3-266-241-11 (1)

Portable CD Player

Operating Instructions

Owners Record The model number is located at the rear and the serial number is located inside the lid of the CD player. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. D-NE900 Serial No. ___________________________
WALKMAN is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation to represent Headphone Stereo products. is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

D-NE900

2004 Sony Corporation

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 newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. And dont 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. CAUTION The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. Certain countries may regulate disposal of the battery used to power this product. Please consult with your local authority. CAUTION INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS CLASS 1M INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS The validity of the CE marking is restricted to only those countries where it is legally enforced, mainly in the countries EEA (European Economic Area). ATRAC3plus and ATRAC3 are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
For the customers in the USA and Canada RECYCLING NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE BATTERIES
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/. Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.
For the customers in the USA
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Product registration

For customers who purchased this product in the USA
Please register this product on line at www.sony.com/ walkmanreg <http://www.sony.com/walkmanreg> Proper registration will enable us to send you periodic mailings about software upgrades, new products, services and other important announcements. Thank you. If you have any questions about this product, contact: www.sony.com/walkmansupport Sony Network Portable Audio Support Line 1-(866)-456-7669

What is the ATRAC3plus/ATRAC3 format? Refer to pages 7 - 9 of this manual.
Audio data is converted to the ATRAC3plus/ATRAC3 format by the SonicStage.

Listen

You can enjoy listening to your own ATRAC CDs on your ATRAC CD Walkman.

ATRAC CD

You can also enjoy audio CDs on your CD Walkman.
Music sources playable on this CD player
You can play the following 3 music sources on this CD player: Audio CDs (CDDA format) CDs with ATRAC3plus/ATRAC3 format files (ATRAC CD) CDs with MP3 format files (MP3 CD)

Usable disc formats

You can use ISO 9660 Level 1/2 and Joliet extension format discs only.

About CD-Rs/RWs

This CD player can play CD-Rs/RWs recorded in the ATRAC3plus/ATRAC3, MP3 or CDDA* format, but playback capability may vary depending on the quality of the disc and the condition of the recording device.
* CDDA is the abbreviation for Compact Disc Digital Audio. It is a recording standard used for the Audio CDs.
Music discs encoded with copyright protection technologies
This product is designed to play back discs that conform to the Compact Disc (CD) standard. Recently, various music discs encoded with copyright protection technologies are marketed by some record companies. Please be aware that among those discs, there are some that do not conform to the CD standard and may not be playable by this product.
This CD player cannot record music content on recordable media, such as CD-Rs/RWs. CD-Rs/RWs recorded in the ATRAC3plus/ATRAC3 format cannot be played on your computer.

ATRAC3plus and ATRAC3

ATRAC3plus, which stands for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding3plus is audio compression technology, developed from the ATRAC3 format. Though the ATRAC3plus format can compress music content to about 1/20 of its original size at 64 kbps, you can still enjoy high quality sound. The available transfer bit rates are 256 kbps, 64 kbps and 48 kbps. 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 format can compress music content to about 1/10 of their original size, which contributes to reduction of the media volume. The available transfer bit rates are 132 kbps, 105 kbps and 66 kbps.

*1 The button has a tactile dot. *2 Automatic Music Sensor

Display (CD player)

1 Character information display (17) While playing an audio CD, disc name, track name, etc. appear in 4 lines, if recorded on the CD. While playing an ATRAC CD/MP3 CD, group name, file name, etc. appear in 4 lines, if recorded on the CD. Menu items also appear in this display. 2 Atrac3plus/MP3 indication 3 Disc indication Lights up while the CD player is playing. 4 Battery indication (33) Roughly shows the remaining power of the battery. If flashes, the battery is depleted.
5 Play list indication (21) For MP3 CD only 6 Group indication (19, 20) For ATRAC CD/MP3 CD only 7 Play mode indication (19 - 23) Shows various playmodes such as shuffle play and program play. shows repeat play. 8 SOUND indication (25, 26) Shows the SOUND setting which has been selected on the menu.

Remote control

1 VOL (volume) +/ control (16, 26, 28) Turn to adjust the volume. 2 x (stop) button (16, 26, 28, 37) 3 Jog lever (. u/ENT >) (16, 21 - 23, 25 - 31) u (play/pause)/ENT (enter): Press during stop to start play, and press during play to pause play. When selecting menu items, press to enter the selection. Flick toward. or >: AMS, rewind, fast forward 4 Display (14, 17) 5 ( group) +/ buttons (16, 23, 24)
6 Clip (14) 7 HOLD switch (28) Slide the switch in the direction of the arrow (a yellow mark appears) to disable the buttons on the remote control. 8 DISPLAY button (23, 26 - 31, 37) 9 P MODE/ button (19 - 23) q; SOUND button (25, 37)
Use only the supplied remote control. You cannot operate this CD player with the remote control supplied with other CD players.

Display (remote control)

1 Disc indication 2 Track number indication (23) 3 Character information display (17) 4 Play mode indication (19 - 23) 5 SOUND indication (25, 26) 6 Battery indication (33) 7 Group indication (19, 20)

78 9q;

8 Play list indication (21) 9 Bookmark indication (21) During play, the indication shows a track has a Bookmark. q; Timer indication (27) Shows the OFF TIMER setting has been selected on the menu.
To use the clip on the remote control You can remove the clip from the remote control and change the direction of the clip.
To remove To attach in the reverse direction
You can pass the cord of the remote control through this clip.

1. Insert a CD.

1 Squeeze OPEN from both sides to open the CD player lid. 2 Place the CD on the tray and close the lid.

OPEN switch

Label side up
2. Connect your CD player.
You can use the following power sources: Rechargeable battery (page 33) LR6 (size AA) alkaline battery (external battery case) (page 35) AC power adaptor We explain how to use your CD player on house current on this page. Connect the plugs and terminals securely. 1 Connect the AC power adaptor to the charging stand. 2 Connect the headphones/earphones with the remote control to the CD player. 3 Place the CD player on the charging stand. Make sure that the OPERATION lamp flashes.

to an AC outlet OPERATION lamp

AC power adaptor

5-way control key (u)
to i (headphones)/ LINE OUT (OPTICAL)

Charging stand

1 DC IN 3V Headphones/ earphones

3. Play a CD.

VOL + / VOL + /
Jog lever 5-way control key (u)
1 Push the control key toward u. 2 Adjust the volume by pressing VOL + or.
To Play (from a point where you stopped previously)
1 Press the jog lever. 2 Adjust the volume by turning VOL +/.
Remote control Press the jog lever. Playback starts from the point where you stopped. While the CD player is stopped, press and hold the jog lever until the play of the first track starts. Press the jog lever. Press x. Flick the jog lever toward. once. Flick the jog lever toward. repeatedly. Flick the jog lever toward > once. Flick the jog lever toward > repeatedly. Hold the jog lever toward. Hold the jog lever toward >. Press + repeatedly. Press repeatedly.
Play (from the first track)
Pause/resume play after pause Stop*2 Find the beginning of the current track (AMS*1)*2 Find the beginning of previous tracks (AMS)*3 Find the beginning of the next track (AMS)*2, *3 Find the beginning of succeeding tracks (AMS)*3 Go backwards quickly*2, *5 Go forward quickly*2, *5 Jump to succeeding groups*4 Jump to previous groups*4
CD player Push the control key toward u. Playback starts from the point where you stopped. While the CD player is stopped, push and hold the control key toward u until the play of the first track starts. Push toward u. Push toward x/CHG. Push toward. Push toward. repeatedly. Push toward >. Push toward > repeatedly. Push and hold toward. Push and hold toward >. Press + repeatedly. Press repeatedly.
*1 Automatic Music Sensor *2 These operations can be carried out during both play and pause. *3 After you have played the last track, you can return to the beginning of the first track by flicking the jog lever toward > (by pushing the control key toward > on the CD player). Similarly, if you are at the first track, you can locate the last track by flicking the jog lever toward. (by pushing the control key toward. on the CD player). *4 Only when you play an ATRAC CD/MP3 CD *5 These operations cannot be carried out when using an MP3 file recorded on a CD-R/RW in a packet write format.
Checking CD information on the display
You can check CD information by repeatedly pressing DISPLAY/MENU on the CD player or DISPLAY on the remote control. When you are playing a CD containing text information such as CD-TEXT, track name, album name, artist name, etc. are displayed as shown in parentheses in the following table. When you are playing an ATRAC CD, information you input using the SonicStage software is displayed. When you are playing an MP3 CD containing MP3 files with an ID3 tag*1, ID3 tag information is displayed. CD player Each time you press DISPLAY/MENU, the display changes as follows:

Playing tracks repeatedly (Repeat play)
You can repeat various playback options. Using the remote control During play, press and hold P MODE/ until appears.
On the CD player 1 Press DISPLAY/MENU until the MENU screen appears. 2 Turn the jog dial to select REPEAT, then press DISPLAY/MENU. 3 Turn the jog dial to select ON, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.
Playing all files in a selected group
(Group play) (ATRAC CD/MP3 CD only) During play, press P MODE/ repeatedly until appears. (CD player: Perform steps 1 and 2 of Selecting playback options on the CD player (this page), turn the jog dial to select GROUP, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.)
3 Turn the jog dial to select the playback
option you want. The default setting is ALL (normal play).

PLAY MODE ALL GROUP

Playback options appear.

Playing a single track

(Single play) During play, press P MODE/ repeatedly until 1 appears. (CD player: Perform steps 1 and 2 of Selecting playback options on the CD player (page 19), turn the jog dial to select 1, then press DISPLAY/ MENU to enter the selection.)
Playing all files in a selected group in random order (Group shuffle
play) (ATRAC CD/MP3 CD only) During play, press P MODE/ repeatedly until SHUF appears. (CD player: Perform steps 1 and 2 of Selecting playback options on the CD player (page 19), turn the jog dial to select GROUP SHUFFLE, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.)
01:25 Playing tracks in random order (Shuffle play)
During play, press P MODE/ repeatedly until SHUF appears. (CD player: Perform steps 1 and 2 of Selecting playback options on the CD player (page 19), turn the jog dial to select SHUFFLE, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.)
Playing your favorite play lists (m3u play list play)
(MP3 CD only) You can play your favorite m3u play lists.*
* An m3u play list is a file for which an MP3 file playing order has been encoded. To use the play list function, record MP3 files on a CD-R/RW using encoding software that supports the m3u format.
During play, press P MODE/ repeatedly until (play list) appears. (CD player: Perform steps 1 and 2 of Selecting playback options on the CD player (page 19), turn the jog dial to select PLAY LIST, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.)

MODERN

Play list
Flick the jog lever toward. or > to select a play list you want. (CD player: Turn the jog dial to select a play list.)
2 Flick the jog lever toward. or >
(CD player: Push the 5-way control key toward. or >) to select the track to where you want to add a Bookmark, then repeat step 1 to add Bookmarks to the tracks you want.

LATEST

Playing the tracks with Bookmarks
Press the jog lever. (CD player: Push the 5-way control key toward u.)

Playing tracks you have played most frequently in random order (Auto ranking shuffle play)
The CD player plays up to 32 tracks which the player has automatically memorized as the most frequently played ones. In Auto ranking shuffle play, these tracks are played in random order. During play, press P MODE/ repeatedly to select a00 (auto ranking) SHUF and press the jog lever to enter the selection. (CD player: Perform steps 1 and 2 of Selecting playback options on the CD player (page 19), turn the jog dial to select RANKING SHUF, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.)
The CD player memorizes the tracks you have played from up to 10 CDs, whether you have changed the CDs or not. If the CD player tries to memorize tracks from an 11th CD, the data memorized first will be erased.
Playing tracks in your favorite order (PGM play)
You can program the CD player to play up to 64 tracks in your favorite order.

Audio CD/CD-TEXT

<PGM12
When playing an ATRAC CD/MP3 CD, a playing order and a file name are displayed.
While play is stopped, press P MODE/ repeatedly until PGM (program) appears. (CD player: While play is stopped, perform steps 1 and 2 of Selecting playback options on the CD player (page 19), turn the jog dial to select PROGRAM, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.)
Repeat step 2 to select the tracks in your favorite order. Press the jog lever to start PGM play. (CD player: Push the 5-way control key toward u.)

Checking the program

While programming: Press and hold the jog lever repeatedly before step 4. (CD player: Push and hold the 5-way control key toward u repeatedly, or press DISPLAY/MENU repeatedly.) While play is stopped: Press DISPLAY. While the indications are displayed, press P MODE/ repeatedly until PGM flashes, then press the jog lever until the display changes. (CD player: Press DISPLAY/MENU repeatedly until the list of the tracks programmed appears. To display tracks from the third track on, push the 5-way control key toward u.)
When you finish entering the 64th track in step 3, the first selected track number (audio CD) or the first selected file name (ATRAC CD/MP3 CD) appears on the display. If you select 65 tracks or more, the first selected tracks are erased.

<PGM01

Track number Playing order ATRAC CD/MP3 CD

In Your H

Playing order File name
Flick the jog lever toward. or > to select the track you want, then press and hold the jog lever until the display changes to enter the selection. (CD player: Push the 5-way control key toward. or > to select the track and press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.) The track has been stored in memory. When playing an ATRAC CD/MP3 CD, you can also select a group using + or.
Searching for groups or tracks/files

While the CD player is playing, you can search for and play the group (ATRAC CD only) or track/file you want quickly using the jog dial on the CD player.
During play, turn the jog dial until the search screen appears.
MR.Sno R' Yo The Train Where do If that's
Press + or to select the group you want, then push the 5way control key toward u. The CD player starts playing from the first file in the group you selected.
Selecting the track/file you want
1 Perform step 1 above, then press 2
+ or to select the group you want. Turn the jog dial to select the track/file you want, then push the 5-way control key toward u. The CD player starts playing from the track/ file you selected.
To exit the search mode Push the 5-way control key toward x/CHG. If about 40 seconds at most have passed without any operation being performed, the screen returns to the previous one.
If you try to operate the CD player using the remote control during a search, MENU appears and you cannot perform any operation.

B Available features

Adjusting sound quality
(Parametric equalizer) You can enjoy your favorite sounds by adjusting sound quality in the following two ways: Selecting a preset sound pattern t Selecting the sound quality you want Adjusting sound quality by yourself t Customizing sound quality
Customizing sound quality
You can customize sound quality by adjusting the sound volume in the 3 frequency ranges LOW (low range audio), MID (middle range audio) and HIGH (high range audio). For each frequency range, you can select the wave pattern from among 3 patterns, and can also adjust the sound volume in 7 levels for the pattern you select. Adjust sound quality by checking the shape of the wave on the display.
Selecting the sound quality you want
Indication SOFT/ SOUND S ACTIVE/ SOUND A HEAVY/ SOUND H CUSTOM/ SOUND C Sound quality For vocals, stressing middle range audio Lively sounds, emphasizing high and low range audio Powerful sounds, further emphasizing high and low ranges compared with ACTIVE sound Customized sound
Press SOUND repeatedly to select SOUND C, then press SOUND until the display changes. (CD player: Perform steps 1 - 3 of Selecting the sound quality you want and select CUSTOM.) Flick and hold the jog lever toward. or > until the frequency range you want appears. (CD player: Push the 5-way control key toward. or > for 2 seconds or more to select the frequency range.) LOW is displayed first. (CD player: LOW flashes.)

Using the remote control Press SOUND repeatedly to select the sound quality you want. On the CD player 1 Press DISPLAY/MENU until the MENU screen appears. 2 Turn the jog dial to select SOUND, then press DISPLAY/MENU. 3 Turn the jog dial to select the sound quality you want, then press DISPLAY/ MENU to enter the selection.

LOW m MID

You may feel a difference in sound volume between the CUSTOM sound setting and other sound settings. Adjust the volume for your preference.
Flick the jog lever toward. or > repeatedly to select the shape of the wave from the 3 shapes stored in memory for each frequency range, then turn the VOL +/ repeatedly to select the sound volume. (CD player: Push the 5-way control key toward. or > repeatedly to select the shape of the wave, then turn the jog dial to select the sound volume.)
The G-PROTECTION function
The G-PROTECTION function has been developed to provide excellent protection against sound skipping during many active uses.
A: Frequency range B: Sound volume(To turn up the volume, use VOL. To turn it down, use VOL +.)
While play is stopped, press DISPLAY until the display changes. (CD player: While play is stopped, press DISPLAY/MENU until the MENU screen appears. Turn the jog dial to select OPTION, then press DISPLAY/ MENU.) Flick the jog lever toward. or > to select G-PRO, then press the jog lever to enter the selection. (CD player: Turn the jog dial to select G-PROTECTION, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.) Flick the jog lever toward. or > to select G-PRO 1 or G-PRO 2, then press the jog lever to enter the selection. (CD player: Turn the jog dial to select G-PRO 1 or G-PRO 2, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.) If you select G-PRO 2, the GPROTECTION function will be enhanced compared to G-PRO 1. To enjoy high quality CD sound, select G-PRO 1.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make adjustment for the remaining 2 frequency ranges. Press the jog lever to enter the selection. (CD player: Press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.)
To return to the previous screen Press on the CD player. To cancel the adjustment operation Press x for 2 seconds or more. (CD player: Push the 5-way control key toward x/CHG.)
When you select CUSTOM sound, sound may be distorted depending on your sound settings when you turn up the volume. If this happens, turn the volume down.
Sound may skip: if the CD player receives stronger continuous shock than expected, if a dirty or scratched CD is played, or when using poor-quality CD-Rs/RWs or if there is a problem with the original recording device or application software.

Playing tracks continuously (SEAMLESS)
(ATRAC CD only) You can play live concert music, etc. without space between the tracks.
While play is stopped, press DISPLAY until the display changes. (CD player: While play is stopped, press DISPLAY/MENU until the MENU screen appears. Turn the jog dial to select OPTION, then press DISPLAY/ MENU.) Flick the jog lever toward. or > to select SEAMLESS, then press the jog lever to enter the selection. (CD player: Turn the jog dial to select SEAMLESS, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.) Flick the jog lever toward. or > to select ON, then press the jog lever to enter the selection. (CD player: Turn the jog dial to select ON, then press DISPLAY/ MENU to enter the selection.)
The tracks may not play continuously depending on how the source music was recorded.
B Connecting your CD player
Connecting a stereo system
You can listen to CDs through a stereo system and record CDs on a cassette tape or a MiniDisc. For details, see the instruction manual that comes with the device you want to connect. Be sure to turn off all devices before making connections.
While play is stopped, press DISPLAY until the display changes. (CD player: While play is stopped, press DISPLAY/MENU until the MENU screen appears. Turn the jog dial to select OPTION, then press DISPLAY/ MENU.) Flick the jog lever toward. or > to select AUDIO OUT, then press the jog lever to enter the selection. (CD player: Turn the jog dial to select AUDIO OUT, then press DISPLAY/MENU to enter the selection.) Flick the jog lever toward. or > to select the setting appropriate for the connected device, then press the jog lever to enter the selection. (CD player: Turn the jog dial to select the setting, then press DISPLAY/ MENU to enter the selection.)
Connected device* Headphones Device connected using the connecting cord Setting HP LINE

to i/LINE OUT (OPTICAL)

Connecting cord (minijack)
Optical digital connecting cord

Left (white) Right (red)

MiniDisc recorder, DAT deck, etc.
Stereo system, cassette recorder, radio cassette recorder, etc.
* When you connect the device using the optical digital connecting cord, you do not have to choose the setting. The setting will be switched to that for an optical connection automatically.
Connecting a stereo system Notes
Before you play a CD, turn down the volume of the connected device to avoid damaging the connected speakers. Use the AC power adaptor for recording. If you use the rechargeable battery or dry battery as a power source, the battery may become completely depleted during recording. Adjust the volume properly on the connected device so that the sound will not be distorted. This CD player uses the Serial Copy Management System, which allows only firstgeneration digital copies to be made. When recording or playing an ATRAC CD/MP3 CD using a connected device, use only the analog connecting cord. If you change the connected device, make sure to change the AUDIO OUT setting.

You can extend power by inserting a rechargeable battery in the CD player and attaching the external battery case.
Insert the LR6 (size AA) alkaline battery (not supplied) by matching the 3 to the diagram inside the battery case and close the battery case lid.
To remove the rechargeable battery Push # end to remove the battery.
When to replace the rechargeable battery If the battery life becomes shorter by about half, replace the battery with new rechargeable battery. Note on the rechargeable battery If the battery is new or has not been used for a long time, it may not be charged completely. In that case, charge it until the OPERATION lamp goes off and then use the CD player until the battery is depleted completely (Lobatt appears in the display). Repeat this procedure several times.
Attach the battery case to the CD player securely and fasten the screw in the direction of LOCK.
Note on carrying the rechargeable battery Use the supplied battery carrying case to prevent unexpected heat. If the rechargeable battery and the metallic objects are contacted, heat or fire may occur due to a short circuit.
If the switch on the external battery case is slid in the direction of the arrow during play, play may stop. When the battery is depleted, replace the battery with new one. The battery in the CD player and that in the external battery case are discharged simultaneously.
Notes on the power source
Disconnect all power sources when the CD player is not used for a long time.

On AC power adaptor

Use only the AC power adaptor supplied. If your CD player is not supplied with the one, use the AC-E30HG AC power adaptor. Do not use any other AC power adaptor. It may cause a malfunction.

Polarity of the plug

Do not touch the AC power adaptor with wet hands. Connect the AC power adaptor to an easily accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in the AC power adaptor, disconnect it from the AC outlet immediately.
On rechargeable batteries and dry batteries
Do not charge the dry batteries. Do not throw the batteries into fire. Do not carry the batteries with coins or other metallic objects. It can generate heat if the positive and negative terminals of the battery are accidentally contacted by a metallic object. Do not mix rechargeable batteries with dry batteries. Do not mix new batteries with old ones. Do not use different types of batteries together. When the batteries are not to be used for a long time, remove them. If battery leakage occurs, wipe off any deposit in the battery compartment, and install new batteries. In case the deposit adheres to you, wash it off thoroughly.

On the CD player

Keep the lens on the CD player clean and do not touch it. If you do so, the lens may be damaged and the CD player will not operate properly. Do not put any heavy object on top of the CD player. The CD player and the CD may be damaged. Do not leave the CD player in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or sand, moisture, rain, mechanical shock, unleveled surface, or in a car with its windows closed. If the CD player causes interference to the radio or television reception, turn off the CD player or move it away from the radio or television. Discs with non-standard shapes (e.g., heart, square, star) cannot be played on this CD player. Attempting to do so may damage the CD player. Do not use such discs.

Maintenance

To clean the casing
Use a soft cloth slightly moistened in water or a mild detergent solution. Do not use alcohol, benzine or thinner.

To clean the terminals

If the terminals on the charging stand become dirty, the battery may not be charged properly. Clean the terminals with a cotton swab or a dry cloth periodically as illustrated below.

Terminals

On handling CDs
To keep the CD clean, handle it by its edge. Do not touch the surface. Do not stick paper or tape onto the CD. Do not expose the CD to direct sunlight or heat sources such as hot air ducts. Do not leave the CD in a car parked under direct sunlight.

Troubleshooting

Should any problem persist after you have checked these symptoms, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Symptom The volume does not increase even if you turn VOL +/ in the + direction repeatedly (even if you press VOL + repeatedly on the CD player). No sound, or noise is heard. Cause and/or corrective action c AVLS is set to ON.Set it to OFF. (page 27) c AUDIO OUT is set to LINE. Set it to HP. (page 31)
Certain files cannot be played. The playing time is too short when powered with the dry battery. The playing time is too short when powered with the rechargeable battery. Lobatt appears in the display. The CD does not play. HI dc In appears in the display.
c Connect the headphones/earphones plugs firmly. (page 15) c Plugs are dirty. Clean the headphones/earphones plugs with a dry soft cloth periodically. c You tried to play files saved in a format that is not compatible with this CD player. (page 6) c Check that you are using an alkaline battery and not manganese battery. (page 35) c Replace the battey with a new LR6 (size AA) alkaline battery. (page 35) c Charge and discharge the rechargeable battery several times. (pages 33 - 35) c The rechargeable battery is used up completely. Charge the battery. (pages 33 - 35) c Replace the battery with a new LR6 (size AA) alkaline battery. (page 35) c An AC power adaptor which is rated higher than the one supplied or recommended is being used. Use only the supplied AC power adaptor or the car battery cord recommended in Optional accessories. (page 43)

Troubleshooting Symptom The CD does not play or No disc appears in the display when a CD is placed in the CD player. Cause and/or corrective action c The CD is dirty or defective. c Check that the CD is inserted with the label side up. (page 15) c Moisture condensation has occurred. Leave the CD player aside for several hours until the moisture evaporates. c Close the lid of the battery compartment firmly. (page 33) c Make sure the battery is inserted correctly. (pages 33, 35) c Connect the AC power adaptor to an AC outlet securely. (page 15) c Press the jog lever (CD player: Push the 5-way control key toward u) after one second or more has passed since the AC power adaptor was connected. c The CD-R/RW is blank. c There is a problem with the quality of the CD-R/RW, recording device, or application software. c The buttons are locked. Slide the HOLD switch back. (page 28)
OPERATION lamp flashes on the CD player when you press a button, and the CD does not play. Cannot adjust the volume.
During recording with optical digital connection, the track number cannot be recorded correctly. The rechargeable battery cannot be charged.
Playback starts from the point you stopped. (resume function)
Rustling noise is heard from the CD. When using with a connected stereo system, the sound is distorted or noisy.
c AUDIO OUT is set to LINE. Adjust the volume using the volume control on the connected device. (page 31) c Set AUDIO OUT to HP. Adjust the volume using VOL +/ on the CD player. (page 31) c Record the track number again using a MiniDisc recorder, DAT recorder, etc. (page 31) c See the instruction manual that comes with the recording device. (page 31) c The rechargeable battery is not inserted in the battery compartment. c The terminals of the charging stand are dirty. Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. (page 38) c The CD is playing. Turn it off. c The CD player is not placed correctly on the charging stand. Place the player on the stand securely and make sure that the OPERATION lamp lights up. (page 34) c The resume function is working. To start play from the first track, press the jog lever during stop (CD player: push and hold the 5way control key toward u) until the first track starts playing, or open the lid of the CD player. Or remove all power sources, then insert the battery or connect the AC power adaptor again. (pages 15, 16, 33, 35) c Close the lid of the battery compartment firmly. (page 33) c AUDIO OUT is set to LINE. Adjust the volume of the connected device. (page 31) c AUDIO OUT is set to HP. Adjust the volume using VOL +/ on the CD player. (page 31)
Symptom During playback of an ATRAC CD or MP3 CD, the CD does not rotate but you can hear the sound normally. NO FILE appears on the display after you press the jog lever (CD player: after you push the 5-way control key toward u) or when the lid of the CD player is closed. When closing the lid of the CD player, the CD starts to rotate. The LCD display becomes hard to see or slows down.

Notes on the Software Operation section
The displayed items in the illustrations that appear 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 MD products. For this reason, 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 stand (1) NH-10WM Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery (1)
Headphones/earphones with a remote control (1)

Dedicated USB cable (1)

Dry battery case (1)

Recorder Operation

Battery carrying case (1)
Optical cable (1) CD-ROM (SonicStage Ver. 1.5) (1)* Carrying pouch or carrying case with a belt clip (1)
Do not play a CD-ROM on an audio CD player.

Looking at controls

The recorder
qd qh qj qk ql w; qf 9 q; qa qs qg
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
x CANCEL/CHG button Display window Battery compartment GROUP button REC (record) switch Terminals for attaching dry battery case Terminals for attaching the battery charging stand DC IN 3V jack X button OPEN switch END SEARCH button T MARK button HOLD switch To prevent the buttons from being accidentally operated when you carry the recorder, use this function.
N Handstrap hole Use the hole to attach your own strap. O USB connecting jack P LINE IN (OPTICAL) jack Q MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack There is a tactile dot beside the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack. R i (headphones/earphones) S MENU button T 5-position control key N* ENTER.T >t VOL +*,
* N and VOL + have a tactile dot.
The display window of the recorder
: Indication for remaining playing time of the current track or of the disc : Indication for remaining recordable time of the disc B Time display C Battery indication Shows approximate battery condition. D Disc indication Shows that the disc is rotating for recording, playing or editing an MD. E SYNC (synchro-recording) indication F REC indication Lights up while recording. When flashing, the recorder is in record standby mode.
G LP2 (LP2 stereo), LP4 (LP4 stereo), MONO (monaural) indication H Level meter I Character information display Displays the disc and track names, date, error messages, track numbers, etc. J Play mode indications Shows the play mode (shuffle play, program play, repeat play, etc.) of the MD. K Sound indications
The headphones/earphones with a remote control

front, and press the lid down to close. Make sure to check the record-protect tab is closed.
2 Make connections. (Insert the cables
firmly and completely into the appropriate jacks.)
CD player, MD player, DVD video player, etc. Portable CD player, etc. to a digital (optical) out jack Optical plug Optical mini-plug to a wall outlet

AC power adaptor

Optical cable*

to DC IN 3V

to LINE IN (OPTICAL)
See Optional accessories (page 66).

3 Record an MD.

1 Set the sound source you want to record
5-way control key (N,., >) REC

x CANCEL/CHG

to pause.
2 While the recorder is stopped, press
and slide REC. REC indication lights up and recording starts.

X END SEARCH MENU

3 Play the source you want to record.
Track marks are automatically added at the same point as the sound source. To stop recording, press x.
If you record on a previously recorded disc, the recorder is factory set to overwrite the entire contents of the disc. If you want the recording to start after the existing contents, do the procedure Recording without overwriting existing material (page 53) before doing step 3, Record an MD. (page 21).
Record from the end of the Press END SEARCH, and then press and slide REC.1) current contents1) Record over partway through the previous recording1) Pause Remove the MD
Press N or press. or > to find the start point of recording, and then press x to stop. Then press and slide REC. Press X2). Press X again to resume recording. Press x and open the lid.3) (The lid does not open while TOC Edit flashing in the display.)
REC-Posi is set to From End, recording operations will always start from the end of the previously recorded material without pressing the END SEARCH button (page 53). track mark is added at the point where you press X again to resume recording while pausing; thus the remainder of the track will be counted as a new track. 3) If you open the lid while REC-Posi is set to From Here, recording will begin from the top of the disc the next time you record. Check the point to start recording on the display.
If the recording does not start
Make sure the recorder is not locked (pages 12, 18). Make sure the MD is not record-protected (pages 20, 65). Premastered MDs cannot be recorded over.
On some portable CD players, optical output may not be possible when using an anti-skip function (e.g., ESP* or GPROTECTION). If this is the case, turn off the anti-skip function. Electronic Shock Protection

The dividing point shifts the maximum 8 seconds forward or behind.
At the point T MARK is pressed in step 1.
Dividing a track directly
While playing or pausing an MD, press T MARK on the recorder at the point you want to mark. MARK ON appears in the display, and a track mark is added. The track number will increase by one.
The playback repeats up to 4 seconds forward in the track from the dividing point is shifted.

Press ENTER.

To add track marks while recording (except while synchro-recording) Press T MARK on the recorder (press P MODE/ on the remote control) at the point you want to add a track mark. You can use Auto Time Stamp to add track marks automatically at specified intervals (except while digital recording) (page 29).
The track numbers will change as follows:

Erase a track mark

Track numbers decrease 5-way control key (.)
Combining tracks (combine)
When you record with analog (line) input, unnecessary track marks may be recorded where recording level is low. You can erase a track mark to combine the tracks before and after the track mark.
You cannot erase a track mark on a track that has been checked-out from your computer. To combine groups or tracks in a disc with group settings, see page 45. You cannot combine tracks recorded in different recording mode.

T MARK

While playing the track with the track mark you want to erase, press X to pause. Find the track mark by pressing. For example, to erase the third track mark, find the beginning of the third track. 00:00 appears in the display. MARK appears in the display for a few seconds. Press T MARK to erase the mark. MARK OFF appears in the display. The track mark is erased and the two tracks are combined.
When you erase a track mark, the date, time, and name assigned to the mark are also erased.
When you erase a track mark between the two consecutive tracks that are assigned into different groups, the second track is re-assigned into the group containing the first track. In addition, if you combine a track that is assigned to a group with a track that is not assigned to a group (two consecutive tracks), the second track takes the same group assignment as the first track.

Recording tracks using the group function
5-way control key (., >) GROUP END SEARCH

12131415

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 not assigned to a group. After setting the group Disc Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
Recording a track to a new group
You can add a new group at the end of the currently recorded tracks on a disc when recording.
While the recorder is stopped, press END SEARCH. While pressing GROUP, press and slide REC. Play the source sound. A new group will be added after the current contents on a disc.

7 12345

Tracks that were not assigned to a group are treated as being part of Group - -.
To stop recording Press x. The material that was recorded up until x was pressed is entered as a new group.
Recording a track to an existing group
You can add a track to an existing group.
Playing a track in group play
In group play, all groups are played in order, starting with group 1, followed by the unassigned tracks (Group - -). Playback stops after all the tracks have been played.
Press GROUP, and then press. or > until the group you want to add a track to appears in the display. While pressing GROUP, press and slide REC. Play the source sound. Newly recorded track is added after the current contents in the group.
During playback, press P MODE/ repeatedly until appears in the display.
To cue to the start of a group (Group Skip)
1 During playback, press + or. Pressing button cues to the first track in the current group. Pressing the button again cues to the first track of the previous group.
To add a track that is currently playing to a group, stop or pause playing the track first, and then do the procedure from step 2. You can set the recorder to always create a new group without pressing the GROUP button. See page 53 for details.

Playing groups

The recorder can operate various playback with a disc which has group setting. This section explains the operations that are done on the remote control. For details on operations on the recorder, see page 54.
Selecting the play mode for group play (Group Play Mode)
The shuffle play and program play function can be used during group play mode.
Press P MODE/ repeatedly. After normal playback (page 32), the following play modes are displayed. Play mode All tracks in the groups play back once (starting with the first track in group 1). Shuffle play starts with the group that is currently playing, and continues with the succeeding groups. The groups are played in the order that you specified.

page 29 page 31 page 53

recorder

page 53

recorder remote control recorder remote control
page 54 page 32 page 55 page 34 page 56 page 56
Sets the recorder to start playback recorder or cue to a track quickly. remote control

Category Playing

Function Limiting the maximum volume Viewing information
What it does Sets a limit on the maximum volume to protect your hearing.

Operation

Site page page 57 page 57 pages 25 and 57 pages 26 and 32 page 36 (track and disc) page 47 (group) page 58 (track, disc, and group) page 38 (track) page 47 (group) page 58 page 41 (track and disc) page 49 (group) page 59 page 45 page 60 page 46 page 60

recorder remote control

Displays various information such recorder as the remaining time, etc. in the display window. remote control Labels tracks, groups, or the disc. recorder

Editing

Labeling (Name)

remote control

Moving
Changes the order of tracks or groups.
remote control Erasing Erases tracks, groups, or the entire recorder disc contents.
remote control Assigning tracks to groups Releasing a group Assigns recorded tracks or groups recorder to a new group. remote control Releases group settings. recorder remote control
How to use the menu items
To set the menu items, do the following procedure.

5-way control key

On the recorder: 1 Press MENU to enter the menu. 2 Press. or > to select the item. 3 Press ENTER to enter the selection. 4 Repeat steps 2 and 3. The setting will be entered when you press ENTER at the last.
On the remote control: 1 Press and hold DISPLAY for 2 seconds or more to enter the menu 2 Slide the jog lever to select the item. 3 Press the jog lever to enter the selection. 4 Repeat steps 2 and 3. The setting will be entered when you press the jog lever at the last. To return the preceding setting

Press x.

To cancel the operation while setting
Press and hold x for 2 seconds or more.
Turning off the beep sound
You can set the beep so that it is not emitted when the recorder and the remote control are operated.
Creating a new group when recording
By sliding REC, you can set the recorder to create a new group automatically each time you record. This is convenient when recording several CDs in succession. This function can be set with the recorder only.

For details and the remote control operation, see page 35.
Starting the playback quickly (Quick Mode)
After pressing the playback button or cueing to the track, the playback can start quickly.
Press ENTER to enter the selection.
Enter the menu and select OPTION - PowerMode. Select QUICK.
To modify and store your sound
1 During playback, enter the menu and select SOUND - SOUND EQ - CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2. 2 Press. or > to select the frequency.
Frequency (100 Hz) From the left, you can select 100 Hz, 250 Hz, 630 Hz, 1.6kHz, 4 kHz, 10 kHz
To switch back to the normal setting Select NORMAL in step 2.
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 this reason, it is recommended that you charge the battery daily. If no recorder operation (including opening or closing of the lid) occurs for 17 hours, the power in the recorder automatically turn 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.
While playing, enter the menu and select DISPLAY. Select the information you want. The display changes as follows:
Protecting your hearing (AVLS)
The AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter System) function keeps down the maximum volume to protect your ears.
Indication: A/B A (After B A (Selected a few seconds) item) LapTime Track number Track number Group name Elapsed time Remaining time of the current track Remaining time after the current track in a group Remaining time after the current location
Enter the menu and select OPTION - AVLS. Select AVLS ON. When you try to turn the volume too high, AVLS appears in the display. The volume is kept to a moderate level.

1 Remain

GP Remain
To cancel the AVLS Select AVLS OFF is step 2.

AllRemain Disc name

Name of the sound mode
Depending on whether group play or normal play is selected, the operating conditions, and the disc settings, you may not be able to select certain indications or the indications may appear differently.

While playing

Symptom An MD is not played normally. Cause/Remedy Repeat play is selected. , Use MENU on the recorder or press P MODE/ on the remote control to change back to the normal play. Playback mode is changed. , Use MENU on the recorder or press P MODE/ on the remote control to change back to the normal play. Disc playing stopped before it came to the last track. , Press N for 2 seconds or more to start playing, or press the control towards. repeatedly on the remote. The recorder is placed where it receives continuous vibration. , Put the recorder on a stable place. A very short track may cause sound to skip. , Try not to create a track under one second long. Strong magnetism from a television or such device is interfering with operation. , Move the recorder away from the source of strong magnetism. The track was recorded in analog (When recorded in digital, the recording level will be automatically adjusted as same as the sound source), or you used a connecting cord with an attenuator. , Use a correct connecting cord. The recording level was low. , Adjust the recording level manually when recording. AVLS is on. , Release AVLS settings (page 57).
An MD is not played from the first track. Playback sound skips.
Sound has a lot of static. The volume of the recorded track is low.
Volume cannot be turned up.
Symptom No sound comes through the headphones/ earphones.
Cause/Remedy The headphones/earphones plug is not firmly connected. , Plug in the plug of the headphones/earphones firmly to the remote control. Plug in the plug of the remote control firmly to i. The plug is dirty. , Clean the plug.
button has been pressed ( is flashing in the display). The recorder skips The to several tracks , The recorder returns to normal if no operation has made for 5 ahead or behind seconds. when you press the control key towards. or > on the recorder. The edited tracks may exhibit sound dropout during search operations. This occurs due to the MiniDisc system limitation. The fragmentation of data may cause sound dropout while searching because the tracks are played in higher speed than normal playback.
R-channel sound is R-channel sound is not output if connecting to a cassette deck or an not output when amplifier with a monaural cord. playing a track , Make sure to use a stereo connecting cord. However, if the recorded from a connected equipment is a monaural specification, R-channel cassette deck or an sound will not be output even if connecting with stereo amplifier, or when connecting cord. listening a track with connected cassette deck or through an amplifier.

While Editing

Symptom The lid does not open. Cause/Remedy The power sources have been disconnected during recording or editing, or the battery have been exhausted. , Set the power sources again, or replace the exhausted battery with new ones. The power sources have been disconnected or a power outage occurred while editing. , Editing result up to that point is not recorded on the disc. Do the editing operation again This is due to the MiniDisc system limitations. To erase a track that has been checked out from your computer, check it back in first, and then erase it using the SonicStage software.

Messages

If the following error messages flash in the display window, check the chart below. Error message AVLS Meaning/Remedy AVLS is set to AVLS ON so that the volume will not increase anymore. , Set AVLS to AVLS OFF (page 57). You tried to set the 21st bookmark. , You can set up to 20 bookmarks. Set bookmarks within 20. An MD with no recording on it is inserted. You tried to operate the recorder while it was accessing the recorded data. , Wait until the message goes out (in rare cases, it may take a few minutes). You tried to charge at a place where the temperature is too high. , Charge the battery at a temperature of 5C (+41F) to +40C (+104F). The recorder is charging the rechargeable battery. The remaining recording time on the disc is 12 seconds (SP stereo), 24 seconds (LP2 stereo or monaural), 36 seconds (LP4 stereo), or less. , Replace the disc. There is an internal malfunction in the system. , Restart the operation by doing steps 1 to 3 on page 72. If the message appears again, please consult your nearest Sony dealer. You tried to create the 100th group. , You can create up to 99 groups in a disc. Create groups within 99. Voltage of the power supply is too high (The supplied AC power adaptor or the recommended car battery cord is not used). , Use the supplied AC power adaptor or the recommended car battery cord. The recorder is locked. , Slide HOLD against the arrow to unlock the recorder (page 18). Batteries are weak. , Charge the rechargeable battery or replace the dry battery (page 18). You tried to record with the recorder placed where it receives continuous vibration. , Put the recorder on a stable place, and start recording again.

FULL BLANKDISC BUSY

CannotCHG

Charging DISC FULL

GroupFULL

Hi DC in

HOLD LOW BATT

MEM OVER

Error message MENU
Meaning/Remedy You pressed a key on the remote control while selecting a menu on the recorder. You pressed a key on the recorder while selecting a menu on the remote control. You tried to enter more than 200 letters to label a single track, group, or disc. You tried to enter a total of more than approximately 1,700 letters for track or disc names. The rechargeable battery is not inserted. , Insert a rechargeable battery. You tried to make a copy from a disc that is protected by the Serial Copy Management System. You cannot make copies from a digitally connected source which was itself recorded using digital connection. , Use analog connection instead (page 28). You tried to play or record with no disc in the recorder. , Insert an MD. You selected : Erase with a disc without group setting. , You cannot erase groups with a disc with no groups. You selected, : Set, : Release, Move, or Erase while recording. You tried to erase the track mark at the beginning of the first track or group. You tried to erase a track mark to combine tracks the recorder cannot combine (a track recorded in stereo and in mono, for example). You tried to overwrite a track marks. You tried to operate bookmark track play with a disc without bookmarks. , Set bookmarks, or insert a disc with bookmarks (page 33). You tried to make the following settings while recording. Recording mode Recording level Selection of : REC in menu Selection of REC-Posi during recording to a group. You pressed +, while setting a program on the remote control. You tried to set Auto Time Mark while synchro-recording. You tried to press X or T MARK during synchro-recording. The recorder could not detect digital input signals. , Make sure that the source is connected firmly (page 21). You tried to record or edit on a pre mastered MD (P/B stands for playback). , Insert a recordable MD.

4 Storing audio data to your computer.
In this manual, recording from an audio CD is explained.

(page 88)

5 Transferring audio data from your computer to an MD (Check-out).

(page 92)

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

(page 95)

Providing the required system environment

System requirements

The following hardware and software are required in order to use the SonicStage software for the Net MD. Computer IBM PC/AT or Compatible CPU: Pentium II 400 MHz or higher (Pentium III 450 MHz or higher is recommended.) Hard disk drive space1): 120 MB or more RAM: 64 MB or higher (128 MB or higher is recommended) Others CD-ROM drive (capable of digital playback by WDM) Sound Board USB port (supports USB 2.0 Full Speed (previously USB 1.1)) Operating System Factory installed: Windows XP Home Edition/Windows XP Professional/Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 2000 Professional/Windows 98 Second Edition High Color (16bit) or greater, dots or more (dots or more is recommended) Internet access: for Web registration and EMD services Windows Media Player (version 7.0 or higher) installed for playing WMA files

Display Others

See page 101 for details.
This software is not supported by the following environments:
Macintosh Windows XP versions other than Home Edition or Professional Windows 2000 versions other than Professional Windows 98 versions other than Second Edition Windows NT Windows 95 Personally constructed PCs or operating systems An environment that is an upgrade of the original manufacturer-installed operating system Multi-boot environment Multi-monitor environment
We do not ensure trouble-free operation on all computers that satisfy the system requirements. We do not ensure trouble-free operation of the system suspend, sleep, or hibernation function on all computers.
Installing the software onto your computer
This section explains the installation of the SonicStage Ver.1.5 software supplied with your Net MD.
Before installing the software
1 Make sure to note the following before installing the software. Do not connect the dedicated USB cable before the installation! The SonicStage software may not correctly load or operate if the dedicated USB cable is connected to your computer during the installation. Close all other Windows applications before starting the installation! 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 computer, refer to the reference pages before installing the software. Windows XP

, page 98

To install this software, you must log on with a user name with Computer Administrator. If you perform the System Restore function in the Windows System Tools menu, the tracks managed by SonicStage may become corrupted and rendered unplayable. If you perform the System Restore function of the Windows System Tools menu, the tracks managed by SonicStage may become corrupted and rendered unplayable. You must log on as Administrator before installing the software. Depending on the version of your software, the existing software may be overwritten by the new version or it may co-exist with SonicStage Ver.1.5. As the installation process will depend on the version, see the reference page for details.

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 are connected to the computer.
Listening to an MD with the Net MD disconnected from the computer
Listen to the MD after disconnecting the dedicated USB cable from the computer and the Net MD.
Generally, you cannot erase or divide/combine checked-out audio files. If you want to edit such files, check them back in first. Checked-out files can be edited on some MD devices; however, erasing a track will decrease the number of times the file can be checked out, and dividing or combining tracks will render the file impossible to check back into the computer (page 108).

Advanced operations

Using other functions!
Using the SonicStage online help
This manual explains only the basic operations of the SonicStage software. However, the software has a host of other functions that allow you to carry out various operations, such as importing audio files from the Internet, classifying and managing audio files, and playing in various play modes. For information and details on the various menus and operations, go to the online help. To display online help Click (help) while the SonicStage software is running.
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
Lets find out how to use the online help first. An explanation on the use of the online help can also be found in the online help. 1 Double click [Overview] in the left-hand frame. 2 Click [About this Help file]. The explanation will appear in the right-hand frame. 3 Read the text. Scroll the display if necessary. Click underlined words to jump to their explanations.
In the online help, Device/Media is the general term for external devices such as Net MDs, Network Walkmans (i.e., portable IC audio players or portable Memory Stick audio players), and MusicClips.

You can check-in audio files only to the computer which they were checked out.
Check-out can be made for three times.
You cannot copy or move audio files to another computer.
Restrictions on audio content High-quality digital audio content is widely available through music distribution services on the Internet. To protect the copyrights of its holders from unauthorized distribution, some audio content is distributed with certain restrictions on recording and playback. For example, the playback period or playback count for the data may be limited. In such cases, checking out of the audio contents may not be possible. Depending on the contents, some audio data that could be checked out are subject to editing restrictions on the Net MD; e.g., audio contents cannot be erased or track marks cannot be added or erased. It is not possible to check 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 of the restrictions described below. Music recorded on the hard disk using the SonicStage software cannot be played 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 three 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 SonicStage software This software was developed in accordance with the current arrangement between Sony and SDMI. If this arrangement is modified in the future, some of the software functions may become unavailable. Sony may offer an upgrade kit in this case at additional user 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 transfer music files from a personal computer to an external device/media (such as a Network Walkman). Returning checked-out music files to the same computer is to check in. (You cannot move checked-out music files to another computer.) You can check out a music file, check it back in, and then check it out again an infinite 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. MP3 MP3, which stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer3, is a standard for audio file compression determined by the Motion Picture Experts Group, an ISO (International Organization for 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 various encoders/decoders that are compliant with this standard, including freeware that is available for no charge. The MP3 standard is therefore widely used in the computer field. Music Drive Music Drive is a music database for managing audio data on a computer. In Music Drive, audio files can be managed along with such information as artist names, track names, and CD jacket images, or can be combined and categorized in different playlists. OpenMG Copyright protection technology for the import and management of musical 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 distribution of the contents via the Internet or other networks. 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 then putting your favorite jazz tracks into the playlist, you can play all of the tracks repeatedly or check them all out at the same time.

Recording mode (Bit rate) This is a measure of data volume per second. The rate is expressed in bps (bits per second). In SonicStage, the bit rate can be selected for recording an audio CD or converting MP3 and WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format from among three rates: 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 kbps data produces better sound quality than 66 kbps 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 Initiative, is a forum that consists of over 130 companies in the fields of recorded audio content, computers, and consumer 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 Audio This is an audio compression technology that includes the management system called Windows Media Rights Manager. Windows Media Technology This is a technology that includes a contents management system called Windows Media Rights Manager which encrypts contents and distributes music contents along with their conditions for usage, distribution, etc. Audio files supporting Windows Media Technologies (WMT) downloaded via EMD* can be imported into and managed by OpenMG Jukebox.
* EMD may not be available in certain areas of the world.

Numerics

6-Band Equalizer 34
EMD services 112 Erasing a whole disc 42 groups 49 tracks 41
Accessories optional 66 supplied 11 ATRAC3 108, 112 Audio CD 80, 89 Auto Time Stamp 29 AVLS 57
G-PROTECTION 78 Group erasing 49 moving 48 play 44 recording 43 releasing 46 setting 45 skip 44 Group Program Play 45
back up 101 Battery battery life 19 dry battery 15, 17 rechargeable battery 16 Bookmark add 33 play 33
hard disk free space 83, 101 storing 89 HOLD 12
CD-ROM 83 Charging 16 Check-in 108, 112 Checking playing position 32 remaining time 25, 32 Check-out 92, 108, 112 Cleaning 65 Combining tracks 40 Connecting 87 analog 28 digital 21 when charging 16 copyright protection 110