Sony Hi-MD Now plays MP3 & can capture pictures

Sony announces expansion of Hi-MD format to include Direct MP3 playback and picture capturing ability. This article summarises the key features of Hi-MD and links to further reading from Sony.net.

Tokyo, March 2 2005 - Sony today announces expansion of the Hi-MD format to include Direct MP3 playback and picture capturing ability.

The Hi-MD AUDIO standard launched in 2004 maintained music playback compatibility with MiniDiscs recorded using conventional MD devices while adopting uncompressed LinearPCM (Pulse Code Modulation) and ATRAC3plus - an audio compression format that delivers high quality sound even at high compression rates.

Native MP3 playback joins LinearPCM and ATRAC3plus to offer a wider listening choice than ever.

Hi-MD PHOTO is a new standard that enables the recording and storage of digital still images on Hi-MD formatted MiniDiscs or on 1Gb Hi-MD discs.

The new MZ-DH10P Walkman, Hi-MD PHOTO provides owners with the combined the functionality of a digital music player and a digital camera. The MZ-DH10P features a colour LCD screen which can show slideshows of album art or the user's own digital photos while the music plays.

For more information:

• Read the original press release at http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200503/05-013E/index.html
• Find more information on the new Hi-MD features and the MZ-DH10P at http://www.sony.net/Products/Hi-MD/