Sony MINIDISC User Manual

MINIDISC MANUAL

V3.0E

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1. The MiniDisc System

1.1. The Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.2. What it is and How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.3. Serial Copy Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1.4. Additional Features of the Premastered MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2. The production process of the premastered MD

2.1. MD Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.2. MD Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3. Input components specification

3.1. Sound Carrier Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.2. Additional TOC Data / Character Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.3. Label-, Artwork- and Print Films . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.4. MiniDisc Logo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4. Sony DADC Austria AG

4.1. The Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5. Appendix

Form Sheets

Introduction

The quick random access of Compact Disc players has become a necessity for

music lovers. The high quality of digital sound is now the norm. The future

of personal audio must meet the above criteria and more.

That’s why Sony has created the MiniDisc, a revolutionary evolution in the

field of digital audio based on an advanced miniature optical disc.

The MD offers consumers the quick random access, durability and high

sound quality of optical media, as well as superb compactness, shock-

resistant portability and recordability. In short, the MD format has been

created to meet the needs of personal music entertainment in the future.

Based on a dazzling array of new technologies, the MiniDisc offers a new

lifestyle in personal audio enjoyment.

The Features

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1. The MiniDisc System

1.1. The Features

With the MiniDisc, Sony has created a revolutionary optical disc. It offers all the features
that music fans have been waiting for.

Quick Random Access

The MiniDisc offers quick random access to the music selection or phrase of your
choice; something only a disc is capable of.

Total Durability

The MiniDisc can never stretch, break or tangle like cassette tapes. Since the free
floating optical pick-up never touches the surface, scratches are impossible.

Superb Compactness

The MiniDisc itself is only approximately 64 mm in diameter, and the cartridge is
72 x 68 x 5 mm.

And because the MiniDisc is smaller, so is the MiniDisc player.

Shock-Resistant Portability

The MiniDisc is resistant against shocks and vibrations. New technology, using an
advanced semiconductor memory, provides almost total shock resistance so there
is no skipping and jitter even while jogging or driving.

Easy to Handle

The disc is protected in a cartridge. It is easy to handle and the ideal sound carrier for
mobile use.

Unsurpassed Digital Sound

The MiniDisc is based on the same noiseless and distortion-free digital recording
technology as the compact disc. So whether you are recording your own or listening
to prerecorded music, you have the optimum in audio quality wherever you go.

Recordable Disc

4 Track Recording: “A disc which records” is every music fan’s dream come true.
The MiniDisc offers about 74 minutes digital recording on one tiny disc.

What it is and How it works

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1.2. What it is and How it Works

Two Kinds of MiniDiscs are Available:

Premastered MiniDiscs for
Music Software

Premastered MiniDiscs are used most commonly
for music and are sold in record stores just the
same as compact cassettes and CDs are.
MiniDiscs, just like CDs, are manufactured in
large volumes by high-speed injection molders,
and the music signals are recorded during repli­cation in the form of pits.
Forget the times when you would worry about
cassette tapes becoming worn out or wrinkled.
Moreover, the discs are encased in a cartridge, so
there is no worry about their being scratched.
The design of the premastered MiniDisc cartridges

Optical Pick-up of MD Player:

is special. Prerecorded music packages require a
label, featuring the artist’s picture or other infor­mation – for it is the artwork that most often
captures the buyer’s eye. Therefore the top face
of the cartridge is left completely free for the
label. A window for the laser beam to read the
disc is only necessary on the bottom face.

Recordable MiniDiscs

Magneto-optical (MO) technology forms the heart
of the recordable MiniDisc technology. Not only
are MO discs durable enough to withstand being
rerecorded about 1 million times, they also have a
life expectancy approaching that of CDs.
When recording the MO discs, a laser beam must
be focused onto the magnetic layer from behind
while a magnetic field is applied to the front. For
this reason, the cartridges for recordable MiniDiscs
have a read/write window on both sides.

The optical pick-up developed for the MD system
has the remarkable ability to read both recorda­ble and premastered MiniDiscs. For recordable
discs, the pick-up detects the magnetic structure
along the track. For premastered optical discs, it
detects the geometric structure along the track.
The MD system is based on the design of the
standard CD pick-up with the addition of a MO
signal readout analyzer and two photodiodes.
During playback of recordable discs a 0.5mW laser

is focused onto the magnetic layer. The magnetic
signal on the disc affects the polarization of the
reflected beam. The direction of polarization is
converted into light intensity by the MO signal
readout analyzer. Depending on the direction of
polarization one of the two photodiodes will
detect more light. The electrical signals from the
photodiodes are subtracted and depending on
whether the difference is positive or negative, a
“1” or “0” signal is read.

MiniDisc Pick-up Technology

0 1

Cross sectional view

of recording track

Laser Laser

Recordable disc Premastered disc

0 1

High intensity Low intensity

MD

Laser Beam

R

e

c

o

Objective Lens

k

c

tra

r

d

i

g

n

Photo Detector B

Polarized
beam splitter

Photo Detector A

MO signal

+

-

+
+

Pit signal

What it is and How it Works

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The same 0.5mW laser is used for the playback of
premastered optical discs. The amount of light
reflected depends on whether or not a pit exists
on the surface of the disc. If there is no pit, a
high proportion of the light is reflected back
through the beam splitter and analyzer into the
photodiodes. If a pit does exist, some of the light
is diffracted and less light reaches the photodi­odes. The electrical signals from the photodiodes
are added up in this case and depending on the
sum, a “1” or “0” is read.

Overwrite Technology

In order to meet the requirements of a compact,
lightweight, recordable audio system for perso­nal use, the MD system employs a newly develo­ped Sony magneto-optical (MO) disc that utilizes
magnetic field modulation with direct “overwri­te” capability. With MO disc technology, the
recording of data requires the use of a laser and
a polarizing magnetic field. When the magnetic

layer in the disc is heated by the laser to a tem­perature above the Curie point (approximately
200° C), it temporarily looses its coercive force.
As the disc rotates and the irradiated domain
returns to normal temperature, its magnetic ori­entation is determined by an externally applied
magnetic field. Polarities of “N” and “S” can
thus be recorded, corresponding to digital data
“1” and “0”.

Unlike conventional MO rewrite mechanisms, the
”Sony MD overwrite system” positions a magne­tic head directly accross from the laser source on
the opposite side of the disc. A magnetic field
corresponding to the input signal is generated
over the laser spot. The rotation of the disc then
displaces the area to be recorded, allowing the
temperature at the spot to drop back below the
Curie point. At that point, the domain takes on
the polarity of the applied magnetic field regard­less of the polarity that previously existed.

Overwrite Mechanism

1
0

Move direction of Disc

New Old

Frozen magnetic pattern
after cooling below
Curie Point

Head Drive signal

Laser Beam

S SN NSS NN

Heated area by Laser
above Curie Point
(erased magnetic pattern)

Recording Head

Magnetic field of
Recording Head

Cross section of
MO-Layer with
magnetic pattern

Top view
of one Track

What it is and How it Works

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The ease of quick random access was made possi­ble by the development of the Compact Disc (CD).
The CD instantaneously provides random access to
the beginning of any desired music selection. After
using a CD player, the time to reach the music sel­ection of your choice with cassette tape players
seems extremely cumbersome.
The MiniDisc provides the same high-speed random
access for recordable discs as well as for premaste­red discs. In addition, the recordable MiniDisc has a
circumferential microgroove or ”pre-groove”, which
is formed when the polycarbonate substrate is injec­tion molded. This pre-groove is the basis for the
tracking servo and spindle servo operation during
recording or playback.
Address information is recorded at intervals of 13.3
milliseconds using a technology that places infinite­simal zigzags on this pre-groove. Therefore, the
disc has all the addresses already notched along the
groove even with no recording. The result is a

stable and quick random access, as well as a variety
of optional features, including programming of
the playback sequence e.g.: rearranging the
sequence of the titles recorded on the MD without
rerecording of the music information in a matter of
seconds.
This is possible because of the “User TOC Area”,
located around the inner edge of the microgroove,
which only contains the order of the music. This
system is similar to the “directory management
system” of floppy discs. In other words, starting
and ending addresses for all music tracks recorded
on the disc are stored in this area, enabling easy
programming just by rewriting the addresses. This
supports also other features: it is possible to erase
a track out of a sequence and during playback no
gap in the remaining music will be heard. The era­sed segment is allocated to the free space – it is
possible to record a piece of music independent of
the number of segments used.

Quick Random Access

Reprogramming the
Order of Music

1. Ordinary Method:

A: Before Rearranging

Disc Signal

B: After Rearranging

2. MiniDisc:

A: Before Rearranging

Disc Signal

B: After Rearranging (No Change of Music Data)
Connecting two Tracks:

Additional Reprogramming the Order:

Lead in 1 2 3 4 Lead out

Lead in

Lead in

Lead in

Music Data and Order are Recorded Time-Wise

A B C D E F G HInner Edge Outer Edge

1 2 3

Music Data and Order are Recorded Area-Wise

UTOC

Rearranged Area

UTOC

Only Music Data is Recorded Lead out

UTOC Data

UTOC Data

TNO START STOP

Only Music Data is Recorded

TNO START STOP

TNO START STOP

Rearranged Area

1
2
3
4

1
2
3

1
2
3

Lead out

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Lead out

A

D

E

F

G

H

A

D

G

H

E

F

Threshold of Hearing:

As sound level diminishes, there is a level below
which the human ear cannot detect. This thres­hold varies with frequency. The threshold of
audibility is lowest for sounds with a frequency
of approximately 4kHz; that is, sounds close to
this frequency are most easily detected by the
ear. By analyzing the frequency components of
an audio signal, it is possible to identify those
components that lie below the threshold of hea­ring. Such components can be removed from
the original signal without affecting perceived
sound quality.

Masking Effect:

If two sounds, one loud and the other soft, are
produced simultaneously and they are close to
one another in frequency, the softer sound be­comes difficult or even impossible to hear.
Therefore, when an audio signal has a high level
component and a low level component at neigh­bouring frequencies, the latter can be removed
without affecting perceived sound quality.
Moreover, with increasing overall signal amplitu­de, it becomes possible to remove a greater num­ber of components without audible effect.

What it is and How it Works

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ATRAC Digital Audio Compression
Technology

In order to provide approximately 74 minutes of
music on the 2.5-inch MiniDisc, a digital audio
compression technology called “ATRAC” (Adaptive
Transform Acoustic Coding) has been newly deve­loped. This technology compresses information
down to approximately one fifth of the amount of
data usually required.
In 16-bit linear encoding, currently used in the CD
and DAT formats, with a sampling frequency of

44.1 kHz, the analog signal is sampled approxim
ately once every 0.02 milliseconds. Each sample is
quantized at 16-bit resolution into one of 65536
possible values. Therefore, with CD and DAT, when
the analog signal is converted to digital data in real
time, 16 bits of data are used every 0.02 millise­conds, regardless of the amplitude of the signal and
whether or not a signal is present at all.

ATRAC starts with the same 16-bit digital data but
analyzes segments of the data for waveform content
every 11.6 msec. Based on this analysis, ATRAC
extracts and encodes only those frequency compo­nents that are actually audible to the human ear.

This method of encoding is far more efficient than
the linear coding technique used for CD and DAT,
yet sound quality remains comparable. The following
underlying psychoacoustic principles are used during
this conversion.

Psychoacoustic principles:

Masking Effect

F6 FnF4F1

50 400 4k 20k

Threshold of
Hearing

Level

Sampling Distribution and Acoustic Effect

Level

F6 FnF4F1

50 400 4k 20k

Freq. (Hz)

Sampling from ATRAC and its Level

Waveform analysis:

Level

512 Samples

0.02 msec

Level

11.6 msec

analyze the waveform
during approx

11.6 msec into
frequency components

Time

Frequency F1

Level

Level

Frequency F4

Frequency Fn

Shock-Resistant Memory

Conventional optical pick-up systems can easily
mistrack when subjected to shock or vibration. In
digital audio CDs, this causes “skipping” or
muting. Resistance to shock and vibration is a vir­tual prerequisite for true portable personal audio
applications. In the MD system, Sony has solved
this problem with a unique shock-resistant
memory.
While the MD pick-up can read information off
the disc at a rate of 1.4Mbit per second, the
ATRAC decoder requires a data rate of only

0.3Mbit per second for real time playback. This
difference in processing speed enables the use of
a readahead buffer, placed between the pick-up
and the decoder. If a 4Mbit memory chip is used
for the buffer, it can store up to 10 seconds of
digital information. Should the pick-up be jarred
out of position, the correct information continues
to be supplied to the ATRAC decoder from the

buffer memory. As long as the pick-up returns to
the correct position within 10 seconds, the
listener never experiences mistracking or muting.
Since signals enter the buffer memory faster than
they leave it, the buffer will eventually become
full. At that point, the MD player momentarily
stops reading information from the disc; it resu­mes reading as soon as there is again room in the
memory chip.
Using a concept called sector repositioning, the
MD pick-up has the ability to quickly resume rea­ding from the correct point after being displaced.
When signals are recorded on the MiniDisc (either
recordable MO or premastered optical media),
address information is assigned every 13.3 milli­seconds. When a pick-up is shifted out of place,
the MD player quickly recognizes the disruption,
identifies the wrong address, and instantly returns
the pick-up to the correct position.

What it is and How it Works

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Shock-Resistant Memory

Optical Pick-up

Digital Music Data
Analog Music Data
Flow of Music Data

4 Mbit Memory

1.4 Mbit / sec

Decoder

0.3 Mbit / sec

D/A converter

Amplifier

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What it is and How it Works

1.3. Serial Copy Management
System (SCMS)

The MD conforms to the SCMS convention (see ISO­958 + Amendment 84 (C. O.) 126 and 126A). The
Serial Copy Management System allows to make a
first digital copy from digital sources. Further digital
copies from protected sources are prevented, copies
in the analog domain remain possible.

1.4. Serial Copy Management
System (SCMS)

The premastered MD has following additional
advantages:

•

The data is stored in physical pits and is therefore
never erased unless it is mechanically destroyed.

•

The label area is larger than the one of the record­able MD. The entire area of one side can be used
for labeling. The recordable MD has a shutter on
both sides and its label is relatively small.

• The premastered MD contains valuable character
information (e.g. disc & track names) which will
not be transferred during copying.

• The subdata capacity of the premastered MD is
bigger. So it is possible to record more character
information onto the MD.

Channels:

Frequency Response:

Dynamic Range:

Wow- and Flutter:

Sampling Frequency:

Coding System:

Modulation System:

Error Correction System:

Disc Speed:

Record/Playback Time:

Cartridge Size:

Disc Diameter:

2 (Stereo)

5 - 20.000 Hz

105 dB

Unmeasurable

44.1 kHz

ATRAC System

EFM

CIRC

1.2 - 1.4 m/sec (CLV)

about 74 minutes

72 x 68 x 5 mm

64 mm

Sony MiniDisc System
Specifications

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MD Production

2. The production process of the premastered MD

2.1. MD Production

1. Input Material

DADC requires following input components from customers:

• A MD master tape or a sound carrier as for CD production (e.g. PQ-encoded U-Matic 1630).

• Print films, as well as colour proofs, for artwork, label- and cartridge print.

•

Completely filled in form sheets (sample forms 1, 2 & 3 on pages 14, 15 & 18, form sheets in appendix).

Production can be started as soon as all necessary components have arrived.

2. Premastering

At the premastering studio the CD-Master tape is converted to a MD-Master tape. This means
that the audio information is compressed by a Format Converter using the ATRAC compression
technology. Also the PQ-code is converted to MD specific data and optional subdata (POS*, disc
name, track name) can be added. All information then is recorded onto a MD Master.

3. Mastering

A nickel stamper for MD replication is produced in the same process as for CD. A glass plate is coated
with a thin layer of photo lacquer. A laser spot records the data from the MD Master into the photo
lacquer. The nickel negatives which are produced from the developed plate are used to replicate the MD.

4. Disc Replication

The replication process of the MD is the same as for CD. After creating a disc by using high
precision molding technology, the MD is coated with a thin layer of aluminum as reflective media,
and subsequently with protective lacquer to protect it against damage. Then the coated discs are
100% quality inspected.

5. Cartridge Assembly

As the first step in the finishing process, the cartridge is prepared with a paper label glued onto the
front and other information printed in white on the back and spine. After the clamping plate has
been mounted onto the MD, the MD is set into the cartridge halves and the cartridge is welded.

6. Packaging

Packaging is done very similar to CD packaging, with a booklet and a backline card added to the
MD in a special MD jewel case.

* point of sales data.

➡

1

Input
Material

➡

2

Pre­Mastering

➡

3

Mastering

➡

4

Disc
Replication

➡

5

Cartridge
Assembly

➡

6

Packaging

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MD Components

➭

➭

➭

➭

➭

➭

➭

➭

Upper Cartridge (e.g. Polycarbonate)

Label (Paper)

Disc (e.g. Polycarbonate)

Clamping Plate (e.g. Stainless Steel)
Shutter Lock (e.g. POM)
Shutter (e.g. POM)

Lower Cartridge (e.g. Polycarbonate)

Assembled MiniDisc

Tray (e.g. Polycarbonate)
Backline Card (Paper)

MD Jewel Case (e.g. Polycarbonate)

2.2. MD Components

The MD consists of the following components:

MARIAH CAREY EMOTIONS

WARNING: All Rights Reserved.

Upper Cartridge (e.g. Polycarbonate)

Label (Paper)

Disc (e.g. Polycarbonate)

Clamping Plate (e.g. Stainless Steel)
Shutter Lock (e.g. POM)
Shutter (e.g. POM)

Lower Cartridge (e.g. Polycarbonate)

BOOKLET

BACKLINER

Assembled MiniDisc

Tray (e.g. Polycarbonate)
Backline Card (Paper)

MD Jewel Case (e.g. Polycarbonate)

MD Components

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1. Upper Cartridge

The upper cartridge is made of grey plastics (e.g. polycarbonate). Its purpose is to protect the MD
against mechanical damage or dust. The upper cartridge also forms the spine on which the disc ID
information will be printed in white ink.

2. Label

The paper label is glued onto the upper cartridge.

3. Disc

The disc is manufactured in the same way as CDs are. It has a polycarbonate layer which contains
the data. A thin layer of aluminum is used as reflective media, which is protected by a protective
layer against destruction.

4. Clamping Plate

The clamping plate is made of magnetic stainless steel. This steel plate allows to stabilize the MD
from the bottom side with a magnetic chuck. Therefore the MD does not require a hole in the upper
cartridge and so almost the complete surface of the upper cartridge can be used for the label.

5. Shutter Lock:

It is made of plastics (e.g. POM) and locks the shutter in the close position.

6. Shutter:

The shutter is made of plastics (e.g. POM). It closes the opening in the lower cartridge through which
the data is read and it protects the MD against dust and damage.

7. Lower Cartridge:

Also the lower cartridge is made of grey plastics (e.g. Polycarbonate). It contains openings for the
disc-drive and the laser that reads out the data. On the backside, information like artist, titles,
playing time, etc. as well as the catalogue number is printed directly on the cartridge in white ink.

8. MD Jewel Case:

The MD is packaged in a 3-piece Jewel Case, consisting of clear bottom and lid parts and a grey tray.
It contains a booklet and a backline card similar as CD package. The MD Jewel case dimensions are
110 x 91 x 15 mm.

Disc:

Pit

Protective
layer

Reflective
layer

Polycarbonate

1.2mm

Input Components Specifications

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3.1. Sound Carrier Specifications

DADC offers all necessary facilities to prepare
sound carriers for MD-production. For exam­ple PQ-encoding, digital editing for the
common digital tape formats U-Matic and
R-DAT, as well as A/D transfer from 1/4” and
1/2” analog tapes and transfer from CD-R
discs can be done at DADC. However,
PQ-encoded U-Matic tapes in the Sony 1630
format as used for CD-production is the
most common format. DADC can transfer
this tape into the MD format via the ATRAC
Format Converter.

The following pages contain important specifi­cations as well as necessary information sheets
which have to be sent with the tape (Samples on
pages 14 to 18, blank formsheets in Appendix).
Please forward this information to your studio.

General System Specifications

• The maximum recording time on premastered

MD is 78 minutes 16 seconds.

• The maximum track number is 255.

Digital Tapes

• Please send a “label copy” with the tape. On

the label copy the order and duration of the
titles (as it has to be on the MD) should be
indicated by the producer.

• Prepare the "Premastering Instructions" form

(see Appendix, form 1) which describes the

music start times with an accuracy down to
one frame.

• Please note all noises (kind of noise and time at
which it appears) as well as general quality
notes in the ”Sound & Noise Information”
sheet (form 2).

• Start recording of time code and digital mute at
least one minute before the first track.

• Stop recording of digital mute and time code
not earlier than two minutes after the last track
has ended.

• A pause (digital mute) of at least two seconds
has to be kept in case you want to change the
preemphasis status.

Please note that de-emphasis will be performed
during format conversion at DADC.

Additional Specifications for U-Matic Tapes

• Sampling frequency:

44.1kHz

•

Tape format:

3/4" U-Matic NTSC standard
(Sony PCM 1630/1610)

•

Time code:

SMPTE non-drop-frame; The time code
has to be locked to the NTSC video-frames
and must be recorded continuously and
without interruption on analog channel 2
of the U-Matic tape. It may not go beyond
23h 59m 59sec 29fr.

•

PQ code:

The PQ data has to be stored on analog
channel 1

of the U-Matic tape.

Track 1 Track 2 Track 3

Offset time
≥ 5 frames

Begin Track 1 Begin Track 2

Offset time
≥ 5 frames

Begin Track 3

Input Components Specifications

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• Tape widths: 1/4", 1/2"

•

Formats: NAB, CCIR, AES

•

Noise reduction: Dolby A, Dolby SR

•

Reference signals: as standardized e.g: for
15ips CCIR tape:

If it is not possible to send us a tape with these
test tones, please record the tones you have used
for machine adjustment at the last sound-check
of this tape.

If that is impossible as well, we will adjust to
standard reference tones.

•

Dolby: If you have used Dolby for noise reduc­tion, your tape has to contain the appropriate
Dolby-test-signal.

CD-WO (CD-Write-Once)

CD-WOs have to be recorded without interruption
and in accordance with the “Red Book”. It must
be possible to play them on standard CD-players.
The CD-WOs must not contain uncorrectable
errors (C2 errors). These can be caused e.g. by
damage of the CD-WO (scratches, finger prints
etc.), by defects during recording (medium or
recording device) or by an interrupted recording.
Disc checker print-outs (e.g. Sony CDA-5000 or
Audio Development “CD-CATS”) should be sent
together with the CD-WO, if available. All data on
the CD-WO (audio and PQ data, ISRC code, etc.)
are transferred 1:1 onto the manufactured MDs

Quality of the Sound Carrier

During preparation of the sound carrier, the audio
information has to be carefully sound-checked.
Please note every unusual noise (kind of noise and
time at which it appears) in the ”Sound & Noise
Information” (form 2) during this sound-check.
By providing this information like shown on the
sample form sheets on the following pages a lot of
unnecessary delays in production can be avoided.
If a noise which is not mentioned on this infor­mation will be found during quality inspection at
DADC, the production might be delayed.

PQ Encoding

Start recording approx. 15 sec. after Time code
start. Please pay special attention to the offset­time of the begin-points. We recommend to use
an offset-time of at least 5 frames to avoid that
the music start is cut off during playback.

Definitions

• “Begin” marks the start point of a track. It
defines the address at which the MD player
starts to playback a track.

International Standard Recording Code
(ISRC code) and UPC/EAN code (BAR code)

A disc catalogue number by means of a UPC/EAN
code and the ISRC numbers as assigned by the
IFPI can be recorded on every MD. For this
UPC/EAN code and the ISRC numbers must be
included in the original PQ Code as supplied by
you or it must be specified in the “Premastering
Instructions".

Additional Specifications for
R-DAT Tapes

• Sampling frequency: We recommend to use a
sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz. Nevertheless,
it is also possible to transfer from tapes with
a sampling frequency of 48 kHz.
Do not alter the sampling frequency within one
tape.

•

Time code: SMPTE non-drop-frame; Time code
has to be locked to the NTSC video-frames and
must be recorded continuously and without
interruption. It may not go beyond 23h 59m
59sec 29fr.

•

PQ code: The PQ code has to started on digital
channel 1 (left channel of the DAT tape). Start
recording approx. 15 sec after time code start.

Please do not send us your original master tapes.
Send us continuously recorded (no assemble
edits) sound checked copies.

Analog Tapes

Please mind the following specifications:

•

Acceptable tape speeds:

7.9, 15, 30ips (19, 38, 76cm/s)

5sec
5sec
30sec
10sec
10sec

1kHz
1kHz
1kHz
14kHz
63Hz

0dB
0dB
0dB

-10dB

-10dB

left channel
right channel
both channels
both channels
both channels

Premastering Instructions

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14

Premastering Instructions

SAMPLE

Catalogue No.:

Customer:

Artist:

Titel:

Total Time:

Total Tracks:

Studio:

Source:

EQ EDITS

ISRC-Code

❏ 1/4"
❏ 1/2"
❏ 15 IPS
❏ 30 IPS

EQ:

❏ CCIR
❏ NAB

❏ ........

NR.:

❏ NO NR.:
❏ DOLBY A
❏ DOLBY SR

Cal. Tones:

❏ 63/100 Hz .......dB

❏ 1 kHz .......dB

❏ 14/10 kHz .......dB

Fs:

❏ 44.1 kHz
❏ 44.056 kHz
❏ 48 kHz

❏ MASTER
❏ MATERIAL
❏ EMPH ON
❏ PQ

encoded

JOB:

❏ DC Offs. Corr.
❏ EQ
❏ EDIT
❏ A/B EDIT

❏ ......................

DONE BY:

DATE: ....................

ENG.: ...................

TO BE FILLED IN BY DADC-ENGINEER:

Pause,Tracks,Noises..

REF. 1K (...... dB) .....dB PCM

DIG HR ............dB

EMPH ❏ on ❏ off

=

V

REMARKS:

❏ ANALOG

❏ DAT

❏ OTHER ................

❏ U-MATIC

LEVEL

Q

dB

Hz Q

dB

Hz

L

R

FIL.

SMPTE

TC

hh:mm:ss:ff

TRK

TIME

Nr.:

min:sec

Type of Recorder:

UPC/EAN Code :

123456789

Music Company

Sample Artist
Sample

Record Factory

12

De Emphasis

P.Leitner

46:44

-2

SONY DMR - 4000

1
2
3

4

5
6

7
8
9

10

04:08
04:30

05:10

04:40

05:50

04:13

04:48

05:36
04:21

04:48

45:34:18
50:23:20

02:00:00
06:07:03

06:08:02

11:16:21

11:18:07

15:56:04

15:58:23
21:48:01

21:48:01

26:00:00

26:01:17

30:45:01

30:49:12
36:22:12

36:25:24
40:46:03

40:46:07

45:31:04

30212

UST3892

-2

44

800

2 1

11 03:20

12 03:45

42:34:17
51:23:25

30:49:12
36:22:12

13. 02. 96

8 3 1 3 7 4 2 8 7 5 1 2 2

90912

UST3892

88872

UST3892

70872

UST3892

30212

UST3892

98872

UST3892

90818

UST3892

54411

UST3892

60273

UST3892

40212

UST3892

30321

UST3892

80312

UST3892

Form 1

SAMPLE

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

EMP

N

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

0 ____________ 1 ____________ 2 ____________ 3 ____________ 4 ____________ 5 ____________

T

R

#

Title: Artist: Catalogue No.:

REMARKS:
Orig. MT: ANA / DIG. / MIXED
HISS, HUM, FLUTTER:
ROOM N., PLAY N., VOCAL N.:

DATE / ENG. SIGN

P. Leitner

Sample Sample Artist 123456789

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

V

25

N

10

V

50

V

50

T

05

V

05

V

50

N

05

N

24

T

10

N

10

DO

19

T

47

V

01

V

14

V

12

13. 02. 96

11
12

8

V

Sound & Noise Information

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15

Form 2

Sound & Noise Information

Abbreviations for possible noise

AD CD

AUSTRIA

16

AE Abrupt End, Sudden End

BE Bad Edit

BL Blow Noise, Wind Noise

CB Cut Begin

CE Cut End

CF Cross Fade

CL Click Noise

CR Crackle

DB Double Begin

DE Double End

DIS Distortion

DO Drop Out

FI Fade In

FL Flutter

FO Fade Out

HFN High Frequency

Noice

HISS e.g. Tape Hiss

I Instrument Noise

LCH Left Channel

LFN Low Frequency Noise

M Mouth/Lip Noise

MIC Microphone

MUS Musician Noise

N Noise

OWT On Whole Track

PN Play Noise

POP Pop Noise

PT Print Through

R Room Noise

RCH Right Channel

SB Sudden/Abrupt Begin

SE Sound Effect

T Tick Noise

V Vocal Noise

Abbreviations for possible noise

Additional TOC Data/Character Information

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3.2. Additional TOC Data/
Character Information

As one of the new features of the MD, character
information can be displayed during playback.
This information is included in the TOC (table of
contents) area of the MD and in subdata areas
(future use) which are available in addition to the
music data.

This allows to store also data like disc title, track
name, disc recording date and track recording
date in the TOC. For disc title and track names in
total up to 2048 characters are available. This
text information can be recalled during play back
of the MD and then displayed on the character
display of the MD player. It is recommended to
use this feature for UPC/EAN Code, ISRC Code,
disc- and track names.

All TOC data has to be supplied together with
the other production components.
The MD specific character information has to be
filled into the ”Character Information” (form 3)
as shown on sample form next page.
We strongly recommend to fill in this form sheet
by typewriter, or to use computer printouts in
order to avoid misreadings and therefore errors in
the displayed character information.
Please also mind that the given information has
to be 100% verified by the customer as all cha­racter information will be stored onto the MD as
indicated in this form sheet.
Attached please find the ASCII characters which
may be used for the character information.

MD/CD Common Data MD Specific Data

1 2

*P,Q

UPC / EAN

ISRC

**POS

Disc Name

Track Name

CD MASTER TAPE MD MASTER TAPE

Forming

V:

V:

Digital Audio Data

A1:

*P, Q, **POS, ISRC

A2:

Time Code

3

Digital Audio

Data

Data to be processed

ATRAC

*P, Q (Time Data) will be converted to MD specific Data
**POS for MD is different from POS for CD

All MD Data
A1:
A2:

Time Code

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E

0

@

P

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
A
B
C
D
E

F

SP

1

!

2

"

3

#

4

$

5

%

6

&

7

'

8

(

9

)

:

✱

;

+

<

,

=

-

>

.

?

/

`

p

A

Q

a

q

B

R

b

r

C

S

c

s

D

T

d

t

E

U

e

u

F

V

f

v

G

W

g

H

X

h

I

Y

i

J

Z

j

K

k

L

l

M

m

N

^

n

O

_

o

The symbols of this

w

area may not be used

x
y
z

F

Character Information

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Form 3

Remarks: Signature / Date

Please use # to indicate ”Space characters” in case you want to use more than one ”Space”.

SAMPLE

TITLE:

ARTIST:

CATALOGUE No:

Disc Information:

UPC/EAN - code:

No of tracks

(max 255)

Disc name
(max. 160 characters)

Track No. _____ Information:
ISRC - code (ISO 3901):

Track No. _____ Information:
ISRC - code (ISO 3901):

Track No. _____ Information:
ISRC - code (ISO 3901):

Page ....... of ......

Emotions Mariah Carey 01-468851-50

1 3

5099746885187

10

Mariah Carey###Emotions

1

Emotions

And You Don't Remember

2

Track name
(max. 160 characters)

DE S34 92 30212

DE S34 92 38490

Track No. _____ Information:
ISRC - code (ISO 3901):

Till The End Of The Time

9

DE S34 92 32187

10

The Wind

DE S34 92 84219

Track name
(max. 160 characters)

Track name
(max. 160 characters)

Track name
(max. 160 characters)

Character Information

Label Film

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3.3. Label-, Artwork- and Print Films

For unmistakeable reference during produc­tion the catalogue number must be indica­ted on each film outside of the print area for
identification.

I. Label Film

Usually a graphic or picture will be used for the
front side. For clear identification of the final MD it
is necessary to include the catalogue number on the
label. The MD Logo shall not be inserted, as it al­ready appears on the upper cartrigde.

During preparation of the label films please mind
the following:

• Send coated positive offset films with approx. 3
mm bleed only.The registration and cutting marks
must be located outside the bleed.

• The films must not reveal damage of any kind and
must be packed in such a way so as to prevent
folding or creasing (roll container or carton).

• In order to match label and artwork please en­close compulsory proofs regarding colour with all
films.

• Please identify each film with colour specifcation.

Direction of Texture or Paper Grain

R = max. 0.7 mm for all 4 corners

63.8

54.7

All dimensions in mm with a tolerance of ± 0.2 mm

In order to ensure optimum reliability under a variety of different operating and storage conditions DADC uses special paper quality.

Upper Cartridge

Booklet

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20

• The catalogue number must appear on the cover
of the booklet

• All pages (except cover outside) must contain
page numbers.

• Please prepare the film layout in such a way that
the booklet is closed on the left-hand side.

• Please enclose compulsory proofs regarding
colour with all films.

• Please identify each film with colour specifcation.

II. a) Artwork Films (Booklet)

The booklet contains similar information as CD
booklets. Optionally the MiniDisc logo can be
inserted. During preparation of the print films for
the booklet please mind the following:

• Send coated positive offset films with approx.
3mm bleed only; the registration and cutting
marks must be located outside the bleed.

• The films must not reveal damage of any kind and
must be packed in such a way so as to prevent
folding or creasing (roll container or carton).

All dimensions in mm with a tolerance of ± 0.2 mm

DADC will provide artwork in following quality:

Thickness:
max. 1.8 mm measured on folding side.
max. 2.3 mm measured above the stitching wire.
With 70g/ m

2

paper quality for inner pages this will allow a max. of 32 pages.

Coverpages:
wood-free art paper.
min. 180g/m

2

, coated on both sides (for booklet cover and one sheet booklet).

72.7

104.9

min 10

stitching wire or
non-corrosive staples

Backline Card

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II. b) Artwork Films (Backline Card)

The backline card contains similar information as
CD backline cards (eg.: artist, disc title, catalogue
no.).

The MiniDisc logo (recommended size 7mm)
has to be inserted on both spines of the backline
card, so that it can be easily read at top of the
spine end if the MD is stored upright in a rack
(see drawing below).

During preparation of the print films for the
backline card please mind the following:

• Send coated positive offset films with approx.

3 mm bleed only, the registration and cutting
marks must be located outside the bleed.

• The films must not reveal damage of any kind
and must be packed in such a way so as to
prevent folding or creasing (roll container or
carton).

• The catalogue number must appear on the
backline card.

• Please enclose compulsory proofs regarding
colour with all films.

• Please mark each film emulsion side with the
colour.

• Spine printing should be upright reading when
cover up.

All dimensions in mm with a tolerance of ± 0.2 mm

DADC will provide artwork in following quality:
Wood-free art paper.
160-180g/m2= 0,15 - 0,16 mm thick.
Coated on both sides.

between position or .

.......... on the backside placement and

position of a MD Logo is optional.

1 2

1

2

3

108.8

103.2

1

ARTIST AND TITLE

2

ARTIST AND TITLE

ARTIST AND TITLE

Direction of Texture or Paper Grain

3

11.211.2 86.4

Cartridge Back-/Spine Print

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III. Print Film
(Cartridge Back-/Spine Print)

It is recommended to print in positive type follo­wing information with white ink on the cartridge:

Spine: artist name and disc title.
Backside: artist name, disc title, catalogue num-

ber, track titles and durations, etc.
The MD Logo shall not be inserted, as it already

appears on the lower cartridge.
Print location for the spine is on the cartridge

edge opposite to the loading end.

During preparation of the print film please mind
the following:

•

Combine spine- and backside typesetting on one film.

• Use coated positive screenprinting line films
(min. line width 0.15 mm, high density, emulsion
side up); positioning marks must be located out­side the print area.

• The films must not reveal damage of any kind
and must be packed in such a way so as to pre­vent folding or creasing (roll container or carton).

• Please don't encircle the printing area on the
film.

All dimensions in mm
Print area dimensions:

Lower Cartridge

59.0

52.4

31.7

R 12

5.5

14.2

3

Character size 7pt

MARIAH CAREY EMOTIONS

1. EMOTIONS

2. AND YOU DON'T REMEMBER

3. CAN'T LET GO

4. MAKE IT HAPPEN

5. IF IT'S OVER

6.

YOU'RE SO COLD

7. SO BLESSED

8.

TO BE AROUND

8. YOU

9. TILL THE END

9. OF TIME

10. THE WIND

COLUMBIA

468851 2
BIEM/STEMRA

LC 0162

01-468851-50

WARNING: All Rights Reserved.

Character size min. 5pt

min. linewidth 0.15mm

MARIAH CAREY Emotions

The MiniDisc Logo

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3.4. The MiniDisc Logo

This part of the manual provides the rules for
use of the trademark logo “MiniDisc” on
discs which meet the “MD” standard specifi­cations.

Permitted Uses

The “MiniDisc” logo may be used pursuant to a
license agreement with Sony Corporation wherein
the right for usage is guaranteed. The “MiniDisc”
logo can only be applied on the products specified
in such a license agreement, in order to show that
such products meet the “MD” standard specificati­ons and are compatible with each other.

Territory of Usage

The “MiniDisc” logo may be used worldwide,
except in countries where the use of the trademark
“MiniDisc” logo is illegal.

“MiniDisc” Logo Specification

If you need camera-ready artwork for the logo on
your label films please contact our Customer Service
Department or download the logo from our website
”sonydadc.com/downloads/downfra.html“
For the use on MD label and artwork films there are
three versions of the logo, as shown below:
Choose logo A1, A2 or B, depending on the logo
size. (See table below)

Logo A1 Logo A2

Logo B

16mm

7mm - 16mm 4mm - 7mm

The MiniDisc Logo

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Printing the “MiniDisc” logo in positive, or in reverse (negative) is permitted.

Only one color may be used (also in negative
print, only single colour backgrounds).
Never combine the “MiniDisc” logo with other
characters, figures or logos. Always display it
independently.

Location

The logo should be displayed at a prominent
place only once. The logo may appear in more
than one place, provided such placement in­cludes a prominent place.
Note: with respect to the logo’s use on pre­mastered discs, it should be displayed as large as
possible on the backline card.

Type Style

“MD“ and “MiniDisc” may be used in typed copy
in printed matter when referring to “MiniDisc”
products. When typed, the letters “M” and “D”
should be uppercase (capitals) and the other let­ters in lower case (not capitalized).

However, for the purpose of protection of the
trademark, “MD” and “MiniDisc” should be
enclosed within quotation marks or written
in bold style in order to be prominent, and a
footnote should clearly indicate that “MD” and
“MiniDisc” are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Sony DADC Austria

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4. Sony DADC –
The Company

Sony DADC Austria AG, is a hundred percent
daughter company of the Sony Corporation, was
founded in 1986 to cater to the requirements of the
European CD market. Since then, the Compact Disc
has emerged as the dominating sound-carrier. In
1996 more than 900 million units were sold in
Europe. The CD has also become the basic techno­logy for other optical storage products like Laser
Disc, MiniDisc, CD-ROM or Play Station Disc that
were introduced on the market.

With a quantity of more than 300 million CDs ship­ped annually Sony DADC is one of the leading

Manufacturers of optical storage media in Europe.
With two plants in Salzburg and the worldwide net­work with subsidiaries in Japan, Hongkong,
Australia, USA, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, we
guarantee supply to our customers with the highest
quality and top serviceability.

A separate development division with world­wide networking ensures the step ahead in
production technology and is ready to meet specific
customer requirements. But above all, here we
create the basis for new products in the future so
that we can ensure that the Sony group will be your
partner in the future, too.

Sites: Factory I - Anif/Salzburg

Factory II - Thalgau/Salzburg

No. of employees: 1997 approx. 950
Capacity: 1997 1,2 mio/day
Production quantity: more than 300 million

annually

Customers: approx. 2500

(International and European music and film com­panies, publishers, multimedia and information
providers as well as computer and video game
companies and the majority of software and
hardware manufacturers)

ISO 9002: Certification 1995

Facts and Figures:

Product Use Size Specification

Compact Disc Audio 12 cm max. playing time 77min.

8 cm max. playing time 21min. 50sec.

Laser Disc Video 30 cm max.playing time 120min.

(two sides)

CD-ROM Information processing/ 12 cm max. 680 MB
CD-I

Multimedia, Interactive
Entertainment 8 cm max. 192 MB

Video CD Video/Film 12 cm depending on combination

audio/video/data

MiniDisc Portable Audio 6,4 cm playing time approx. 74 min.

PlayStation Interactive
Disc Entertainment 12 cm max. 680 MB

CD EXTRA Multimedia, Audio, 12 cm max. 74 min. 30 sek.

Video, Data 8 cm max. 655 MB

MD Data like CD-ROM 6,4 cm max. 140 MB

Our products:

This document has been prepared by DADC Austria to provide some
basic information on MiniDisc (MD) for its customers.

Specific focus has been given to details as needed when
ordering MD production at DADC Austria

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Notice:

All trademarks used in this brochure were used for editing purposes without intending any violation
of an industrial property right.

Owned by: Sony DADC Austria AG

Niederalm 282
A-5081 Anif

Printed by: Sony Music Printing, Haarlem, NL
Published in: Anif, A
Produced in: Haarlem, NL

For more information please get in touch with:

Sony DADC Austria AG
Customer Service
Niederalm 282
A-5081 Anif, Austria

Tel.: ++43-6246-880-555
Fax: ++43/6246-880-509
E-mail: [e-mail]