GlossaryATRAC3

ATRAC3, which stands for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding3, is audio compression technology that satisfies the demand for high sound quality and high compression rates. The ATRAC3 compression rate is approximately 10 times higher than that of the Audio CD, resulting an increased data capacity for the media.

“Check-In /Check-Out”

Check-out is to transfer music files from a personal computer to an external device/media (such as a Net MD). Returning checked-out music files to the same computer is to check in. (You cannot move checked-out music files to another computer.)

You can check out a music file, check it back in, and then check it out again an infinite number of times. The SDMI rules provide that up to four copies of a music file can be checked out at one time. OpenMG employs a method whereby three copies of a song can be checked out simultaneously, while the fourth copy is maintained as a master on your PC.

Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) service*EMD is a website that distributes music files which are available for purchase.

The use of EMD services requires installation of player software on your computer. Audio files should be downloaded in a format that is supported by the SonicStage software (such as Label Gate MQ format). For details on EMD services support by SonicStage, please contact to the respective companies.

* EMD may not be available in certain areas of the world.

MP3

MP3, which stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer3, is a standard for audio file compression determined by the Motion Picture Experts Group, an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) working group. It enables compression of audio files to about 1/10 of the data size of a standard compact disc. Since the MP3 encoding algorithm is disclosed, there are various encoders/decoders that are compliant with this standard, including freeware that is available for no charge. The MP3 standard is therefore widely used in the computer field.

Music Drive

Music Drive is a music database for managing audio data on a computer. In Music Drive, audio files can be managed along with such information as artist names, track names, and CD jacket images, or can be combined and categorized in different playlists.

OpenMG

Copyright protection technology for the import and management of musical content from distribution services or CDs. By using software that are compliant with OpenMG, audio contents can be encrypted before storage on a hard disk drive to allow playback of those audio files on that computer. OpenMG also prevents the unauthorized distribution of the contents via the Internet or other networks.

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