In January l' Aiwa presented recorder AM-F3.
In the first quarter of 1996 are introduces new players; the Kenwood DMC-F3 and the Sharp MD-S50.
In mid-1996 Sony presents the MZ-R4ST; is Sony's first portable MD recorder and comes with a docking station and ATRAC 3.5 . You can think of the portable unit as a recording version of the MZ-E3.
In the third quarter of 1996 sharp presented a new player, MD-SS70 with "slot-in".
Available in silver, blue and grey.
In the same period, Sony presented the MZ-R30, an evolution of R3 with codec ATRAC 4; released in two colors; silver and blue.
Sharp MD-SS70 and Sony MZ-R30 are the first machines presented with two or more different liveries, allowing the purchaser to choose not only the machine but also the color of the machine.
The availability of different colors for the various machines to grow over the next few years, even for very high level machines.
Battery Sony LIP-12. Remote RM-MZR30MP( the same of Remote MZR2MP).
At the same time was presented the player Sony MZ-E30, MD ``Jacket'' size design, available in metallic silver, sparkling blue or sparkling orange and the MZ-E50, only in silver. Sony MZ-E30 as available commands and how to look like a R50 has been cut to one side.
In December two new players with the same mechanics: Kenwood DMC-G5 and Sharp MD-ST60.
Sharp MD-ST60 Unit charges simply by placing in recharger base.
Remote diamond with LCD.
In January are presented four new models of recorders; based on the same mechanics: Denon DMP-R70, Kenwood DMC-G7R, Pioneer PMD-R2, Sharp MD-MS200.
Sony MZ-20
Sony introduces two players models: MZ-E20 and MZ-E40.
They are two machines very similar aesthetically;
the display is placed, how the controls, on the left side of the machine; power is supplied with AA battery.
No remote.
In february it presented the JVC XM-R2 recorder, titling and editing functions are performed with a stylus and touch sensitive screen.
In March, Sony introduces the first player with tuner; the MZ-F40.
In June Sony begins production of MZ-EP10 /11 with a new '' head loading '' mechansim that allows an MD to simply be pushed against the top of unit.
Based upon E30/E50 electronics, the difference between the two machines is just the look.
Another novelty of this player is the use of a smaller battery, that, subsequently, will be adopted by all brands.
This battery, commonly called gumstick, will become available with different capacities in mAh.
In August new players from Sharp: MD-SS301 / SS302 / SS401.
Sharp MD-SS302, ``Jacket'' size slot-in player.
Identical to the SS33, remote with LCD, have a AA adapter. On the right of the machine you can see the lever used to eject the md.
September, four new recorder machines over the same mechanics: Kenwood DMC-J7R, Pioneer PMD-R3, Sharp MD-MS701 / MS702 with 10 second shock memory.
This is the first Sharp recorder with remote controller with the display clock appearance.
First recorder with an ``MD Jacket'' design. Slot in.
On the right of the machine you can see the lever used to eject the md.
In October 1997 is presented the Sony MZ-R50, smaller than the R30, in three different colors.
It features ATRAC 4, approximately 70% the volume of the MZ-R30, 16Mbit DRAM provides 40 seconds of shock proof memory.
The first recorder with display on remote; AA cells are used with included external drycell case
Remote RM-MZR50.
In October, Sony introduces the MZ-E25 / E35 two small players.
MZ- E35, a little trasparent window to check the md, 40 second shock memory.
The LCD display and controls are on the rear surface. Gumstick battery, AA adapter.
Sony Mz-RST5
In November, Sony began marketing the MZ-R5ST; a R50 with docking station dedicated.
First wide bit stream portable (but wide bit stream available only when using base). Portable has 10 second shock memory. IR ``card'' remote.
In December, two new recorders from Aiwa AM-F5 / F7 with 10 second shock memory.
AM-F7 model is nearly identical to AM-F5.
It adds a backlit remote.
Sharp MD-ST501 Clamshell (not slot-in) disc loading. MD ''jacket size'' and thickness of 2 MD jackets. 40 second shock memory. During playback you turn a small red light. Back lit remote clock appearance.
AA adapter
Three new players with the same mechanics: Onkyo MD-P10, Pioneer PMD-P3/RMX1, Sharp MD-ST501.
Panasonic present two players: SJ-MJ5 and SJ-MJ7.
From this year onwards is a continuous research on the part of the different manufacturers to create the minidisc portable player / recorder smallest, lightest, with longest battery life.
A password which will lead to maximum miniaturization is compatible with the size of the md blanks.
in February presented two players clones: Goodmans MD100 and Kenwood DMC-J3.
In May presented Panasonic SJ-SW9MD Titanium case with rubber protector and buckle lock closure.
In July, a new series of recorders based on the same mechanics: Sharp MD-MS721 / MS-722, Kenwood DMC-K7R, Pioneer PMD-R55 with 40 second shock memory, backlight remote. Hand strap. Slot in.
In this model, Sharp, I don't know if by chance or not, with the arrangement of the controls, resembles a smiling face.
In the same month Sony introduces two new players: MZ-E44 / E45.
Sony MZ-E44; 10 second shock memory. All controls for both units are mounted on a curved surface for ease of use, especially in poor lighting. The front cross will be shooting by Sony in MZ- EP11. The included remote is backlit; RM-MZE44. Hand strap.
The edge of the machine, protruding, is rigid and shockproof rubber.
Gumstick battery, AA adapter different from the classic Sony, looks similar to a cylinder; the attack to machine is different from usual.
In August two new JVC players: XM-P55 and XM-PJ1.
There is a small transparent window that allows you to check the presence of an md into the machine.
40 second shock memory, backlit remote.
Gumstick battery, AA adapter.
The same month are presented four different players based on the same mechanics: Sharp MD-ST521, Pioneer PMD-P5, Kenwood DMC-K5, Onkyo MD-P20.
Sharp MD-ST521 clamshell disc loading. Backlit remote clock appareance. 40 second shock memory.
Sharp present three new players: Sharp MD-ST601 e Sharp MD-SS311 / SS312.
In the photograph you can see the Sharp MD-SS33, a player that I've found no news; very similar aesthetically to MD-SS301/SS302, and ST601, differs mainly for the expulsion of md that is controlled by a lever on the right side of the machine ( slot in ).
Both backlit LCD remote clock appearance.
Diffrent AA adapter.
In September comes the Sony MZ-R35, very similar to MZ-R30, available in silver or metallic blue.
Battery Sony LIP-12. Remote RM-MZR30MP( the same of Remote MZR2MP).
Aiwa presents a player, AM-HX3 and AM-R10 player and tuner.
In October, Sony introduces the MZ-R55. is the first recorder manufactured by Sony really small; 75% the volume of the MZ-R50, with 40 sec shock memory. ATRAC 4.
Is the first recorder with NH-14WM battery.
Remote RM-MZR55 ( the same of remote RM-MZR50).
Are presented two new players, il Sony MZ-E33 and E55 with remote RM-MZE55 ( the same of remote RM-MZR50) while the Panasonic introduces the player SJ-MJ30.
In December the Aiwa introduces three new models: two recorders AM-F65 and F70 and a player AM-HX30.
In January presented the player Panasonic SJ-MJ70.
In February, Kenwood DMC-K9R and Sharp MD-MT821 recorders based on the same mechanics.
Backlit LCD remote clock appearance. Hand strap.
AA adapter.
In February presented Casio XG-1 player.
Presents the characteristic, inconvenient, to insert the blank into a door "back".
The white portion of the remote, when the blank is inserted, blinking red light; remember the Star Wars swords. Remote control and headphones in one piece
AA battery powered.
Victor XM-P77, player, stainless body, but, why stainless body?
Cospique dimensions due to the curved body.
40 second shock memory.
Gumstick battery, AA adapter.
In March is presented the Sony's first "cost reduced" portable recorder; the MZ-R37, the last machine produced with rectangular appearance apart from dictating machines of series MZ-"B".. ATRAC 4.0 Sony's first "cost reduced" portable recorder (apparently for US and European release only) apart from dictating machines of series MZ-"B".
Remote RM-MZ37.
Also in March the player Aiwa AM-ST40
A new players series Sharp MD-SS321 / SS322 / SS421 Slot-in MD players (units differ cosmetically responding).
The model shown in photo looks ruined, but is perfect; it was produced with a look "corroded".
Slot in. 40 second shock memory. Body is aluminum.
Backlit remote with "W" shuttle buttons. Hand strap.
AA adapter.
In April the player Sharp MD-SS323.
In June are presented two new recorders based on the same mechanics: Fisher MDG-R3, Sanyo MDG-R3.
Sharp introduces three recorders MD-MT15 / MT16 / MT20 with 10 seconds shock memory; unit is apparently a cost reduced version, clamshell disc loading. AA battery.
Panasonic introduces a new recorder: SJ-MR100.
Edge mounted jog dial with integral push button for labelling and track selection.
Gumstick Battery, AA adapter.
Sony produces two other players; MZ-E70 / E80.
In July a new recorder from JVC; XM-R70; 24 bit calculation ATRAC. 40 second shock memory.
Presented as JVC or as Victor, has an imposing appearance even if not then as diffrent from the competition.
Very nice remote display.
Battery JVC, adapter contains three AA batteries.
Aiwa produced a new player; AM-HX50.
In August, Kenwood DMC-L7R and Sharp MD-MT831 / MT832 recorders based on the same mechanics.
First portable recorder with recharging stand. 40 second shock memory. Hand strap.
AA adapter
I have no news of this machine, non MDLP,
older model batteries, AA battery adapter.
Sony introduces MZ-E75, the first player with twin headphone output.
Gumstick battery, AA adapter.
Remote RM-MZ2S.
Aiwa comes with AM-HX55, with 40-second anti skip buffer-player.
September: Sharp MD-ST531 / ST631 with docking station for recharging unit's battery.
First Sharp with MD-J acronym on the rear.
Please note the inscription under Sharp: "2000 and beyond"
Rarely a phrase was so little prophetic.
40 second shock protection, hand strap.
AA adapter.
In October, Sony manufactures two models of recorders, the Sony Mz-R90/R91; electronically identical, aesthetically very different, the first more "masculine" more squared, the second more "feminine", with rounded lines.
Are the first Sony recorders that come in a certain amount to the European market at a cost slightly more acceptable than previous models, in large part, were sold only in the US States and in Japan.
Gumstick battery, AA adapter.
Remote RM-MZ2S.
At the same time Sony launches two new players, Sony MZ-E90 / E95.
A new player, with several names: Audiophase MDP-1, Grundig MDP-1.
Circular remote, reminiscent of the Sharp remote.
The front pattern reminiscent of the Sony MZ-EP11 produced about two years earlier.
AA battery powered.
Introduced the second release in the Panasonic "Shockwave" line of portable MD players: Panasonic SJ-SW90MD .
Made of pure titanium.
Gumstick battery, no AA external adaptor.
A new player Panasonic: SJ-MJ75. Entire unit body made of magnesium alloy
In November launch player JVC-XM-PX5 with magnesium alloy body and a new lipstick style aluminum remote.
The word md on the front panel is changeling.
Gumstick battery, AA adapter.
Kenwood DMC-L3 player, on the back, have a slightly larger display than on the remote.
Power is supplied by AA battery; the battery housing has a transparent blue plastic window.
Kenwood DMC-L5 Magnesium alloy body,
smaller than the previous.
Gumstick battery.
