUF (In-Group Shuffle)

, PGM (Group Program)

Repeat play for the selected group play mode (Group Repeat Play)

play back once (starting with the first track in group 1).

Shuffle play starts with the group that is currently playing, and co ntinues with the succeeding groups.

The groups are played in the order that you specified.

Playing groups in a desired sequence (Group Program Play)

Do the procedure explai ned in “Listening to tracks in a desired sequence (Progr am Play)” (page 19) to playback grou ps in a desired sequence. You can program up to 10 groups. The seque nce of tracks within the groups cannot be changed.

Suppressing the skips of the sound (E.A.S.S. GP)

The E.A.S.S. GP func tion was developed to provide a higher level of shock resistance than that of existing players.

Note

The playback sound m ay skip if:

• the recorder received stronger

continuous shoc k.

• a dirty or scratc hed MD is played.

1 While playing in the selected group

play mode, press P MODE/ for 2 seconds or more.

Playback repea ts in th e respective group mode.

Display Play mode

, Repeat play of tracks

, SHUF Repeat shuffle play of

, PGM Repeat play for gr oup

within a group.

tracks within a group.

program.

Other operations

Useful settings

The recorder has many menus with useful functions for operation. The following table shows the menu items that you can select.

Category Function What it does Site

General operations

Playing Starting playback

Display Select ing the

Useful functions

Beep on/off Turns the beep sound on or off. page 26 Power saving Maximizes the battery life. page 26

quickly Limiting the

maximum volume

backlight status

Playback Information Memory

Sets the recorder to start playback or cue to a tra ck quickly.

Sets a limit on the maximum volume to protect your hearing.

Selects the status of the backlight in the display window on the rem ote control.

Stores the recorder settings. page 28

page

page 27

page 28

How to use the menu items

To set the menu items, do the following procedure.

On the remote control:

1 Press DISPLAY for 2 seconds or more to

enter the menu.

Press . or > repeated ly to select

the item.

NX/ENTER to enter the

3 Press

selection.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3.

The setting will be entered when you

NX/ENTER at the last.

press

To return to the preceding setting

Press x.

To cancel the operation while setting

Press x for 2 seconds or more.

DISPLAY

/ENTER

Turning off the beep sound

You can turn off/on the beep sound on the remote control.

1 Enter the menu and select “OPTION”

- “BEEP”.

2 Select “BEEP OFF”.

To turn on the beep sound

Select “BEEP ON”.

Preserving battery power (Power Save Mode)

This function allows you to maximiz e the operating life of the bat t er y w hen playing the recorder with headphones/earph ones (with a remote control) or a line cable connected to the i jack. Power consumptio n is re duce d b y t urni ng of f th e display when no operation has been made for a while.

1 Enter the menu and select “OPTION”

- “PowerMode ”.

2 Select “PowerSave”.

To tu r n the setting to normal

Select “NORMAL” .

Starting the playback quickly (Quick Mode)

After pressing the playback button or cueing to the track, the playback can start quickly.

Protecting your hearing (EAR GUARD)

The EAR GUARD function keeps down the maximum volume to protect your ears.

1 While the recorder is stopped or

playing, enter the menu and select “OPTION” - “PowerMode”.

2 Select “QUIC K ”.

To switch back to the normal setting

Select “NORMAL”.

Notes

• When the power mode is set to “QUICK”, the

power remains on within the recorder even when nothing appears in the display. This leads to a shorter battery life. For th is r ea son, it is recommended that you charge the ba tt ery daily.

• If no recorder operation (including opening or

closing of the lid) occurs for 17 hours, the power in the recorder autom at ically turns off. For this reason, the next time you start playback or do another operation, the recorder will not respond quickly. The unit, however, will return to quick mode afterwards.

1 Enter the menu and select “OPTION”

- “EAR GUARD”.

2 Select “EAR G. ON”.

When you try to turn the volume too high, “EAR GUARD” appears in the display . The volu me is kep t to a moderate level.

To cancel the EAR GUARD

Select “EAR G. OFF”.

Turning on/off the backlight

The backlight of the display window of the remote control can be set t o remain on or off.

1 While the recorder is stopped, enter

the menu and select “OPTION” “BACKLIGHT”.

2 Select the desired item.

Display Set ting

AUTO Th e backlight lights when

you operate the rec or der or the remote control, and automatically turns off when no operation is made for a few seconds.

ON The backlight lights when

the recorder is operating.

OFF The backlight stays off.

Storing the settings for individual discs (Playback Information Memory)

The recorder can store the various settings for each disc, and then retrieve them automatically whenever the disc is inserted. The following setting can be stored:

• Volume

• Play mode

• Group mode

• Program play

• Sound quality (Virtual Surround/Digital

Sound Equalizer)

• Playback speed (Digital Speed Control)

1 When the recorder is stopped,

playing, or play-paused, enter the menu and select “USEFUL” - “PLAY INFO”.

“Entry?” appe ars in the display.

2 Press NX/ENTER to enter the

selection. “Entry OK” appears in the display

and the disc settings are stored in the recorder.

Erasing the disc information

1 Insert the disc whose info rm a tion is to be

erased and verify its contents.

2 Select “Erase?” after step 1.

“Erase OK” appears in the display and the disc information is erased.

Note

If you try to erase the disc information of a disc that have ne ver been stored, “No Entry!” appears in the display for a few seconds.

“PLAY INFO” appears when the disc with its setting stored is inserted.

Notes

• The settings for up to 20 discs can be stored.

Any settings stored afterw ards wil l replace t he settings for the least used disc among the 20.

• If you add tracks or perform an editing

operation (not including la bel ing) to a disc whose settings have been stored on the recorder, the disc will no longer be recognizable by the recorder and the store d information will become useless. In this case, store the settings ag ai n.

List of me nu s

Menus on the recorder

Items listed under “Menu 1” are the sel ectable items which appear when you pr ess DISPLAY for 2 seconds or more. Item s li sted under “Menu 2” are the selectable items which appear when you select an item in Menu 1, and “Men u 3” are the selectabl e i tems which appear when you select an item in Menu 2.

Note

Different indication may be displayed depending on the operating conditions a nd disc settings.

Menu 1 Menu 2 Menu 3

USEFUL PLAY INFO Entry? y Erase?

SpeedCtrl —

OPTION EAR GUARD EAR G. OFF (factory setting) y EAR G. ON

BEEP BEEP OFF y BEEP ON (factory setting) BACKLIGHT AUTO (factory setting) y ON y OFF PowerMode NORMAL (factory setting) y QUICK y

PowerSave

Power sources

You can use the recorder on house current or as follows.

• a nickel metal hydride rechargeable

battery NH-14WM

• LR6 (size AA ) al kaline dry battery

(used with the supplied dry battery case)

It is preferable to use the recorder on house current when recording for a long time. When poweri ng the recorder with batteries, make sure the rechargeab le battery is fully charged or that the alkalin e dry battery is new to prevent battery exhaustion in the mid dl e of a recording operation.

Battery life

The battery life may be shorter due to operating conditions, the temperature of the location, or the type of alkaline dry battery bei ng used.

When playing

Batteries SP

Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery

LR6 (SG) Sony alkaline dry battery

Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery + One LR6

(SG)

Measured with the power save mode on (see “Preserving battery power (Power Save Mode)” (page 26)).

Measured in accordance with the JEI T A (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Associa tion) standard.

When using a 100% fully charged nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery.

(Unit: approx.hours)(JEITA2))

LP2

Stereo

31 38 45

47 57 69

80 95 114

LP4 Stereo

When using a Sony LR6 (SG) “STAMINA” alkaline dry battery (produced in Japan).

When to replace the batteries

When the dry battery or rechargeable battery is weak, flashing

e or “LOW

BATT” appears in the display. Replace the dry battery or charge the rechargeable battery. The battery lev el indicato r is approximat e. It may be more or less than the indication depending on the operating condition or the operating environment.

Note

Stop the recorder before replacing the battery.

Additional information

Precautions

On safety

Do not put any foreign objects in the DC IN 3V jack.

• Nev er use th e recorder where it will be

subjected to extremes of light, temperature, moisture or vibration.

• Nev er wrap the recor der in an ything whe n it is

being used with the AC power adaptor. Heat build-up in the recorder may cause malfunction or damage.

On power sources

• Use house current, nickel metal hydride

rechargeable battery, LR6 (size AA) batt ery, or car battery.

For use in your house: For the supplied battery

•

charging stand, use the AC power adaptor supplied with this recorder. Do not use any other AC power a daptor since it may cause the r ecorder to malfunction.

Polarity of the plug

• Connect the AC power adaptor to an easi ly

accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in the AC power adaptor, disconnect it from the AC outlet immediate ly.

• The recorder is not disconnected from the AC

power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the recorder itself has been turned off.

• If you are not going to use this recorder for a

long time, be sure to disconnect the power supply (AC power adaptor, dry battery, rechargeable battery, or car battery cord) and remove the reco rder from the bat tery cha rg ing stand. To remove the AC power adaptor from the wall outlet, grasp the adaptor plug itself; never pull the cord.

On heat build-up

Heat may build up in the recorder if it is used for an extended period of time. This, however, is not a malfunction.

On installation

• If you use the recorder at a place subject to

static or electrical noise, the recordin g may not be properly done or the recorded data may be lost. If you perform a check-out or check-in operation at such a p lace, th e track's check- out or check-in authorization may be lost.

On the headphones/earphones

Road safety

Do not use headphones/earphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a traffic hazard and is illegal in many areas. It can also be potentia lly dangerous to play your recorder at high volume while walking, especially at pedestrian crossings. You should exercise extreme caution or discontinue use in pot en ti a l ly hazardous situations.

Preventing hear ing damage

Avoid using headphones/earphones at high volume. Hearing ex pe rt s ad v ise ag ainst continuous, loud and extended play. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use.

Caring for others

Keep the volume at a moder ate level. This will allow you to hear outside sounds and to be considerate of the people around you.

On the remote control

The supplied remote control is designed for use with this recorder only. The recorder cannot be operated with a remote control that was supplied with another device.

On charging

• The supplied battery charging stand can be

used only with this recorder. Any other models cannot be charged.

• Do not use the supplied battery charging stand

to charge any other battery besides the supplied one or the one designated for it (NH14WM).

• Be sure to use the supplied AC power adaptor.

• Charge the rechargeable battery at a

temperature of +5° C (+41°F) to +40°C (+104°F).

• Though the battery charging stand and the

battery may become hot during the charging procedure, this pos e s no danger.

• If you charge the battery for the first time or

after a long period of disuse, the battery may not charge up to its rated capac it y. This is a normal characteristic. After you use and recharge the battery a few times, it will return to its norma l charge capacity.

• If the capacity of the rechargeable battery

drops to half the normal amount, replace with the new one .

On the dry battery case

The supplied dry battery case is designated for this recorder only.

On the MiniDisc cartridge

• When carrying or storing the MiniDisc, keep

it in its case.

• Do not break open the shutter.

• Do not place the cartridge where it will be

subject to light, extreme temperatures, moisture or dust.

• Attach the supplied MD label only in the

space designated for it on the di sc . Do not stick it on any other disc surface.

On cleaning

• Clean the recorder casing with a soft cloth

slightly moistene d w ith water or a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzene as it may ma r th e finish of the casing.

• Wipe the disc cartridge with a dry cloth to

remove dirt.

• Dust on the lens may prevent the unit from

operating properly. Be sure to close the disc compartment lid a f te r inserting or ejecting an MD.

• To obtain the best sound quality, use a dry

cloth to wipe the plugs of the headphones/ earphones or the remote control. Dirty plugs may cause sound distortion or inte r mi tte nt breaks in the sound.

On batteries

Incorrect battery usage may lead to leakage of battery fluid or bursting battery. To prevent such accidents, observe the following precautions:

• Install the + and – poles of the batte ri es

correctly.

• Do not try to recharge dry battery.

• When the recorder is not to be used for a long

time, be sure to remove the ba tte r ie s .

• If a battery leak should develop, carefully and

thoroughly wipe away battery fluid from the battery compart ment before ins e rting new ones.

On mechanical noise

The recorder gives off mechanical noise while operating, which is caused by the power-saving system of the recorder and it is not a problem.

To protec t a recorded MD

To record-protect an MD, slide open the tab at the side of the MD. In this positi on, the MD cannot be recorded. To record again, slide the tab back so the tab is visible.

Tab

Back of the MD

Recorded material is protected.

Recorded materia l is not protected.

On maintenance

Clean the terminals periodically with a cotton swab or a so ft cl oth as illustrated.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your recorder, please consult your nearest Aiwa dealer. (If a trouble occurred when the disc was in the recorder, we recommend that the disc be left in the recorder when you consult your Aiwa dealer so that the cause of trouble may be better unde rstood.)

Specifications

Audio playing system

MiniDisc digital audio syste m

Laser diode properties

Material: GaAlAs Wavelength: λ = 790 nm Emission duration: continuous Laser output: less than 44.6 µW (This output is th e value measured at a distance of 200 mm from the lens surface on the optic al pick-up block with 7 mm aperture.)

Recording and playback time (when using MDW-80)

Maximum 160 min. in monaural Maximum 320 min. in LP4 stereo

Revolutions

350 rpm to 3,600 rpm (CLV)

Error correction

ACIRC (Advanced Cross Interleave Reed Solomon Code)

Sampling frequency

44.1 kHz

Coding

ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding) ATRAC3 — LP2/LP4

Modulation system

EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modu la tion)

Frequency response

20 to 20,000 Hz ± 3 dB

Outputs

i: stereo mini-jack (dedicated remote control jack)/194 mV (10 kΩ)

Maximum output (DC)

Headphones:

4 mW + 4 mW (16 Ω) (European models) 5 mW + 5 mW (16 Ω) (Other models)

Power requirements

Sony AC Power Adaptor connected at the DC IN 3V jack:

120 V AC, 60 Hz (Models for USA, Canada, Mexico and Taiwan) 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Models for continental Europe and Chili) 240 V AC, 50 Hz (Model for Australia) 220 V AC, 50 Hz (Models for China) 230 V AC, 50 Hz (Models for U.K. and Hong Kong) 220 V AC, 60 Hz (Model for Korea) 100 - 120 V/220 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Other models)

The recorder:

Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery NH-14WM, 1.2 V, 1,350 mAh (MIN), Ni-MH LR6 (size AA) alkaline battery

Battery charging stand:

AC power adaptor DC 3V

Battery operation time

See “Battery life” (page 30)

Dimensions

Approx. 78.9 × 72.2 × 17.2 mm (w/h/d)

/8 × 2 7/8 × 11/16 in.)

(excluding projecting parts and controls)

Mass

Approx. 85 g (3.0 oz) the recorder only

Measured in accordance with JEITA.

US and foreign patents licensed fro m Dolby Laboratories.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Optional accessories

Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery NH14WM

Troubleshooting and explanations

Troubleshooting

If a problem occurs during recorder operation, follow the steps described below before consulting the nearest Aiwa dealer. If any messages appear, it is recommended to take notes.

1 Check to see if the problem is listed in “Troubleshooting”.

Check “Messages ” (page 39) for the problem as wel l.

2 If after step 1 you still cannot solve the pr oblem, consult your nearest Aiwa dealer.

While charging

Symptom Cause/Solution

The rechargeable battery does not start charging. The rechargea ble battery cannot be fully charged.

The rechargeable battery has become drained e ven when the recorder was not used for a while.

Even when fully charged, the life of the battery is only about half wha t i t normally is.

• The rechargeable battery or the dry battery has been inserted incorrectly or the AC power ada pt or has been connected incorrectly. , Insert the battery cor rectly or connect th e AC power adaptor

correctly.

• The terminals of th e battery charging stand is di rt y. , Clean the terminals with a dry cloth.

• Because of the battery’s characteristics, th e capacity of the rechargeable battery may be smaller than normal when it is used for the first time or after a long period of disuse. , Charge and discharge the battery several times. The normal

battery life will be restored.

• The rechargeable batter y i s dr ained (nothing appears in the display window). , Charge the rechargeable battery. It takes one minute after

placing the recorder on the battery charging stand for an indication to appear and charging to start. If charging does not start even after a minute, replace the recorder on the battery charging stand again.

• The quick mode was set to “QUICK”. , If you set the quick mode to “QUICK”, the power stays on

inside recorder even when there is no operation, causing the battery life to shorten. If the battery is not fully charged, the rechargeable batt er y may become drained after a while. If this happens, charge the rechargeable batte ry again.

• The useful life of the rechargeable battery may be ending. , Replace the recharge abl e battery with the new one.

continued

Symptom Cause/Solution

The battery charging stand and the recorder become hot during the charging procedure.

• This is normal and poses no danger.

While playing

Symptom Cause/Remedy

An MD is not played normally.

An MD is not played from the first track.

Playback soun d skips.

Sound has a lot of static.

Volume cannot be turned up.

No sound comes through the headphones/ earphones.

• Repeat play is se le ct ed. , Press P MODE/ for 2 seconds or more to change back to the

normal play (page 18).

• Playback mode is changed. , Press P MODE/ for 2 seconds or more to change back to the

normal play (page 18).

• Disc playing stopped before it came to the last track. , Press NX/ENTER for 2 seconds or more to start playing.

• The disc information has been stored to the Playback Information Memory. , Erase the disc informat i on from the Playback Information

Memory (page 28).

• The recorder is pl aced where it receives continuous vibratio n. , Put the recorder on a stable place.

• A very short track may cause sound to ski p. , Try not t o create a short track.

• Strong magnetis m from a television or such devic e is interfering with operation. , Move the recorder away from the source of st rong magnetism .

• EAR GUARD is on. , Release EAR GUARD settings (page 27).

• The “USER” on “S O UND” settings are being applied . , This is not malfuntion. When this setting is applied, the

maximum volume setting will be limited to a certain level to prevent excessive loudness.

• The headphones/e ar phones plug is not firmly connected. , Plug in the plug of the h eadphones/earpho nes firmly to the

remote control. Plug in the plug o f th e r emote co nt ro l firmly to i.

• The plug is dirty. , Clean the plug.

While using group function

Symptom Cause/Remedy

The group function does no t operate.

• While using a disc with out group setting, an att em pt was made to select some group-related menu. , Use a disc with gr oup setting.

Others

Symptom Cause/Remedy

The recorder does not work or works poorly.

• The rechargeable batter y is not charged. , Charge the rechargeable battery.

• The volume is low. , Turn up the volume.

• No disc is inserte d. , Insert a recorded disc.

• The HOLD function is turned o n. , Disable HOLD by sliding the HOLD switch to the opposite

direction of th e arrow

• The lid is not firmly closed. , Close the lid until it clicks. Then slide OPEN to open the lid.

• Moisture has condensed inside the r ecorder. , Take the MD out and leave the recorder in a warm place for

several hours until the moisture evaporates.

• The AC power adaptor is not firmly connected. , Connect the AC power adaptor firmly to the DC IN 3V jack on

the recorder or the battery charging stand and to the house current.

• The rechargeable battery or dry battery is weak (“LOW BATT” flashes or nothin g appears).

, Charge the rechargeable battery or replace the dry battery with

a new one (page 13 ), or use the supplied AC power adapto r.

• The dry battery has b een inserted inco rrectly. , Insert the battery correctly (page 14).

(pages 11, 14).

Symptom Cause/Remedy

The recorder does not work or works poorly.

The display window is not normal.

When using with the AC power adaptor, the display window of the recorder will remain faintly lit for some time ev en after the recorder is stopped.

The playing time of a checked- out tra ck is different from the time that appears on your computer monitor.

• The disc is damag ed or does not contain pr oper recording or editing data.

, Reinsert the disc. Rerecord the disc. If the error message still

appears, replace it with anot her disc.

• There is an internal malfunction in the system. , Remove the dedicated USB cable from the reco rder, restart

your computer, and then connect the cable to the recorder again.

• While operating, the recorder received a mechanical shock, too much static, abnormal powe r voltage caus ed by lightning , et c. , Restart the operation as fol l ows.

1 Disconnect all the power sources. 2 Leave the recorder for about 30 secon ds. 3 Connect the power source.

• The recorder wa s di sconnected from the power source. , Let the recorder sit f or a while, o r disconne ct the po wer sourc e,

reconnect i t , and then press an y of the operation buttons.

• This is due to the MiniDisc system limitation. The recorder turns off 10 senconds after the recorder has stopped in order to allow the charging time on the de di cated USB cradle to b e calculated.

This is due to a calculation discrepancy between the recorder and the computer.

Messages

If the following error messages flash i n th e display window on the r em ote control, check the chart below.

Error message Meaning/Remedy

BLANKDISC • An MD with no recording on it is inserted. CannotCHG • You tried to charge the battery at a place with a temperature outside

Charging • The rechargeable batt ery is being charged. EAR GUARD • EAR GUARD is set to "EAR G.ON" and so the volume cannot rise

ERROR • Ther e i s an internal malfunction in the sy st em.

Hi DC in • Vo lt age of the power supply is to o high (The supplied AC power

LOW BATT • Batte ri es are weak.

NO DISC • You tried to play or record with no disc in the recorder.

No Entry! • Y ou tried to erase a setting in the Playback Information Memory on

READ ERR • The recorder cannot read the disc information correctly.

SLOW CHG • You tried to charge at a place where the temperat ur e is to o l ow.

TEMP OVER • Heat has built up in the recorder.

TOC ERR • The recorder cannot read the disc information correctly.

TR FULL • Track number 254 has been rea ched.

the specified ran ge for the recorder. , Charge the battery at a temp er at ure of +5°C (+41°F) to +40°C

(+104°F).

higher.

, Set EAR GUARD to "EAR G. OFF" (page 27).

, Restart the operation by doing steps 1 to 3 on page 38. If the

message appears again, pl ease consult your nearest A i w a dealer.

adaptor or the recommended car battery cord is not used). , Use the supplied AC power adaptor or the recommended car

battery cord.

, Charge the rechargeable battery or replace the dry battery

(page 13).

, Insert an MD.

a disc that contains no settings in the Playback Information Memory (page 28).

, Reinsert the disc.

, Charge the battery at a temper at ure of +5°C (+41°F ) t o + 40°C

(+104°F).

, Let the recorder cool down.

, Insert another disc.

Explanations

Restrictions on the editing of tracks checked out from your computer

This unit was designed so that editing functions (i.e., eras in g track s , addi ng t rac k marks, and erasing track marks) do no t function for tracks that have been chec ked out from your computer. This is to prevent the loss of check-in authori zation by the checked- out tra cks. To edit these tracks, first check them back into the computer, and then edit them on the computer.

About the DSP TYPE-S for ATRAC/ATRAC3

This recorder supports DSP TYPE-S, a specification for hig h-l evel Sony MiniDisc decks equipped with digital signal processors (DSP). This specification allows the rec order to produce high-quality sound from tracks recor de d in MDLP mo de . Since it retain s DSP TYPE -R support, the recorder produces superi or results during recording or playback in SP (normal stereo) mode.

Suppressing the skips of the sound (E.A.S.S GP)

The E.A.S.S GP function was developed to provide a higher level of shock resistance than that of existing players.

Recording audio data to your computer

You can record audio data to your computer from sources such as audio CDs and the Internet (page 50).

Audio CDs

Internet

On the computer

Listening

You can listen to an audio CD in the CDROM drive of your comp uter, or audio data in the hard disk drive (page 57).

What is a Net MD?

Net MD is a standard that enables th e transf er of audio data from a computer to a MiniDisc device. To use this Net MD with your computer requires a software application called “SonicStage”. SonicStage software provides a database for managing audio data in the computer and functions for playing the audio data in various play modes, editing the data, and transferring th e results to other d evice s and hardware con nected to the comp ut er. It is an integrated software application with a variety of functions for enj oying music.

Transferring audio data to the Net MD

You can transfer audio data stored in your computer to an MD (page54).

To a Net MD

Software Operation

Editing

You can easily edit audio data or add labels fro m t he keyboard (p age 53).

Creating a music library

You can create a music library of your favorite songs on your computer.

Basic Operations

Basic operational flow using the Net MD

The following is the bas ic steps that y o u will take following the purchase of your reco rder. Through these steps, you will prepare and set up your computer for use of your recorder as a Net MD. Do the following steps, and refer to the indicated pages for details.

1 Providing the required system

environment.

(page 45)

2 Installing the software onto your

computer.

(page 46)

3 Connecting the Net MD to your computer .

(page 49)

4 Storing audio data to your computer.

In this manual, reco rdi ng from an audio CD is explained.

(page 50)

5 Transferring audio data from your

computer to an MD (Check-out).

6 Listening to an MD.

You can listen to audio data that have been checked out from your computer to your Net MD.

(page 54)

(page 57)

Providing the required system environment

System requirements

The following hardwar e and software are requi red in order to use the So nicStage software for the Net MD.

Computer IBM PC/AT or Compatible

• CPU: Pentium I I 400 MH z or hi ghe r (Pe nti um II I 45 0 MHz or hig her is recommended.)

• Hard disk drive space1): 120 MB or more

• RAM: 64 MB or more (128 MB or more is recommended)

Others

• CD-ROM drive (capable of digita l pl a yback by WDM)

• Sound Board

• USB port (supports USB (conventionally called USB 1.1))

Operating System

Display High Color (16bit) or higher, 800 × 480 dots or better (800 × 600 dots

Others • Internet access: for EMD services and CD information services

See page 63 for details.

This software is not supported by the following environments:

• Macintosh

• Windows XP versions other than Home Edition or Professiona l

• Windows 2000 versions other than Professional

• Windows 98 versions other than Second Edition

• Windows NT

• Windows 95

• Personally constructed PCs or operating syste ms

• An environment that is an upgrade of the original manufacturer-installed operating sys te m

• Multi-boot environment

• Multi-monitor environment

Notes

• We do not ensure trouble-free operati on on a ll c omputers that satisfy the syst em requi r em e nts.

• We do not ensure trouble-free operation of the syst em suspe nd, sleep, or hibernation function on al l

computers.

Factory installed: Windows XP Home Edition/Windows XP Professional/Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 2000 Professional /Windows 98 Second Edition

or better is recomme nded)

• Windows Media Player (version 7.0 or higher) installed for playing WMA files

Installing the software onto your computer

This section explains the in stall ation o f the Soni cStage Ver.1.5 sof tware suppli ed with you r Net MD.

Before installing the software

1 Make sure to note the following before installing t he software.

Do not connect the dedicated USB cable before the installation!

The SonicStage softw ar e m ay not correctly load or operate if the dedica t ed U SB cable is connecte d to your computer dur in g t he installation.

Close all other Windows applications before startin g the in stal lation!

Make sure to close any virus-check software, as such software usually demand large amounts of system resources.

2 Depending on the following operating system or software already installed

on your comp uter, refer to the referenc e pages before installi ng the software.

Windows XP

, page 60

Windows Millennium Edition

, page 61

Windows 2000

, page 61

OpenMG Jukebox, SonicStage, SonicStage Premium, or SonicStage Simple Burner

, page 62

• To install this software, you must log on with a user name with “Computer Administrator”.

• If you perfor m the “System Restor e” function in the Windows “System Tools” menu, the tracks managed by Soni cStage may becom e corrupted and rendered unp layable.

• If you perfor m the “System Resto re” function of the Windows “System Tools” menu, the tracks managed by Soni cStage may becom e corrupted and rendered unp layable.

• You must log on as “Admini strator” before installing the software.

• Depending on th e version of your softwar e, th e existing software may be ov er written by the new version or it may co-exist with SonicStage Ver.1.5. As the installation process w i ll depend on the version, see the reference page for details.

Installing SonicStage Ver.1 .5

1 Turn on your computer and start up Windows. 2 Insert the installation CD-ROM for SonicStage into the CD-ROM drive of

your computer.

The setup progra m st arts up automatic al ly and the SonicStage Ver.1.5 installation window appears.

3 Click to select [SonicStage 1.5].

To use this software with the Net MD, you must install SonicStage Ver.1.5 and the Net MD driver.

Click [SonicStage 1.5]

• When installing SonicStage for

the first time

• When OpenMG Jukebox,

SonicStage, SonicStage Premium, or SonicStage Simple Burner is installed on the computer

continued

4 Follow the displayed instructions.

Read the instructions carefully. The installation may take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on yo ur system environment (page 69).

5 After the installation is completed, click [Restart] to restart the computer.

Make sure to restart your computer only aft er the installation has completed.

Was the installation successful? If any trouble occurs during the installation, see “Troubleshooting” (page 66).

Notes

• Do not delete, move, or edit any of the installed folders using Explorer or any other application. Doing

so could cause the SonicStage da ta ba se to become unstable or corrupted.

• While the installation is still in progress, do not interrupt the operation or take the CD-ROM out of the

CD-ROM drive. Doing so may render it impossible to install the software thereafter.

Connecting the Net MD to your computer

After the software installation is completed, connect the Net MD to your computer. Refer to the operating instructions of the Net MD as well.

1 Insert a recordable disc into the Net MD. 2 Make the power source and the dedicated USB cable connections with the Net

MD and the computer.

AC power adaptor

To the DC IN jack

* If a cradle is supplied with your Net MD, connect the dedicated USB cable to the

USB cradle and place the Net MD onto the USB cradle.

To the USB jack/ dedicated jack

Net MD devices*

Dedicated USB cable

To the USB connecting terminal

Computer

3 Check the connections.

When the connect ions have been properly made, “PC ppMD”* appears in the display of the Net MD.

* Depending on the device, “Net MD” or “PC>>MD” may be displa ye d.

Notes

• When using the Net MD connected to your computer, make sure to run the recor de r from an AC

outlet. We do not assure the results should there be a mis-operation, ch ec k- out failure , or destruction of audio data caused by insufficient battery power.

• Place the recorder on a stable surface so that the dedicated USB cable does not become detached.

Storing audio data to your computer

This section e x plai ns ho w to reco rd an d st or e audi o d ata from an audi o CD to t he h ard di sk drive of your computer. The procedure in th is section is used to record all tracks on an aud io C D . To record only specific tracks from a CD , or from other sound s ources, see the online help for details (page 58).

Note

The system may malfunction if your computer changes to system suspend or hibernation mode while the software is playing, recordin g, or co nne c ting to an external device or media* such as a Net MD. Make sure to disable any changes to suspend or hibe r na ti on mode. See page 63 for details.

∗ For this software, the word “MD” refers to the built-in MD slot on the computer, and “Device/

Media” to a Net MD that is externally connected over a USB cable.

Starting SonicStage

Do one of the following:

• Double click ([SonicStage] icon) on the computer.

• Select [Start] - [Programs]* - [SonicStage] - [SonicStage].

∗ [All Programs] in the case of Windows XP

SonicStage starts up and the main window appe ar s.

Recording audio CDs to the hard disk drive

In SonicStage Ver.1.5, the hard disk d rive is called the “Music Drive”. The Musi c D rive manages all audio data stored by SonicStage.

1 Insert the audio CD that you want to record into the CD-ROM drive of your

computer.

The CD window appears i n t he di splay.

Note

When you record an audio CD from your CD-ROM drive for the first time, the “CD Drive Optimization” dialog box appears when you insert the audio CD. Cl ic king [Start] initiates a check of the CD-ROM drive to verify that the CDROM drive is able to perform the recording properly.

2 Click .

The recording navigation window* appears in the display.

∗The recording navigation window makes it easy to make a recordin g . S imply by doing 1, 2 and 3 in the next step, you can select the audio source in the left panel and the recording destination in the right pa ne l.

3 Select (CD) for [1 Music Source] and (Music Drive) for [2

Destination], then click 3 [Jump to Record Window].

The display changes to the recording w indow.

continued

4 Click in the middle of the recording window and

select the recording mode.

When recording data in LP2 mode:

select ATRAC3 132kbps

When recording data in LP4 mode:

select ATRAC3 66kbps

Click here

5 If the list panel is not displayed, click .

List panels appear under the recording w i ndow. The contents of the audio CD appear in the left list panel.

6 Click [Record All].

Recording start s. Upon completio n, rec orded tracks appear i n t he r ight list panel.

To stop reco rding

Click ([Stop]). To resume recording, click . When recording is resumed, it starts from the beginning of the track that was last stopped.

Labeling audio data

After recording has completed, y ou can label th e audio data in the Music Dri v e. Once audio data in the Music Drive is labeled, the label information will be transferred to a disc along with the audio data, allowing you to view the data on your Net MD.

1 Start up SonicStage (page 50) and click (Music Drive).

“All Playlists” appears and all the al bums sto red on the Music Drive appear in the

Music Drive window.

2 Double click the desired album name.

A list of the audio files in that album appears.

3 Click in the lower right part of the display.

The editing panel appears in the display.

4 Select an item by clicking [Title], [Album], [Artist], or [Genre], and then

right-click and select [Rename].

Y ou can also click [V] at [Alb um] or [Arti st] to disp lay a dr opdo wn li st, an d then se lect an item from the list.

5 When the track title is highlighted, enter the text data from the keyboard.

The ([CD Info]) button for track and album labeling can also be used to import names from Internet databases. See the online hel p for de ta ils (page 58).

Transferring audio data from your computer to the Net MD (Check-out)

Audio data stored on t he Music Drive can be transfer red to your Net MD. Th is process is called “Check-out”. The number of times a track can be checked out is restricted in this software for the protection of copyrights (page 71).

Playlist

Checking out audio files to the Net MD

This section explains how to check out all audio files in a playl i st *.

∗ A playlist is a container that al lows the store d au dio files in the Music Drive to be classified by

genre, artist, etc.

Note

Check-outs should be done at a te mperature of +5 °C (+41 °F ) or higher.

1 Click to display the recording navigation window.

2 Select (Music Drive) for [1 Music Source] and (Device/Media)

for [2 Destination], then click 3 ([Jump to Record Window]).

The display changes to the recording window.

3 Click in the middle of the display and select the

recording mode ( pa g e52).

Standard transfer mode: Data are transferred in the format of the original files. Maximum available transfer space: All data are transferred in LP4 mode. SP transfer mode: All da ta are converted and transferre d in n or m al stereo mode. Select

this mode if you listen to checked-out data on equipment that does not support MDLP mode.

4 If the list panel is not displayed, click .

A playlist appear s i n the display.

5 Confirm that the audio files you are about to check out are okay for checking

out.

The music notations beside the track number in the left panel of the list represent the number of times the file can be checked out (e.g. = the track can be checked out three more times). If appea rs beside the track number, the file cannot be checked ou t.

6 Click [Check-Out All].

Checking out of the files starts. All files in the playlis t are checked out to the conn ect ed Net MD.

To cancel a check-out

Click ([Stop]).

Notes

• Make sure not to disconnect the dedicated USB cable or power source until the operation has

completed once the check-out (or chec k- in) operation has begun. Failu re to do this may result in the loss of check-out authorization. Even if a check-out fails, the audio file may be considered checked out on the SonicStage side and the file’s check-out authorization may be reduced.

• Make sure not to bump the Net MD after check-out has started. If you do, the contents of the

recording may not be stored correctly.

• Due to the limitations of the M D system, you may not be able to record the full amount of re ma ining

recording time .

• Due to the limitations of the MD system, a maximum of about 1,700 characters can be stored for disc

name, group names and track names on the disc. Take note of this fact when checking out a large number of tracks.

Listening to an MD

You can listen to an MD on the Net MD while it is connected to your computer. When disconnected from your computer, the Net MD can be used as an ordinary MiniDisc device. For details on Net MD operations, refer to the “Recorder Operation” section.

Listening to an MD with the Net MD connected to the computer

If you listen to an MD with the Net MD connected to the computer, be sure to listen with the Net MD itself (connecting to the headphones/earphones, speakers, etc.). The MD sound cannot be heard from headphones/ earphones that ar e connected to the computer.

Listening to an MD with the Net MD disconnected from the computer

Listen to the MD af t er disconnecting th e dedicated USB cab le from the comput er and the Net MD.

Notes

Generally, you cannot erase or divide/combine checked-out audio files. If you want to edit such files, check them back in first. Check ed-ou t f ile s can be edit ed on some M D de vi ces; ho we v er, erasing a track will decrease the number of time s the file can be checked out, and dividing or combining tracks will render the file impossible to check back into the computer (page70).

Advanced operation s

Using other functions!

Using the SonicStage online help

This manual explains onl y the basic operatio ns of the SonicStage so ft w ar e. H owever, the software has a host of other functions that allow you to carry out various operations, such as importing audi o files from the Internet , cl assifying and managing audio files, and playing in various play m odes. For information and details on the vario u s menus and operations, go to the online help.

To di spl ay online help

Click (help) while the SonicStage software is runnin g.

You can display the online help by selecting the following: [Start]–[Programs]*–[SonicStage]–[SonicStage Help]

∗ [All Programs] in the case of Windows XP.

Viewing online help

The Tabs

The left side frame

The right side frame

Let’s find out how to use the online help first. An explanation on the use of the online he lp can also be foun d in the online help.

1 Double click [Overview] in the left-hand frame. 2 Click [About this Help file].

The explanation wil l a ppear in the right-ha nd frame.

3 Read the text.

Scroll the display if necessary. Click underlined words to jump to their explanations.

Note

In the online help, “Device/Media’ is the general term for external devices such as Net MDs and MusicClips.

Device/Media

Other information

Settings and Precautions

Settings according to OS

The settings and precautions will differ according to the operating system being used. Check the items tha t a ppl y t o your system.

For Windows XP users

Restrictions when running the SonicStage software unde r W indows XP

• To install this software, you must log on with a user name with “Computer

Administrator”* as an attribute.

• You must log on with the user name “Administrators” or “Power Users” to use the

SonicStag e software.

• Both edition of Windows XP (Hom e/ Professional) can be used.

• The NTFS form at of Windows XP H ome Edition or Windows XP Professi onal (factory

installed) can be used only with the standard (factory) settings.

∗ To check whether the user name has the attribute of “Computer Administra tor ”

Go to [Start]- [Control Panel]-[User Account], and then check the user name displayed on the window.

When using SonicStage under Windows XP

If you use the “System Restore” function in Windows “System Tools”, audio data managed by SonicStage ma y become corrupted and rendered unpla yable. Before executing the system restoration procedure, you should first back up all audio files and restore them after doing the system restoration procedure. For details about backup procedures, ref er to online help.

Note

Restoring backup data requires access to the Internet. If an audio file becomes unplayable after restoring the system, an error dialog box may appear. If this occurs, do as instructed by the message .

For Windows Millennium Edition users

When using SonicStage under Windows Millen nium Edition

If you use the “System Res tore” functio n in Windows “System T ools”, audi o data managed by SonicStage ma y become corrupted and rendered unpl ayable. Before executing the s ystem restoration p rocedure, you should first back up all audio files and restore them after doing the syst em restoration proc edure. For details about backup procedures, refer to online help.

Note

Restoring backup data requ ires access to the Internet. If an audio file becomes unplay ab le after restoring the system, an erro r di al og box m ay a ppe a r. If this occurs, do as instruc te d by the message.

For Windows 2000 users

Restrictions when running the SonicStage softwar e under Windows 2000

• You must log on as “Administrator” to install the SonicSta ge softwa re.

• You must log on with the user name “Administrators” or “Power Users” to use the

SonicStage software.

• Of the Windows 2000 versions, SonicSta ge i s s upported only by Windows 2000

Professional.

• The NTFS format of Windows 2000 Pr ofessional (factory in stalled) can be used only

with the standard (factory) settings.

For Windows 98 Second Edition users

Importing MP3 files to the computer or playing WAV files on the computer

Microsoft Medi a Pl ayer version 7.0 or high er is required for importi ng MP3 files or playing WA V files . Users of earlier v ersions can downlo ad the most recent v ersion fr om the Microsoft website (http://www.microsoft.com/).

For users with OpenMG Jukebox, SonicStage, SonicStage Premium, or SonicStage Simple Burner instal led on their co m puter

Note

Confirm whether any track s have been checked out from your computer. If tracks have been checked ou t fr om O penMG Jukebox, an earlier version of SonicStage, or SonicStage Premium, it may not be possible to check those tracks back in with SonicStage Ver.1.5. It is recommend ed to check in the track s be fore installing So nicStage Ver.1.5.

Check the following contents before installing Soni cSt age Ver.1.5.

The install at ion items and procedure will vary de pending on the software ins talled on your computer.

Users with OpenMG Jukebox inst alled

Installed Version What to do

Ver.1.0~2.1 Install SonicStage 1.5. OpenMG Jukebox Ver.1.0-2.1 is

automatically un i nstalled and replac ed.

Ver.2.2 OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 and SonicStage Ver.1.5 can co-

exist in the computer. If you install SonicStage Ver.1.5, then OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2. 2 will be automatic al ly upgraded to the lates t v er si on.

Audio files recorded with OpenMG Juke box Ver.1.0 -2 .1 ar e automatically converted to Sonic St ag e Ver.1.5 files. For safety sake, it is reco mm e nde d that you back up your audio data with the back-up tool before doing the upgrade to Sonic St ag e Ver.1. 5.

Users with an earlier version of SonicStage installed

Installed Version What to do

Ver.1.0~1.5 Install SonicStage Ver.1.5. The earlier version is

automatically uninstalled and replaced.

Audio files recorded with SonicStage Ver.1.0-1.5 are automatically converted to SonicStage Ver.1.5 files. For safety sake, it is recommended that you back up your audio data with the back-up tool before doing the upgrade to SonicStage Ver.1.5.

Users with a SonicStage Premium installed

Installed Version What to do

SonicStage Premium Install SonicStage Ver.1.5. SonicStage Premium and

SonicStage Ver.1.5 can co-exist in the computer.

Users with a SonicStage Simple Burner installed

Installed Version What to do

SonicStage Simple Burner Install SonicStage Ver.1.5. SonicStage Simple Burner and

SonicStage Ver.1.5 can co-exist in the computer.

Precautions on the co-existence of SonicStage Ver. 1.5 with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 or SonicStage Premium

• Make sure the OpenMG Jukebox Ver .2.2 icon is not displayed in the task tray. If it is, the Net MD may

not be recognized by your computer.

• Audio data recorded on the computer are stored in a common file and used by both applications.

Therefore, if you delete an audio file (e.g., one album) in one application, it will be deleted in the other software as well.

Precaution on using a computer on which OpenMG Jukebox Ver.1.0-2.1 or SonicStage Ver.1.0-1.2 is installed

After installing SonicStage Ver. 1.5, make sure you do not replace SonicStage Ver.1.5 with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.1.0-2.1 or SonicStage Ver.1.0-1.2, as all audio data in the Music Drive may be lost. If you begin the installation of OpenMG Juke box Ver.1.0-2.1 or SonicStage Ver.1.0-1.2 by mistake, sto p the installation im mediately.

Note on hard disk drive space

120 MB or more f re e space on the hard dis k drive is required. If your com puter does not have enough space, the software will not be properly installed. The required free space differs according to the version of your Windows OS, or the amount of audio files that you handle.

Notes on system suspend/hibernation mode

• If the computer changes to system suspend/hibernation mode during the recording of a

CD or the checking in/out of a data file, the audio data may be lost or the computer may not wake up properly. The computer susp end/hibernation f unction should therefore be turned off.

• If you change the media while the computer is in system suspend/hibernation mode,

audio data may be lo st af ter the computer wa kes up.

• If the computer changes to system suspend/hibernation mode, the computer may not

recognize the Net M D w h en it wakes up. If this hap pens, disconnect the dedicated USB cable and reconne ct it again.

Backing up the audio data

Before doing any pr ocedure that may affect the operating system itself (such as a system recovery), you should back up all of your audio dat a w ith the [SonicStage backup tool] from the [Start] - [Programs] - [SonicStage].

Uninstalling the SonicStage software

To uninstall the SonicStage software, follow the procedures b el ow.

For Windows XP users

Log on with a user name with “Computer Administrator” as an attribute. Refer to the operating instructions of your computer for details on logging on as an administrator.

1 Click [Start]–[Control Panel].

The “Control Panel” wi ndow appears.

2 Double-click [Add/Remove Programs].

The “Add/Remove Progra m s” dialog box appears.

3 Click [Change or Remove Programs]. 4 Click [SonicStage 1.5.XX] in the “Currently Installed Programs” list, and

then click [Change and Remove].

5 Click [OpenMG Secure Module 3.X]* in the “Currently Installed Programs”

list, and then click [Change and Remove].

Do as instructed by the message and restart the computer. When the computer restarts, the uninstallation will be completed.

* If SonicStage Ver.1.5 is co-existing with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 or SonicStage Premium on your

computer, and you uninstall one or th e oth er, ma ke sur e [Ope nMG Secure Module 3.X] is not uninstalled since it is commonly used wit h both software applications.

For Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 98 Second Edition users

1 Click [Start]–[Settings]–[Control Panel].

The “Control Panel” wi ndow appears.

2 Double-click [Add/Remove Programs].

The Add/Remove Programs Properties window ap pears.

3 Click [SonicStage 1.5.XX] in the list of programs for automatic removal, and

then click [Add/Remove].

4 Click [OpenMG Secure Module 3.X]* in the list of programs for automatic

removal, and then click [Add/Remove].

Do as instructed by the message and restart the computer. When the computer resta r t s, the uninstallation will be completed.

For Windows 2000 users

Log on as “Administrator”, and then follow the instructions below. Refer to the opera ting instructions of your computer for de ta il s on logging on as an administrator.

1 Click [Start]–[Settings]–[Control Panel].

The “Control Panel” wind ow appears.

2 Double-click [Add/Remove Programs].

The “Add/Remove Programs” dialog box appears.

3 Click [Change or Remove Programs]. 4 Click [SonicStage 1.5.XX] in the “Currently Installed Programs” list, and

then click [Change/Remove].

5 Click [OpenMG Secure Module 3.X]* in the “Currently Installed Programs”

list, and then click [Change/Remove].

Do as instructed by the message and restart the computer. When the computer resta r t s, the uninstallation will be completed.

* If SonicStage Ver.1.5 is co-existing with OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 or SonicStage Premium on your

computer, and you uninstall one or the othe r , make sure [OpenMG Se c ure M odule 3.X] is not uninstalled since it is commo n ly us ed with both software applications.

Troubleshooting

Please do the following steps if you encounter a problem while using the SonicStage software. In case a m essage appears, it is recommended that you write it down.

Step 1: Check the symptoms in this “Troubleshooting” section.

A variety of inf ormat ion ca n also be fo und in t he ope rati ng pro cedu res and “Sett ings and Precautions” (page 60) as well.

Step 2: Check the symptoms in the SonicStage 1.5 online help (page 58).

Check “Troubleshooting” under “Additional information” in the online help. Useful information may also be found in other sections in the online help.

Step 3: If the trouble cannot be solved after checking the above references.

Check the following table and then consult your nearest Aiwa dealer.

Computer

• Manufacturer:

• Model:

• Type: Desktop type / Laptop type Name of operating system: RAM capacity: Hard disk drive (contai ni ng SonicStage and aud io data)

• Capacity of the drive:

• Free space: Installed folde r containing SonicStage (if other than th e default folder)

• Location of the installed folder: Version of the software (SonicStage Ver.1.5)2): Error Message (if one appeared): If an externally co nnected CD-ROM drive is used

• Manufacturer:

• Model:

• Type: CD-ROM / CD-R/RW / DVD-ROM / Other ( )

• Type of connection to the computer: PC card / USB / IEEE1394 / Other ( ) If another device with USB connection is used

• Name of the device (or devices):

If you do not specify the destination, the software is installed at C: \P r ogr a m Fi le s\ Sony\SonicStage.

To check the SonicStage software version, go to [Menu] - [About SonicStage] in the SonicStage window, or see the version information on the supplied CD-ROM.

If your computer does not recognize the Net MD

• Is the Net MD connected correctly to your computer?

— If the Net MD is not firmly connected to the computer, the Net MD will not be

recognized by yo ur computer.

— Reconnect the dedicated USB cab le . If t he computer still does not recognize the N et

MD, disconnect t he N et MD, restart the computer, and connect the de di cated USB cable again.

• Is an MD inserted in the Net MD ?

Check if an MD is inserted in the Net MD.

• If your computer does not recognize your Net MD even when the Net MD is connected and a disc is in serted, the Net MD driver may not be correctly installed.

Go to the [USB Controller] in the Windows Device Manager window to verify that your Net MD is correctly recognized. A [!] mark in the Device Manager window indicates that your Net MD is not correctly recognized. Re install the Net MD driver.

[Start]–[Settings]–[Control Panel].

1 Click 2 Double click [System] in the control panel.

3 Click the [Hardware]3) tab, and then click [Device Manager].

The Device Manager window appears.

In Windows XP, select [Start]–[Control Panel].

In Windows XP, double click [System] if the contr ol panel is in the “classic” format, or clic k [Performance and Main tena nce] and th en [ System ] if t he c ontro l p anel i s in the “ cat egory ” format .

Depending on your system, the [Hardware] tab may not be provided. In this case, click the [Device Manager] tab to display the Device Manager window.

If the installation was not successful

• Be sure to close all Windows applications before you start the installation.

If you start the inst al l at ion while other programs are running, a m al f unction may occur. This is especially true for programs that require large amounts of system resources, such as virus-chec k software.

• Be sure not to connect the Net MD to your comp uter before you start the installation.

If the dedicated USB cable is connect ed to your computer before the installa ti on, the installa t ion cannot be done correctly. Connect the dedicat ed USB cable afte r t he installation completed.

• Make sure your computer has enough hard disk drive space.

120 MB of free space or more on the hard di sk drive is required. If your computer does not have enough space, the installation may not be possible.

• If the installation seems to be stopped

It may take 30 minutes or more for the installation to complete, depending on your computer or CD- ROM drive.

During the installation, watch out for the occurrence of any of the following problems.

Problem Cause/Remedy

The installation appears to have stopped before it has completed.

The progress bar on the display is not moving. The access lamp has not lit for a few minutes.

• If the installation is still unsuccessful after all that you have done.

— The installation can be done by copyi ng all files to the hard disk as f ol l ows:

1 Create a new folder on the hard di sc. 2 Insert the supplied CD-ROM (SonicStage Ver.1.5) into the CD-ROM drive. 3 When the installation window appears, click [Exit] to cancel the installation. 4 Right-click the star t m enu and start up Explorer. 5 Select [SS15E] on the C D -ROM dr ive, and then click [Edit] -[Se le ct A ll]. 6 Click [Edit]-[Copy to Folder] (or [Edit]-[Copy]) to copy all files to the folder that you

created in step 1.

7 Remove the CD-ROM from the CD-ROM dri v e, op en th e folder that was copi ed to t he

hard disk and doub l e -click [setup . exe].

8 When the installation window appears, follow the displayed instructions to install

[SonicStage 1.5].

— The installation may be done b y installing the sof t war e from [Start]-[ R un].

Check for the appearance of an error message beneath the installation window. t Press the [Tab] key while holding down th e [Alt] key. If an error message has appeared, press the [Enter] key. The installation will resume. If there is no message, the installatio n is s till in progr ess. Wait a little while longer.

The installation is progressing normally. Please wait.

Information and explanations

Net MD FAQ

This section intro duces frequently as ked questions and ans w er s on the Net MD.

On the Net MD

What is a “Net MD”?

Net MD is a specification that allows audio data in a computer to be transferred to a MiniDisc through a USB cable. Till now, MiniDiscs could be used to record only analog sources (through a microphone or analog input) or P C M sources such as CDs . Recording audio files on a computer was impossible. However, thanks to SonicStage and other music management software based on such copyright protection technology as “OpenMG” audio files to the ATRA C or ATRAC3

format used on MDs became possible, enabling the

recording of computer files to MDs.

Technology for verifying the cop yr ight - pr ote c tion status of audio data in check-out/c he c k- in operations between a computer and a Net MD de vice.

File type for recording to an MD.

How does the SonicStage software make using MDs mor e co nvenient?

• It allows you to record audio data from your computer to your MD.

• Editing opera t io ns are easily done using on-screen oper at ions.

— Labeling: Al lows use of keyboard for easy la beling of contents. — Moving tracks or gro ups: Allows tracks or groups t o be moved simply by dragging

and dropping. Track movements are easy to see.

— Group settings: Groups are easy to create or release.

These operations can be used to edit tracks on a disc in the Net MD. If you w ant to edit the contents of an MD , connect the Net MD to your computer, and edit the tracks in the SonicStage Device/Media window.

and “MagicGate”2), conversion of

Can tracks recorded on the Net MD be checked in to a comput er ?

No, they cannot. Audio data that was originally checked out from a computer can only be checked back into the same comp ut er. Tracks that ar e r ec or ded on t he N et MD usi ng a micr op hon e or t hrou gh an analog or digital connection cannot be t ransferred to the com puter or copied.

Computer k MiniDisc : OK. MiniDisc k Computer : OK only for tracks originally checked out from the computer.

On copyright protection

The OpenMG technology* allows you to enjoy digital music, while maintaining the copyrights of its ho ld er s. OpenMG Jukebox encrypts audio files in Ope nM G format and stores them on the hard disk of your computer to prevent unauthorized distribution.

* The copyright protection technolo gy of this software conforms to SDMI (Secur e Digit al Music

Initiative) specif ications.

This software places some restr ic ti ons on recordin g and playback to protect copyrights. You can check in audio f ile s only to the same comput er fro m which the y were checke d out.

They cannot be copi ed or checked in to other computers. For details, see “Features by copyright protection by Op enMG” (page 72).

You can check-in audio files only to the computer whic h they were checke d ou t .

Check-out can be made for three times.

You cannot copy or move audio files to another computer.

continued

Restrictions on audio content

High-quality digital audio content is widely a vailable through music distribution services on the Internet. To protect the copyrig h ts of its hol d ers from unauthor ized distri bution, some audio con te n t is distributed with certain restrictio ns on recording an d pl ayback. For example, the playback p er iod o r p l ayb ac k cou n t fo r the data may be limited. In such c as es , checking out of the audio contents may n ot be possible. Depending on the contents, some au di o data that could be checked out are subjec t to editing restricti ons on the Net MD; e.g., audio contents cannot be erased or tra ck marks cannot be added or er ased. It is not possible to ch eck in tracks other than those that were checked out from your computer (for example, tracks recorded using a microphone or through analog or digital connection).

Features by copyright protection by OpenMG

The SonicStage software features OpenMG, a copyright protection technology developed by Sony to protect music copyrights. OpenMG uses high-level cryptographic technology to protect music contents with computers. Users should be aware o f t he r estrictions descri be d below.

• Music record ed on the hard disk using the SonicStage software canno t be pl ayed when

copied to other computers.

• Installation of the same SonicStage software to other computers is not permitted.

• Usage Rules

If Usage Rules are included in the music by way of the copyright holder or the distributor, operation will be restricted to use permitted by the Usage Rule. For music, such as compact discs, that does not contain a Usage Rule, the Default Usage Rule of SDMI will apply. This Default Usage Rule states that one file can be checked out up to th ree times only.

• On music contents that are not compatible with the SonicStage software

Under the supervision of SDMI, this software prohibits recording of music with a copy prohibition signal.

• Upgrading Soni cStage software

This software was developed in accordance w i th the current arran gement between Sony and SDMI. If this arrangement is modified in the future, some of the software functions may become unavailable. Sony m ay offer an upgrade kit in t hi s case at additional u se r expense.

Glossary

ATRAC3

ATRAC3, which stands for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding3, is audio compression technology that satisfies the demand for high sound quality and high compression rates. The ATRAC3 compression rate is approximately 10 times higher than that of the Audio CD, resulting an increased data capacity for the media.

“Check-In /Check-Out”

Check-out is to t ra nsfer music files from a personal comput er to an external device/media (such as a Net MD). Returning check ed-out music f iles to the same computer i s to check in. (You cannot move checked-out music fi l es to another computer . ) You can chec k out a music fil e, check it back in , and then check it ou t again an infi nite number of times. The SDMI rules provide that up to four copies of a music file can be checked out at one time. OpenMG employs a method whereby three copies of a song can be checked out simultaneously, while the fourth copy is maintained as a master on your PC.

Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) service*

EMD is a website that distributes music files which are available for purchase.

The use of EMD services requires installation of player software on your computer. Audio files should be downloaded in a format that is supported by the SonicSta ge sof tware (s uc h as Labe l Ga te MQ format). For details on EMD services support by S onic S ta ge , pl ease co nta c t to the r es pect ive companies. * EMD may not be available in certain areas of the wor ld.

MP3

MP3, which stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer3, is a standard for audio file compression determined by the Motion Picture Expe rt s Group, an ISO (International Organization fo r Standardization) working group. It enables compression of audio files to about 1/10 of the data size of a standard compact disc. Since the MP3 encoding algorithm is disclosed, there are vario us en coder s/de coders that are compl iant wi th th is st anda rd, in cludi ng fr ee ware that is available for no charge. The MP3 standard is therefore widely used in the computer field.

Music Drive

Music Drive is a music data base for managin g audio data on a comp uter. In Music Dri ve, audio files can be managed along with such i nf ormation as artist nam es, track names, and CD jacket images, or can be combined and categorized in different playlists.

OpenMG

Copyright protecti on technology for the im port and managem ent of m usical content from distribution services or CDs. By using software that are compliant with OpenMG, audio contents can be encrypted before storage on a hard disk drive to allow playback of those audio files on that computer. OpenMG also prevents the unauthorized dist ri bution of the contents via th e Internet or other net w orks.

continued

Playlist

A playlist is like a container that can be used to hold and categorize files stored in Music Drive. For example, by making a “jazz” playlist and t h en putting your favorite jazz tracks into the playlist, yo u can play all of the tracks r epeatedly or check the m all out at the same time.

Recording mode (Bit rate)

This is a measure of data volume per s econd. The r ate is expr essed in bp s (bit s per second ). In SonicStage, the bit rate can be selec te d for recording an au di o CD or converting MP3 and WAV form at audio files into ATRAC3 format from among three ra te s: 132 kbps, 105 kbps or 66 kbps. In the case of 105 kbps, 105,000 bits of information is processed per second. If the bit rate is large, that means a large amount of information is used to play the music. Thus, 105 kbp s data produces bette r s ound quality than 66 kbp s data, and 132 kbps data provides better sound quality than 105 kbps data. However, audio files in formats such as MP3 have different encoding methods, and so the sound quality is not determined by the bit rate alone.

SDMI

SDMI, which stands for Secure Digital Music Init iat ive, is a forum that consists of o v e r 130 companies in the fields of r ecorded audio cont ent , com puters, and consum er electronics. It is dedicated to the development of integrated copyright protection technology that can be used worldwide. SDMI is working to create a framework for preventing the improper usage of audio files and to promote legal music distribution services. The copyright protection technology OpenMG is based on the SDMI standard.

Windows Media Technology (WMT)

This is a technology that includes a content s m anagement system called Windows Media Rights Manager w hich encrypts con t ents and distributes mu s ic contents along w ith their conditions for usage, distribution, et c. Copyright-protec ted audio files supported by Windows Media Technology (WMT) cannot be converted to the ATRAC3 format and coded in the OpenM G f ormat.

Windows Media Audio (WMA)

This is an audio compression technol ogy that includes the m anagement system called “Windows Media Rights Manager”. Windows Media Audio (WMA) format files supported by Window Media Technology (WMT) cannot be converted to the ATRAC3 format and coded in the OpenM G f ormat.

Index

Accessories

ATRAC3 70, 73 Audio CD 42, 51

back up 63 Backlight 28

Battery

BEEP 26

CD-ROM 45 Charging 13 Check-in 70, 73 Check-out 54, 70, 73 Cleaning 32 Connecting 49

delete (software) 64 Device/Media 54, 59 Digital Sound Equalizer 20 Digital Speed Control 21 DSP TYPE-S 40

E.A.S.S. GP 24 EAR GUARD 27 EMD services 73

Group

Group Program Play 24

hard disk

Installing 47

optional

supplied 9

battery life

dry battery 14 rechargeabl e battery 13

when charging 13

play

skip 23

free space

storing 51

15, 30

45, 63

labeling 53

Menus 29 MP3 73 Music Drive 51, 73

Net MD 43, 70 Net MD driver 68

Online help 58 OpenMG 73 OpenMG Jukebox software 46, 62

Play mode

Playback Information Memory 28 Playlist 54, 74 Program Play 19

groups

tracks 18

Quick mode 27

Recordin g mode (Bit rat e) 52, 55, 74 Recording navigatio n window 51

SDMI 74 SonicStage Premium 46, 62 SonicStage software (earlier version) 46, 62 start (software) 50 System environment 45 System limitations 45

Transferring

to the computer

to the Net MD 54

Uninstalling

Windows 2000

Windows 98 Second Edition 64 Windows Millennium Edition 64 Windows XP 64

USB

cable

Virtual Surround 20

Windows 2000 61, 65 Windows 98 Second Edition 61, 64 Windows Millennium Edition 61, 64 Windows XP 60, 64 WMA 74 WMT 74

http://www.aiwa.com/

Printed in Japan

Aiwa AM-NX1 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Looking at controls

Getting started

Playing an MD right away!

Various ways of playback

Viewing various information

Selecting the play mode

Playing a track repeatedly (Repeat P lay)

Listening to tracks in a desired sequence (Program Play)

Adjusting the sound (Virtual-Surround • Digital Sound Equalizer)

Varying the virtual sound to create different acoustics (Virtual-Surround)

Selecting the sound quality (Digital Sound Equalizer)

Changing playback speed (Digital Speed Control)

Using the group function

What is the group function?

Using the group function when playing

Playing a track in group play

Selecting the play mode for group play (Group Play Mode)

Repeat play for the selected group play mode (Group Repeat Play)

Playing groups in a desired sequence (Group Program Play)

Other operations

Useful settings

How to use the menu items

Turning off the beep sound

Preserving battery power (Power Save Mode)

Starting the playback quickly (Quick Mode)

Protecting your hearing (EAR GUARD)

Turning on/off the backlight

Storing the settings for individual discs (Playback Information Memory)

List of me nu s

Power sources

Battery life

Additional information

Precautions

Specifications

Troubleshooting and explanations

Troubleshooting

While charging

While playing

While using group function

Others

Messages

Explanations

What is a Net MD?

Basic Operations

Basic operational flow using the Net MD

Providing the required system environment

System requirements

Installing the software onto your computer

Before installing the software

Installing SonicStage Ver.1 .5

Connecting the Net MD to your computer

Storing audio data to your computer

Starting SonicStage

Recording audio CDs to the hard disk drive

Labeling audio data

Transferring audio data from your computer to the Net MD (Check-out)

Checking out audio files to the Net MD

Listening to an MD

Listening to an MD with the Net MD connected to the computer

Listening to an MD with the Net MD disconnected from the computer

Advanced operation s

Using other functions!

Using the SonicStage online help

Other information

Settings and Precautions

Settings according to OS

Note on hard disk drive space

Notes on system suspend/hibernation mode

Backing up the audio data

Uninstalling the SonicStage software

For Windows XP users

For Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 98 Second Edition users

For Windows 2000 users

Troubleshooting

If your computer does not recognize the Net MD

If the installation was not successful