MINIDISC MANUAL V3.
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 . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction T he 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 Features 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.
What it is and How it works 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.
What it is and How it Works 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”. The same 0.5mW laser is used for the playback of premastered optical discs.
What it is and How it Works Quick Random Access Reprogramming the Order of Music 1. Ordinary Method: Music Data and Order are Recorded Time-Wise A: Before Rearranging Inner Edge A BC DE F G H Outer Edge Disc Signal Lead in 1 2 3 4 Lead out B: After Rearranging 1 Lead in 2 3 Lead out Rearranged Area 2.
What it is and How it Works 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.
What it is and How it Works Shock-Resistant Memory 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.
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. Sony MiniDisc System Specifications Channels: 2 (Stereo) Frequency Response: 5 - 20.
MD Production 2. The production process of the premastered MD ➡➡➡➡➡➡ 2.1. MD Production 1 2 3 4 5 6 Input Material PreMastering Mastering Disc Replication Cartridge Assembly Packaging 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.
MD Components 2.2. MD Components MARIAH CAREY EMOTIONS The MD consists of the following components: ➭ Upper Upper Cartridge Cartridge (e.g. (e.g. Polycarbonate) Polycarbonate) ➭ Label Label (Paper) (Paper) ➭ DiscDisc (e.g. (e.g. Polycarbonate) Polycarbonate) ➭ Clamping Clamping Plate Plate (e.g. (e.g. Stainless Stainless Steel) Steel) Shutter Shutter Lock Lock (e.g. (e.g. POM) POM) Shutter Shutter (e.g. (e.g. POM) POM) ➭ Lower Lower Cartridge Cartridge (e.g. (e.g.
MD Components 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.
Input Components Specifications music start times with an accuracy down to one frame. 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.
Input Components Specifications PQ Encoding • Tape widths: 1/4", 1/2" 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. • Formats: NAB, CCIR, AES Definitions • “Begin” marks the start point of a track. It defines the address at which the MD player starts to playback a track.
Premastering Instructions Premastering Instructions Form 1 123456789 Catalogue No.: Customer: Music Company Artist: 12 46:44 Total Tracks: Sample Total Time: ❏ U-MATIC Source: Record Factory Studio: Sample Artist Titel: 8 3 1 3 7428 7 5 1 22 UPC/EAN Code : ❏ DAT ❏ ANALOG ❏ OTHER ................ Type of Recorder: SONY DMR - 4000 EQ: NR.: Cal. Tones: Fs: ❏ MASTER ❏ 1/2" ❏ CCIR ❏ NO NR.: ❏ 63/100 Hz .......dB ❏ 44.1 kHz ❏ MATERIAL ❏ 15 IPS ❏ NAB ❏ DOLBY A ❏ 1 kHz ❏ 44.
Sound & Noise Information Sound & Noise Information Form 2 T R # Title: Artist: Sample Catalogue No.
Abbreviations for possible noise Abbreviations for possible noise 16 AE Abrupt End, Sudden End I Instrument Noise BE Bad Edit LCH Left Channel BL Blow Noise, Wind Noise LFN Low Frequency Noise CB Cut Begin M Mouth/Lip Noise CE Cut End MIC Microphone CF Cross Fade MUS Musician Noise CL Click Noise N CR Crackle OWT On Whole Track DB Double Begin PN Play Noise DE Double End POP Pop Noise DIS Distortion PT Print Through DO Drop Out R Room Noise FI Fade In RCH Rig
Additional TOC Data / Character Information 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. MD/CD Common Data 1 *P,Q UPC / EAN ISRC This allows to store also data like disc title, track name, disc recording date and track recording date in the TOC.
Character Information Character Information Form 3 ARTIST: TITLE: Emotions CATALOGUE No: Mariah Carey S UPC/EAN - code: Disc name (max. 160 characters) 01-468851-50 No of tracks Disc Information: 1 3 Page ....... of ...... 10 (max 255) 5099746885187 Mariah Carey###Emotions A Track No. _____ 1 Information: Track name (max. 160 characters) DE 92 30212 Emotions ISRC - code (ISO 3901): DE P 2 Information: Track No. _____ S34 92 38490 And You Don't Remember L Track name (max.
Label Film 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.
Booklet 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).
Backline Card 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.
Cartridge Back-/Spine Print III. Print Film (Cartridge Back-/Spine Print) During preparation of the print film please mind the following: It is recommended to print in positive type following information with white ink on the cartridge: • Combine spine- and backside typesetting on one film. Spine: artist name and disc title. Backside: artist name, disc title, catalogue number, track titles and durations, etc. • Use coated positive screenprinting line films (min. line width 0.
The MiniDisc Logo 3.4. The MiniDisc Logo This part of the manual provides the rules for Territory of Usage use of the trademark logo “MiniDisc” on The “MiniDisc” logo may be used worldwide, except in countries where the use of the trademark “MiniDisc” logo is illegal. discs which meet the “MD” standard specifications. “MiniDisc” Logo Specification 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 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. Type Style Location “MD“ and “MiniDisc” may be used in typed copy in printed matter when referring to “MiniDisc” products.
Sony DADC Austria 4. Sony DADC – The Company Manufacturers of optical storage media in Europe. With two plants in Salzburg and the worldwide network with subsidiaries in Japan, Hongkong, 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.
Notice: This document has been prepared by DADC Austria to provide some basic information on MiniDisc (MD) for its customers.
All trademarks used in this brochure were used for editing purposes without intending any violation of an industrial property right.
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: sales@dadc.co.
