Sony’s announcements regarding their new Mini-Disc players were actually made just prior to their Las Vegas show. Since I’ve written about this already, I’ve included the text of that blog entry below:
MZ-DH10P: This player, which will debut in May for around $500, combines a MiniDisc player with a 1.3 megapixel digital camera with 4x zoom. It also features a color LCD screen and uses Hi-MD re-recordable MiniDisc media to record up to 45 hours of MP3, ATRAC3, WMA and WAV files on a 1GB disc.
MZ-RH910 and MZ-RH10: These two models, slated for April release at $200 and $300 respectively, are also set to be compatible with Hi-MD. Both units will offer the option to record from multiple in-line sources, with the MZ-RH10 adding a large six-line, self-emitting organic EL (electroluminescence) display, so sound-setting screens, track, title and artist can be viewed from wide angles and without a backlight.
MZ-DN430 Psyc Net MD: The newest member of the Pysc Net MD family will hit store shelves this month for around $100. It is not compatible with the newer Hi-MD format (it works with the standard 177MB discs), but does offer skip-free technology for when the player is jostled, up to 56 hours of AA battery life and CD/MP3 transfer via USB. It is available in stereo black with orange highlights or electric white with lime green accents.
Portable CD Players:
The 2005 portable CD player lineup from Sony was, like their MP3 players, out in force. Eight new models debuted and though they ranged in color and price, their common factor (except for the last two models) was the inclusion of song management software and a CD burning application so those who own computers with large song collections stored on them would be able to create music CDs for on the go enjoyment.
D-NE20 ($200, available now, pearl white) and D-NE920 ($150, available now, silver): Both of these players support ATRAC, MP3 and CD-R/CDRW playback and come with a gum stick sized rechargeable battery. They also have 18 playback modes and a remote control. The D-NE20 weighs just over four ounces and sports a three-color LED indicator, while the D-NE920 has a backlit LCD and vertical jog lever control.
D-NE520: Similar in features and design to the D-NE920, this $80 portable CD player comes in black and is available now.
D-NE329SP: This $80 player, available now, comes equipped with an integrated speaker stand which doubles as a charger for the single AA rechargeable battery. It can play most standard audio CD formats and has a bass boost feature.
D-NE319 ($50, available now, blue) and D-NE326CK ($60, available now, silver): Both of these players support most standard audio CD formats and offer bass boost and skip protection. They are powered by a single AA battery and have an auto power off feature. The D-NE326CK also includes a car-kit adapter.
D-FJ003 ($40, available in May, black or pink) and D-EJ001 ($30, available in May, white, blue, green, orange): These most basic of Sony’s new portable CD players offer eight playback modes and a one-line LCD screen. They run on two “AA” batteries. The D-FJ003 also includes an AM/FM tuner.
