Features: Most perfectly realized Minidisc instrument to date.

Illuminated OLED display on main body through which all recording-related information (including level meters) is available.

Full backward compatability with std-MD system -- records SP/Mono/LP2/LP4 format audio to std-MD discs and uploads std-MD recordings to PC in PCM, Hi-SP or ATRAC3 format audio files. Uploading is in no way restricted (unlimited uploads of mic, line and digital recordings are permitted) and speeds of 10X (SP->PCM), 16X (mono->PCM), 15X (LP2->ATRAC3) and 26X (LP4->ATRAC3) have been observed.

Records and uploads all Hi-MD format audio (PCM/Hi-SP/Hi-LP).

Date/Time stamp recording.

Switchable Headphone/Line-level output.

Digital Pitch Control (change playback speed without changing pitch) -50/+100%

HD Digital amp.

All mode settings (e.g. auto/manual recording level selector, headphone/line output, etc.) retained over power cycle and disc change.

Mic sensitivity (high/low).

Mic sensitivity and manual recording level can be adjusted on-the-fly, while recording is underway.

Spectrum analyzer display mode available during playback.

AGC on/off. AGC mode: Standard/Music.

Dynamic normalizer (equalize track-to-track volume differences).

A-B repeat.

2 custom EQ settings.

Track-mark rehearsal mode available.

Battery charging via USB port.

Non-skid rubber feet on base.

Metal case.

LiIon battery.

No external battery attachment available.

Ships with SonicStage 3.4 software.

Can be used as a USB drive for storing data.

USB 2.0 interface. Accessories: USB cable

Digital optical cable

AC Adaptor

RM-MC38EL remote control with LCD and backlight (RM-MC35ELK in Japan)

Carrying pouch

Software on CD-ROM Reviews: MDcenter.nl's in-depth review of Sony MZ-RH1. Links: Sony Japan Announcement (mech. trans.)

Sony Europe Announcement

AV-Watch Japan

Forum Discussion Specs: Headphone amp: 5mw+5mw User Manual: MZ-RH1 Service Manual: MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Battery life PCM/Hi-SP/Hi-LP/MP3 Play Record std-MD blank 8/14.5/18.5/16 hr 5/9/10.5/- 1GB blank 10/15.5/19/16.5 hr 6/9/10.5/- std-MD Battery life SP/LP2/LP4 Play Record std-MD blank 15.5/17.5/19 hr 8.5/10.5/12