Sony MDS-PC3 manual

Operating Instructions 4-230-661- 11 (1)  2000 Sony Corporation MDS-PC3 MiniDisc Deck[...]

2 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. This appliance is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER product. The CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT MARKING is located on the bottom exterior. The following caution label is located inside t[...]

3 W elcome! Thank you for purchasing the Sony MiniDisc Deck. Before operating the deck, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference. About This Manual The instructions in this manual are for the MDS-PC3 MiniDisc Deck. Conventions • Controls in these instructions are those on the supplied remote; these may, however, be su[...]

4 Location and Function of Parts Front Panel Parts Description This chapter tells you about the location and function of the various buttons and controls on the front panel and the supplied remote. Further details are provided on the pages indicated in the parentheses. It also tells you about the information that appears in the display window. ?/1 [...]

5 Location and Function of Parts Remote Parts Description g EJECT INPUT REC MODE PLA Y MODE MENU/NO NAME EDIT/ YES DISPLA Y F ADER MUSIC SYNC 1/u 6 ( Pp =+ r 0) REPEA T A y B CLEAR LEVEL – + SELECT qf qh qg qd qs qa 6 4 5 3 2 1 q; 9 8 7 1 ? / 1 (power) switch (12, 21) Press to turn the deck on. When you turn the deck on, the ?/1 switch indicator [...]

6 Using the Display The display window shows information about the MD or track. This section describes the information that appears for each deck status. DISPLAY – + g ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM Note The type of information (e.g., total number of tracks, recorded time, remaining time, track or disc name) which was last displayed will continue to appea[...]

7 Location and Function of Parts While the deck is recording Press DISPLAY repeatedly to change the display. Each press of the button changes the display as follows: SONGS 15T r 44.22 -63.02 While the deck is playing Press DISPLAY repeatedly to change the display. Each press of the button changes the display as follows: Track2 1T r 0.12 1T r-2.51 -[...]

8 Getting Started Before Y ou Start the Hookup Checking the supplied accessories This MD deck comes with the following items: • AC power adaptor (1) • Audio connecting cord (stereo mini-plug × 1 y stereo mini-plug × 1) (1) • Optical cable (1) • Remote commander (remote) RM-D52M (1) • PC connecting kit PCLK-MN10* (1) * Required for opera[...]

9 Getting Started Hooking Up The MD deck can be connected to PCs with PC LINK capability (such as the VAIO-series of PCs), peripheral devices such as portable CD players, and active speakers. Make sure all devices are turned off before you hook them up. ! DC IN 9V PHONES PC LINK DIGIT AL ANALOG (OPTICAL) (VARIABLE) IN OUT IN OUT Ç Ç Ç Ç OPTICAL[...]

10 Notes • Insert plugs into jacks firmly. Loose connections may be a cause of noise or malfunction in the MD deck. • When connecting an optical digital cable, take the caps off the connectors and insert the cable plugs straight in the jacks until you hear a click. When a plug is not completely inserted, “ C71 ” and “ Din Unlock ” may a[...]

11 Recording on MDs Recording on MDs Notes on Recording About indications which appear while recording When “ Protected ” and “ C11 ” alternate in the display The record-protect slot is open and the MD is record-protected. To record on the MD, slide the tab to close the slot. For details, see “ To prevent accidental erasure of the recorde[...]

12 You can make only a first- generation copy * through a digital-to-digital connection. Examples are given as follows: • You can make a copy of a commercially available digital sound program (for example, a CD or MD), but you can ’ t make a second copy from the first-generation copy. • You can make a copy of a digital signal from a digitally[...]

13 Recording on MDs 5 If necessary, locate the point on the MD to start recording from. If you want to record on a new MD or start recording from the end of the recorded portion, go to step 6. To record over from the beginning of an existing MD track Press ./> repeatedly (or turn ./> on the deck) until the number of the track to be recorded o[...]

14 Adjusting the Recording Level Do the procedure below to adjust the recording level. ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM – + g DISPLAY LEVEL +/ – 1 Do steps 1 to 6 of “ Recording on an MD ” on pages 12 and 13. 2 Play the portion of the program source with the strongest output. 3 Press DISPLAY repeatedly until the peak level meters appear. 4 While monit[...]

15 Recording on MDs Recording for Long Times In addition to normal stereo recording, this deck has two recording modes: LP2 and LP4. When recording in LP2 mode, you can record 2 times the normal recordable time, and in LP4 mode, you can record 4 times the normal recordable time. In addition, the recordable time for monaural recording is approximate[...]

16 Notes • Even if you press REC MODE during recording or recording pause, you cannot change the recording mode. • Even if you select the monaural recording mode, the sound from the speakers will be the same as the source sound (e.g. Stereo source sound will be as it is). z LP Stamp function works during recording in LP2 or LP4 mode A track rec[...]

17 Recording on MDs Erasing blank portions automatically (Smart Space/ Auto Cut) The deck can be set to automatically erase any blanks that are produced when the signal is interrupted during recording. The function which activates (Smart Space or Auto Cut) depends on the length of the interruption, as described below. Smart Space If the signal is i[...]

18 Notes • If you start recording with no signal input, Smart Space and Auto Cut will not operate regardless of the setting. • Smart Space does not affect the order of the track numbers being recorded, even if the blank space occurs in the middle of a track. • If the deck stays in recording-pause for about 10 minutes after the Auto Cut operat[...]

19 Recording on MDs To change the trigger level for Automatic Track Marking Do the procedure below to change the signal level that triggers Automatic Track Marking. 1 While the deck is stopped, press MENU/NO twice. “ Setup Menu ” appears in the display. 2 Press ./> repeatedly (or turn ./> on the deck) until “ LS(T) ” appears, then pre[...]

20 • Track marking may not occur in the following tracks: — Tracks that are less than 4 seconds long (in stereo, monaural, or LP2 stereo mode). — Tracks that are less than 8 seconds long (in LP4 stereo mode). • When recording from a component connected to the LINE (ANALOG) IN jacks with “ T.Mark Off ” selected or when recording from a D[...]

21 Playing MDs Playing MDs Playing an MD The operations for normal play are explained below. ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM – + g ./> N Z ?/1 X x LEVEL +/ – 1 Turn on the amplifier and select MD on the amplifier. 2 Press ?/1 to turn on the deck. The switch indicator on the deck turns off. 3 Insert an MD (page 4). 4 If necessary, press ./> repeated[...]

22 Playing a Specific T rack You can use the following procedure while the deck is playing, stopped, or paused to quickly find the beginning of the next track you want to play. ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM – + g ./> N Locating a track To go to Do the following: Locating a Particular Point in a T rack You can locate a particular point in a track durin[...]

23 Playing MDs Playing T racks Repeatedly You can play an entire MD repeatedly. This function can be used with Shuffle Play to repeat all the tracks in random order (page 24), or with Program Play to repeat all the tracks in the program (page 25). You can also repeat a specific track or portion within a track. ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM – + g M REPEAT[...]

24 Playing T racks in Random Order (Shuffle Play) When you select Shuffle Play, the deck plays all the tracks on the MD in random order. ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM – + g N PLAY MODE 1 While the deck is stopped, press PLAY MODE repeatedly until “ SHUF ” lights up in the display. 2 Press N (or NX on the deck). Shuffle Play starts. ; appears while th[...]

25 Playing MDs 4 Repeat step 3 to enter other tracks. 5 Press YES. “ Complete!! ” appears and the program is completed. 6 Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until “ PGM ” lights up in the display. 7 Press N (or NX on the deck). Program Play starts. To stop Program Play Press x (or x/Z on the deck). To resume normal play Press PLAY MODE repeatedly u[...]

26 Add a track to the end of the program Add a track at the beginning of the program Press m repeatedly until “ 0 ” flashes before the first track number, then do steps 3 to 5 of “ Programming the tracks ” on page 25. Changing the contents of the program While the deck is stopped and “ PGM ” lights up, do steps 1 and 2 of “ Programmin[...]

27 Playing MDs T ips for Recording From MDs to T ape ./> ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM – + g YES MENU/NO Inserting blanks between tracks during play (Auto Space) The deck can be set to automatically insert a three- second blank between tracks during play. This function is useful when you ’ re recording from an MD to an analog tape since the three-se[...]

28 Editing Recorded MDs m/M ./> ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM – + g YES MENU/NO Brief descriptions of buttons used to edit MDs The buttons below are used to erase, divide, move, or combine tracks on the MD. Note The operation of these buttons is different when naming a track or MD. For details, see “ Naming Tracks or MDs ” on page 35. MENU/NO butt[...]

29 Editing Recorded MDs Erasing T racks You can erase a track or part of a track simply by specifying the number of the track or the portion within a track to be erased. You can also erase all the tracks on an MD at one time. Erasing a track Specify the number of the track you want to erase. Example: Erasing the second track AAA BBB CCC DDD 1 2 3 4[...]

30 Erasing a portion of a track You can easily erase a portion of a track by specifying the starting and ending points of the erasure. This is useful for erasing the unnecessary portions of a track recorded from a satellite or FM broadcast. Example: Erasing portion “ B2 ” of the second track AAA BBB B1 B3 B2 CCC 1 2 3 AAA B1 B3 CCC 1 2 3 BBB 1 [...]

31 Editing Recorded MDs 9 Press YES (or ./> on the deck) to enter point B. “ Complete!! ” appears for a few seconds and the portion between point A and B is erased. To cancel the operation Press MENU/NO or x (or x / Z on the deck). z You can undo the erasure For details, see “ Undoing the Last Edit ” on page 38. Note In the following cas[...]

32 4 While monitoring the sound, press ./> repeatedly (or turn ./ > on the deck) to locate the dividing point. You can shift point A one frame at a time.* The time indication ( “ m, ” “ s , ” and “ f ” ) of the current point is displayed and several seconds of the track from that point play back repeatedly. * Or 2 frames in LP2 st[...]

33 Editing Recorded MDs Combining T racks This function allows you to combine any two tracks into a single track. The two tracks need not to be consecutive nor chronological. You can combine several tracks into a single medley, or several independently recorded portions into a single track. When you combine two tracks, the total number of tracks de[...]

34 Moving T racks This function lets you change the order of any track. Example: Moving the second track after the third track AAA BBB CCC DDD 1 2 3 4 AAA BBB CCC DDD 1 3 2 4 After you move a track, the tracks are renumbered automatically. 1 While the deck is stopped, playing, or paused, press MENU/NO. “ Edit Menu ” appears in the display. 2 Pr[...]

35 Editing Recorded MDs Naming T racks or MDs You can enter a name for a recorded MD as well as for individual tracks. Names can consist of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A total number of 1,700 characters can be stored for all the names on the MD. m/M ./> ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM – + g YES CLEAR MENU/NO DISPLAY Note If yo[...]

36 Naming Tracks or MDs (continued) Copying a track or disc name You can copy an existing track or disc name and use it to name another track on the same disc or the disc itself. 1 While the deck is stopped, playing, or paused, press MENU/NO. “ Edit Menu ” appears in the display. 2 Press ./> repeatedly (or turn ./> on the deck) until “ [...]

37 Editing Recorded MDs To cancel the operation Press MENU/NO or x (or x / Z on the deck). z When “ Overwrite ?? ” appears in step 5 above The track or the disc selected in step 5 already has a name. If you wish to replace the name, press YES (or ./> on the deck) again while the indication appears in the display. z You can undo the copying o[...]

38 Erasing all the names on the MD You can erase all the track names and the disc name on an MD in a single operation. 1 While the deck is stopped, playing, or paused, press MENU/NO. “ Edit Menu ” appears in the display. 2 Press ./> repeatedly (or turn ./> on the deck) until “ Name ? ” appears, then press YES (or ./> on the deck). [...]

39 Editing Recorded MDs 3 Press YES (or ./> on the deck). One of the following messages appears depending on the last edit operation. Last edit operation Message Erasing a track Erasing all the tracks on an MD Erase Undo? Erasing a portion of a track Dividing a track Divide Undo? Combining tracks CombineUndo? Moving a track Move Undo? Naming a t[...]

40 4 Press ./> repeatedly (or turn ./> on the deck) until the track number whose level you want to change appears, then press YES (or ./> on the deck). “ Level 0dB ” appears in the display. 5 While monitoring the sound, press ./> repeatedly (or turn ./ > on the deck) to change the track level without turning on the rightmost indi[...]

41 Editing Recorded MDs 7 Press YES (or ./> on the deck). The deck starts recording over the specified portion of the original track. “ S.F Edit: XX% ” appears to show the recording progress while the portion is being recorded over. When the process finishes, “ Complete!! ” appears in the display for a few seconds. To cancel the operatio[...]

42 Other Functions Fade In and Fade Out Recording/Playback Fade-in Recording/playback gradually increases the signal level at the start of recording/playback. Fade-out Recording/playback gradually decreases the signal level at the end of recording/playback. – + g ?/1 Z N Xx .> z mM FADER Note The output level of the DIGITAL (OPTICAL) OUT conne[...]

43 Additional Information Additional Information Precautions On safety • Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the deck and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further. • The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. On power sources • Before operating the deck,[...]

44 System Limitations The recording system in your deck is radically different from those used in cassette and DAT decks and is characterized by the limitations described below. Note, however, that these limitations are due to the inherent nature of the MD recording system itself and not to mechanical causes. “ Disc Full ” appears in the displa[...]

45 Additional Information Track numbers are not marked correctly Incorrect assignment or marking of track numbers may result when CD tracks are divided into several smaller tracks during digital recording. Also, when the Automatic Track Marking is activated during recording, track numbers may not be marked as in the original, depending on the progr[...]

46 T roubleshooting If you experience any of the following difficulties while using the deck, use this troubleshooting guide to help you remedy the problem. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer. The deck does not operate or operates poorly. • The MD may be dirty or damaged. Replace the MD. • Only ?/1 is operable while th[...]

47 Additional Information Specifications System MiniDisc digital audio system Disc MiniDisc Laser Semiconductor laser ( λ = 780 nm) Emission duration: continuous Laser output Less than 44.6 µW* * This output is the value measured at a distance of 200 mm from the objective lens surface on the Optical Pick-up Block with 7 mm aperture. Laser diode M[...]

48 Display Messages The following table explains the various messages that appear in the display. Messages are also displayed by the deck ’ s Self-Diagnosis function (see page 49). Message Meaning Auto Cut The Auto Cut function is on (page 17). Blank Disc A new (blank) or erased MD has been inserted. Cannot Copy An attempt was made to make a seco[...]

49 Additional Information Edit Menu T able The following table provides a quick guide to the various editing functions that you can perform using the Edit Menu. To access the Edit Menu Press MENU/NO to display “ Edit Menu. ” Note The available menu items may vary according to the current status of the deck. Menu item Sub-item Function Reference[...]

50 Setup Menu T able The following table provides an overview of the various Setup Menu items, including their parameters, factory settings, and reference page in the manual. To access the Setup Menu While the deck is stopped, press MENU/NO twice to display “ Setup Menu. ” Menu item Function Parameters Factory setting Reference page(s) Program [...]

51 Additional Information Self-Diagnosis Function The deck ’ s self-diagnosis function automatically checks the condition of the MD deck when an error occurs, then issues a three-digit code and an error message on the display. If the code and message alternate, find them in the following table and perform the indicated countermeasure. Should the [...]

52 Sony Corporation Index A Accessories 8 Audio connecting cord 8, 9, 10 Auto Cut 17 Auto Pause 27 Auto Space 27 Automatic Track Marking additional information 19 how to 18 trigger level 19 B Battery 8, 43 Blank erasing during recording. See Smart Space and Auto Cut inserting during play. See Auto Space C Combining 33 Connection. See Hookups D Disp[...]