Turns out that rumor of an MP3 playing Hi-MD Walkman was true! We reported o­n this about two weeks ago, but it's official now.

The "MZ-RH10" supports playback of MP3 files from Hi-MD (a new MiniDisc format with a 1GB capacity), and appears to be liquid awesome.

Sony has announced the recording/playback Hi-MD Walkman with an organic EL display, the "MZ-RH10," and will release it o­n March 10th, 2005. It is listed at Open Price, but estimates indicate it should cost around 34,000 yen.

The "MZ-RH10" is a Hi-MD Walkman with record and playback capabilities. It will be available in four body colors: Black (-B), Silver (-S), Blue (-L), and Orange (-D).

Like the "MZ-DH10P," in addition to ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus, this unit supports the playback of MP3 files. Supported MP3 bitrates are from 32kbps to 320kbps.

The front of the body features a half-mirrored finish, and has a large organic EL display. Data can be managed using the included "SonicStage 3.0" PC audio software, which features functionality to search by artist/album, and initial searches. It also supports playlist-based playback.

Audio files are transferred from a PC using a USB connection, but they can also be recorded in Linear PCM/ATRAC3plus audio formats from either the microphone input or optical digital jack. Though the recorded files are encrypted, they are converted to normal WAV files when come out of SonicStage and going to the PC itself (only files recorded using analog input can be converted to WAV; those recorded using Optical Digital cannot). Also, the o­nly available recording modes are Hi-MD modes; the unit cannot record in legacy MD mode (ATRAC3).

A "NH-14WM(A)" NiMH battery is included. It can be recharged by USB. Also include is an additional battery case for using AA batteries. Using o­nly the NiMH battery will allow for battery lives ranging from 8.5 hours (recording, Hi-LP/ATRAC3plus 64kbps) to 14.5 hours (Hi-LP/ATRAC3plus 64kbps)...using this in tangent with the foremention AA battery case gives batteries lives ranging from 12.5 hours to 33 hours. The external dimensions of the unit are 81.9 x 22.1 x 84.8mm (W x D x H), and it weighs about 147g. A recharging stand is included.





Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050302/sony2.htm

Press Release:
http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200503/05-0302/

Product Information:
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/audio/walkman/products/index.cfm?PD=20349&KM=MZ-RH10