When starting or modifying an equipment page, you'll see the following fields. Only the “Manufacturer” “Type” and “Model name” are required. “Release date” is strongly appreciated.
All other fields are optional - please fill in as much as you can, but don't worry if you need to leave several sections blank.
The manufacturer of the equipment.
Due to ownership and branding, we combine namespaces for JVC (under Victor), Tascam (under Teac), and Technics (under Panasonic). Please use the primary brand when creating a page using the automated form (enter Panasonic as the manufacturer, and edit the data after) or manually using namespaces (a Technics deck should be in :equipment:panasonic:deck: for example)
The model name of the equipment. If there were several model names with otherwise identical specs, please list them with a space, forward slash, space (AB-12 / AB-13)
When creating a new page or using the automated form, please only use the name of the first variant (AB-12) while using all variants in the title of the page. A slash in the form will cause a sub-namespace to be created.
The date at which the equipment was first available for sale. If this information is not available, the date of announcement is also acceptable.
We categorize equipment into the following categories:
Portable devices with a battery, designed for on-the-go usage. Includes recorders and players.
Equipment with its own power supply and audio inputs / outputs, but not its own amplifier. To be used as part of a “separates” system or hi-fi.
Combination audio units including a speaker amplifier. Often less wide than decks and including CD, MD, radio, and / or cassette in the same unit. Some are modular or have proprietary speakers.
Professional equipment, such as decks or mixers for use in studios and broadcast facilities.
All-in-one systems with built-in speakers and sometimes battery power.
Automotive decks, usually only players but some models also record. Includes CD or MD changers.
Other equipment, such as PC MD-Data drives or cameras.
Can the equipment record onto discs? Most equipment outside of (some) portables and auto can record.
SCMS is the copy protection system that was implemented on MiniDisc (and other formats). Some equipment (mostly professional) doesn't send the SCMS signal.
MDLP was introduced in 2000 and expands the format to include LP2 and LP4 modes, with double and quadruple the recording time, respectively.
Can the equipment connect to a PC using the NetMD format (SonicStage, OpenMG)
Does the device work with Web MiniDisc and/or Platinum-MD? Most NetMD devices are compatible, but some are not.
Hi-MD was the final addition to the MiniDisc format. Only (some) equipment released after 2004 support Hi-MD.
Does the equipment include a radio?
The dimensions of the equipment. Only millimetres are accepted.
The weight of the equipment. Only grams and kilograms are accepted.
The version of the ATRAC codec used. ATRAC3 encoding used for LP2 and LP4 encoding is not considered version 3.
The internal battery of the device.
The external battery, which is not required for the equipment to function.
The voltage accepted by the equipment natively, whether AC or DC.
AC (wall / mains power), center positive, or center negative (DC)
The recommended retail price at release. USD and JPY are listed - please use the page body for other currencies.
Audio inputs from which the signal can be recorded to a MiniDisc.
Audio outputs from which the signal from the MiniDisc can be sent to another device or your ears.
Connections between MiniDisc equipment and other devices. Includes NetMD USB connections, PC Link, and keyboard titling.
Some (late model) MD equipment can export MDs to another digital format faster than real time. Most equipment can not.
Do we have the user or service manuals? For knowing which manuals we need to find.
The primary image of the equipment, for use at the top of the page.