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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
ATTENTION iPod users:
Many of you already know of my continued effort to keep up with the Sony Walkman. They have made several firmware changes during the last 10 years, which has made my job much harder. I have had to research every new line one year before they come out in the stores, so I can be on top of the command protocol. This is important because I needed to maintain that the Virtual Soundman be compatible with new and old machines at the same time. I have successfully found clever ways to make the Compact disc Walkman and the Mini Disc recorder cross compatible as well. Through the years, Sony engineers have been reluctant, stubborn, and perhaps a little aloof whenever I have engaged them in discussions about improvements and suggestions. This is where the iPod comes in; For those who don’t know- iPod and Sony’s new NW-HD1 are both Hard disc players. They are tiny 20 gig hard-drives dressed in and music player device. They have the ability to contain every piece of music you could ever use. They have more room to arrange music lists of every show type or program you will ever think of. They can have much faster track recall times for instant music sound effects as well. All this in a small player that fits in your hand. The big difference between iPod and Sony is that Apple is located here in California just 2 hours from my home. Sony is located on the planet Vega, where the gravitational pull is 1/2 that of Earth, as a result they end up with very large heads that literally float like a balloon on a string… I prefer to deal with people who are down to Earth, and it appears that I have finally found someone in Apple who wants to hear what I have to say. And I have some things that I wanted to get off my chest, and I have. It looks like this contact is very interested in helping the iPod become more suitable for performing artist like all of us! I met this contact very recently while networking with other professionals. He was eager to know what the inventor of the Virtual Soundman thought of the iPod, and what would have to change before I would start to use it in my remote system. Imagine my delight! Since then we have exchanged several e-mail messages and we have come to agree that these 3 new features would be very helpful to us and possible to add to the Firmware of the iPod in the future: 1) Auto pause at the end of a every song 2) Auto fade when pause is activated 3) (Battery life to be at 20 hours or more) I am confident that if Apple follows through with these- that they will overtake the Walkman as the preferred music machine of the future. (as long as they work on a lower price soon). I strongly urge you to help out. Right now is the time, because Apple is just now coming home from the France convention here at the beginning of September, and will be fresh with enthusiasm and perhaps much more open to discussion. You can make a difference for your show/presentation by sending your e-mails to the engineers at Apple/iPod, and to the contacts below. Please send them often and share your desire to have them implement these 3 things as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this manner: Send your requests to : jsigna@apple.com Use this form- and click on “Other” and copy some of my text if you wish- but leave your short and strong request. http://developer.apple.com/contact/feedback.html You may e-mail me directly for any comments, Thank you, Cheers, Kelly Duro - kelly@majiloon.com The Virtual Soundman
No longer taking Private messages , thank you.
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magicmanrob Regular user 158 Posts |
Kelly do you have any plans to contact Dell about their digital juke box( its the same thing as the Ipod . I have one and am intrigued at the possibilities of interfacing it to the Soundman as you would do the Ipod
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MichaelKent Special user 560 Posts |
Kelly,
I see the Auto-pause feature coming about as an easy fix. They could just add a check-box next to the file. Unchecking it is the only way I can get songs to auto-stop in itunes, seems like making itunes and ipod more similar would benefit apple. And about the battery-life....this is an ongoing battle with apple and the apple community. There's been a lot of flack thrown at apple for the short battery life & non-replaceable battery. I hope this all works out. I'm tired of bringing my powerbook to shows. When the VS works on ipod, consider one more sold. |
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glodmagic Special user USA 501 Posts |
Kudos to Kelly.
Let us know when you get your system iPod compatable. I love my iPod StageCue and would like to get your VSM as an alternate unit. As a workaround to all iPod users who do not use the StageCue which does do Autopause: Its a very simple thing. When I carry the iPod without a control system (other than a simple IR NaviPod remote) I simply make one song per playlist and it will auto pause before moving on to the next playlist. You are basically setting up playlists as songs. I name them Playlist "Opening" Playlist "Levitation" Playlist "Dancing Broom" Etc.......
Remember ANY of your posts here can be Googled by your customers and Clients. Just entering your name in Google can bring up your negative comments that stay for years!
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
Yes-
I agree with you Michael! It doesn’t seem all that hard to understand- Then again- sometimes these ideas have to go to a committee- and you know what they say about committees… I am aware of the lengthy “Play-list method” however what you are not telling the folks is that this does not provide an “Anti-sleep” and after 2 minutes of pause the player will shut off. And at that point it will have to ‘wake-up’ and a delay of a few seconds before music comes out. Suicide to say that if iPod does a few things to clean up there Firmware as I have been lobbying for, and making the device more road worthy, extend battery life from 12 hours to 20, – then this would be better for everyone. For those of you that are patient- I would hold off a little longer until we hear from them. It may take a few months… (in my opinion- and I know some may disagree) It makes no sense buying an iPod right now to use in your show- when it will not hold up and or is lacking so far. I have been an advisor to Sony Corp, Anchor Audio over the years and have made small headway. Now it’s Apples turn. We’ll see if they are as receptive- or not to the ideas. So far they are the closest to me in location but they have been somewhat guarded. And I have not been able to get past the second layer of personnel, when what I really want it to get past the 3rd or forth. I guess that is due to the fact that at other times the company had suffered a loss of capitol interest when others have released info too early. They are not the size of Sony- so they are much more vulnerable to loss of business due to leaking information. This is why it is important that you take the time to respond to the e-mail contact I have given to you—you could make the difference- for your show- As for Dell—I have not attempted to contact them, however- Creative labs has a better device than Dell or iRiver. Sony’s NW HD1 is still the best HDD player out there right now- better than iPod. And it is already compatible with my VSM. The reason that I have not gone with those other companies is that they all have their own interface- and for the most part- (if they have a remote) the various models are not backwardly compatible. So one interface (wired remote) will not work with a newer line. So the logistics is a headache to say the least- I could never catch up and hope to keep my sanity at the same time. I can’t afford to spend time and resources on every new device that comes along. I try to work with the best and most consistent manufacturer- and so far it is Sony. IPod has gained popularity- but that does not mean that it is yet appropriate. So lets see what they come up with. If they follow suit with my suggestions then I can make a cheaper and simpler VSM- that helps everybody’s bottom line. Cheers, Kelly Duro I meant ot say "Sufficed" not Suicide... sorry, KD
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glodmagic Special user USA 501 Posts |
I was so excited to get my Sony NW-HD1 last week BUT
Then I discovered the unimaginable... Sony made an MP3 player that WONT play MP3s !!! Sony uses their bloomin' Atrac format that ONLY they use and this player will play. What are they thinking?? So much hardware is based on what we call a killer App (Application) and iTunes (which works with many players and most formats) is that for me (it may be Jukebox for you or whatever). With this HDD player I am forced to use the clunky Sony Soundstage and Convert all my MP3s to their Format. This sickens me. I love the small size but... I should have read the reviews (CNET is the reviewer I trust): http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Network_Wal......4-2.html It is for sale immediately. If you are interested let me know. Kelly, Please hurry up and make an iPod interface! Also since you have contacts with Sony, let them know they made a big mistake.
Remember ANY of your posts here can be Googled by your customers and Clients. Just entering your name in Google can bring up your negative comments that stay for years!
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
Glod-
I’m not buying this story- or the NW HD1—sorry- I have had discussions with you before privately and you discussed that you were using MD for your show- and that being the case- you were already using ATRAC before you bought your iPod. (hmmm) If you were following my recent posts i.e: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......1&11 (Then you would have heard about the use of ATRAC. I wonder- Glod- are you this melodramatic on stage? Just kidding of course. BTW – I have already developed in interface for the iPod over a year ago- but the iPod is still not ready yet) As for ATRAC and Soundstage, those claims are somewhat unnecessarily misleading. However it is true that the 2 formats (compressions) are used if you go with an iPod & MD, you will have to transfer your music from iTunes (MP3) to the Sony ATRAC software, and is converted to ATRAC. But the conversion is done in the computer and the software handles this. It may be a little longer in doing so – but it can be done without a lot of fuss otherwise. I haven’t done it personally- I have both a PC and an Apple (G5 2Gig professional studio). This is how I choose to keep the two separate thus far, perhaps I am a little lazy. On another note- Sony is already beginning to succumb to the inferior sound quality, but more popular MP3 format as discussed in this article: http://news.com.com/Sony+to+support+MP3/......efd.lede It is already being done with one of their Flash players- but the intent is to (I believe) that they will begin implementing the firmware changes in the US after the First of the year 2005. Stay tuned, or e-mail me for further updates (before the general public) occur. As for the NW HD1- and as I have l already said- I prefer the Sony equipment right now. I have both the Sony NW HD1 and the newest iPod. The difference is startling- as the iPod seems to be a pedestrian attempt to house a mini Hard drive player in a large clunky case. Apple does not have nearly the engineering horsepower to quickly modify its device. The iPod needs to become much more road worthy – double the battery life, add some things to its firmware, and become smaller (perhaps an improved Mini iPod) and more dependable before I will ever recommend using it on stage. The Sony NW HD1 is already compatible with all my VSM models, and I love the whole package. I am revamping my entire web site in the next couple weeks, and along the way I will be releasing a very comprehensive report that I have been compiling for some time now. It will be based on my expertise, extensive experience, research and references to many issues relating to using music, music devices and controllers in your presentations. Please stay tuned, and or click on my e-mail to send me a note in the mean time. This will help clear up a lot, and prevent you from being carried away from other melodramatic claims, rumors, urban legends, or all manner of guile. Cheers, Kelly Duro
No longer taking Private messages , thank you.
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glodmagic Special user USA 501 Posts |
Kelly
Such Flames will affect your business and potential customer base. You are accusing me of lying which I and other readers take seriously. I did not attack you, nor your business. Your products are highly regarded. I am unhappy with this one Sony product. YOU HOWEVER PERSONALLY ACCUSED ME OF LYING. I suggest readers evaluate both of the posts. *I accepted ATRAC on MDs. *I still love and use the Minidisc. It is a mistake IMHO to lock out common formats in the latest technology HD player from such a respected company. Inferior? iTunes Lossless technology http://www.apple.com/mpeg4/aac/ is just that...lossless. I use that to both burn perfect audiophile CDs and play music on the iPod in addition to plain ole MP3's, so I have a CHOICE and compatibility with the many players and programs. I am not sure what is more upsetting: Buying a player that disappointed my expectations or your personal diminutive remarks on my opinion and credibility.
Remember ANY of your posts here can be Googled by your customers and Clients. Just entering your name in Google can bring up your negative comments that stay for years!
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Hey Kelly,
I think you read a little more into Walter's post than he meant. Hey, he doesn't like the Sony. You're not big on the iPod. Everyone has a right to their own opinion. It doesn't mean one person is right or wrong. They just have an opinion. Walter's posted many times on The Magic Café and I have yet to see him try to mislead anyone. On the contrary, he is one of the great posters here who try to help as much as he can. You obviously aren't very impressed with the iPod. There are millions of people using them and I've seen very few complaints. That certainly doesn't mean you're wrong. It just means that different people see different features they like. Shouldn't it just be left at that? You have a lot of knowledge to share here. I encourage you to continue sharing but please choose your wording carefully when criticizing others. This should be a place where everyone is comfortable expressing their views and learning whatever they can. Michael |
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
Alllrighty then,
Now back to the original post- Some of you may know, but others who don’t you may follow some of the development coming from Apple. Here is a clever site that actually forecasts upcoming developments by charting the history for the various hardware and software that Apple has launched, and is about to launch. Here is one of the headline articles: http://www.macrumors.com/ In it is says the following… Apple Computer may be looking to expand its iPod division to produce accessories for its industry leading digital music player. Over the last two years Apple Computer has built a small empire around its iPod digital music players, but to this day has passed off the development of iPod accessories to third parties. But with the portable music player market set to explode over the next few years, the company may finally want a piece of the extended action. If you have been following these stories for a while now like I have from reliable sources, it appears that Apple is interested in hearing from us- So Let me again set the challenge to e-mail the people that I mentioned up from at the top of this discussion; http://developer.apple.com/contact/feedback.html or ipoddev@apple.com and give them your vote to have them implement the auto pause at the end of a song, longer battery life, and auto fade when pause is pressed- into their firmware! And perhaps they can do this for the New Mini when it comes out…and you will have something to do with it! Cheers, Kelly Duro
No longer taking Private messages , thank you.
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magicmanrob Regular user 158 Posts |
Kelly since I already own the Dell juke box what would you need to see, or know of to find out if what you are currently doing with the Sony unit or the IPod would be compatable? Dell does provide for a wired remote for their unit on their website and have thought about getting it. I am interestedd in the possible purchase of the VS and would hate to already have this unit which might be able to work with it.
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
Hello Magic rob
I am glad you asked, because this is something I wanted to bring up and explain. Every manufacturer- (i.e high capacity Hard Disc Drive players) Sony, Dell, Apple, Creative labs, iRiver, Panasonic, Sharp, and so on… Have their own wired remote controller. They have been making them from the beginning. In each case- with each new line or new model they introduce, there is no guaranty that the remote will be compatible with previous models of the same manufacturer. In many cases this is unfortunately true. It is with Apple’s iPod for example, they have 4 generations of the iPod in the last 4 years and one with the Mini, but they have 2 different remotes that are not compatible and one model that does not have a remote. This means that I have to constantly check the remote compatibility issues with new and old machines whenever there is a new generation machine. Inside every wired headphone remote is a tiny Micro controller that is programmed from the factory, however every manufacturer has a different way of programming- with different codes in order to talk back and forth with the machine and the LCD screen in some cases. Some manufacturers use codes within the Microcontroller to make the command back to the machine. Other manufacturers use semi conductor/resistor circuit values when a button is pressed like Sony on their remotes. I have been working on cracking the codes for the Sony remote LCD microcontroller for 4 years now, and I am just now discovering its precious secrets. I spent thousands of hours doing this and a cost of some $19,000 of my own money while farming out pieces of it to 5 other separate engineers. So—in order for me to select a manufacturer to work with I have to do a whole lot of homework to find out which manufacturer is the most consistent with upward and backward compatibility issues, (older and newer models). Once I have done that, then I have to stick with them. Otherwise it would be an incredible task to always make sure all the remotes from every manufacturer is compatible. This is especially difficult when you as the consumer may want to eventually buy a new machine- only to find out that the new version/model is not going to work with the remote command package that I figured out earlier. This presents a huge headache for me and I would never see the light of day while getting all your various machines back asking me to “fix it”. There is no guaranty that manufacturers will keep the same command package from one model to the next. Besides- I do not have access to the remotes and their connector socket plugs- I would have to buy all of them and have them in stock so I can hardwire them into the Virtual Soundman brain radio receiver. Thus far- Sony is the absolute most consistent manufacturer and they also have the best consumer style personal music players in the world as well. So I have stayed with them and I am happy I have. The only thing that would make me want to go with another manufacturer would be the popularity of the device. Apple’s iPod is probably the most popular one other than Sony, so I am considering this one additionally for the time being. I do not have plans to break into any other manufacturer device thus far. And I am still waiting on the iPod to improve before I begin to service this machine into my VSM. There are too many problems with this player right now- and I do not want to go through the entire process of making the VSM adapt to the iPod and release it, when too many folks will have issues with the device and it will eventually lead them to assume that the VSM is partly to blame. Operator error Vs intuitive/dependability is very low with the Sony’s, and there is an index that I have selected based on my experience working with these devices. Once Apple has approached that window of design satisfaction, I will then accommodate it with the VSM, BUT not before, this always proves to be expensive and foolish. After all the iPod is still in it infancy, and could very well decide to revamp it’s remote controller completely. I understand the reasons for doing this and as I see it- iPod could use a considerably better remote- in fact I see an LCD screen in their future. If that happens- and I am kind of waiting to get a hint- then it will mean a new challenge. So this leaves out other manufacturers for the time being until they can overcome the popularity of the iPod has today. Which is very unlikely to happen. With all that engineering and research- are you beginning to see the VSM is priced very modestly? Now maybe you can have an appreciation for this technology, and what I have done for you. Cheers, Kelly Duro
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magicmanrob Regular user 158 Posts |
Kelly I guess my question wasnt really answered but I understand you don't want to pursue using the Dell unit because of research time , cost and effort. My question though was made to ask if you would be able to tell if they utilized the same format, or code as I suspect Dell doesn't actually make their own unit and that it very well could be made by Sony or some one else and if you needed me to provide both the player and remote for you to see that could be aranged
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
Very Interesting--
Rob- I did take a look at the Dell DJ on their web site- and I could only see a slight angle of the actual socket for the remote- and it did indeed look like a Sony socket. I am not aware of Sony cooperating with Dell- if so this would- what is commonly called a "Clone" in the biz... Like what Sharp does for Kenwood Mini Disc. They share info hardware but not the firmware, and agree to compete in the same market- and Sharp gets a kickback- and Kenwood puts a different skin on the machine with the Kenwood label. Sony does this for Aiwa, as Sony owns a major share in Aiwa. As I look at the Dell-- I can't remember ever reading about Dell and Sony collaborating- but I could be wrong. Rob- you may want to try a Sony remote control from a recent Sony Walkman CD player or Mini Disc. See if you can find one. I am so familiar with the Sony interface - and as I look at the tiny picture- I see a remarkable similarity- but it is a new one on me. Check it out and if it does fit- try some of the functions- let me know- this would be a startling development. Let me know- thanks for bringing it up, On the other hand- as I mentioned – these companies design their own stuff naturally to be different in most cases unless- as I said- they may want to extend their license and developments to other companies. This is a complicated matter that I won’t go into here because it won’t serve any purpose If you don't have one- or can't get one- send me a note and I could send you out one- I have virtually every remote that Sony ever made here-- If it soes work- then it could be used just like the Sony NW-HD1 ... Which does already work with the Virtual Soundman now. Cheers, Kelly Duro
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magicmanrob Regular user 158 Posts |
Kelly, that was about to be my next statement/ question as far as testing my unit. Where would I find a remote like you suggest. In addition I have a friend here that is expecting her VS from you in the next little bit as she spoke with you just the other day and stated hers would be on its way soon. Is it possible to test it on her unit too once she gets it and all that.
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
Rob,
I highly doubt that that would work-- right now my only suspicion is that the actual Sony plug would fit- once it does- it would be akin to a miracle that the protocol would be the same- but you never know--- If you send me a private message with your address I could send you a remote. I want to see if it fits first- and the rest is down hill for me- even if it does not take the commands, If it fits- then I will ask you to send it to me and I could investigate the possibilities- if I can figure it out in a 1/2 hour- then I will pursue the protocol interface- and let you know right away- no charge- or call me on the phone and we can discuss it, Cheers, Kelly Duro
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shawn popp Veteran user Denver 313 Posts |
For all the ipod users out there, check out http://www.engineeredaudio.com
they have a wireless rf remote for the ipod. This unit only works with an ipod with a dock connector, but its a start. Kelly, perhaps this could help you on your quest to use the ipod for the vsm shawn |
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
I have friend who has this system. There is three second delay between pressing the button and the music starting when he uses it....
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
It’s been a while- maybe 5 months since this thread was used- but in the technical world that is considered a lifetime.
As many of you already know—I am a solid Sony fan—and iPod has been a close second. As I see it- if you want easy reproduction of your music- Sony has been the way to go- especially if you want to put your music-edited or otherwise onto our Walkman type player. But we are witnessing a serge of the portable player technology improvements right now that is absolutely fierce--- I still maintain that iPod is the most over exposed under producing device I have ever witnessed in 25 years. Than being said, Sony still maintains it support for an easy On-the-Fly recorder device that uses removable media- the rewritable disc now incorporates a 1 Gig of music- that translates to about 15 CD’s on a disc- of very high quality music. AND NOW-supports WMA, MP3 . Having the ability to use multiple discs is an advantage that iPod will never duplicate. Having the ability to record/edit on the fly- iPod will never attempt. The new line coming out in March is the following; http://www.minidisc.org/images/Sony_MZRH710.jpg for about $170 http://www.minidisc.org/images/Sony_MZRH910.jpg for about $299 http://www.minidisc.org/images/Sony_MZRH10.jpg for about $349 The new NWHD3 is already using new Sonic stage software that enables MP3 music downloading… and is already compatible with the VSM. All of these will most certainly be supported by the VSM! Cheers Kelly Duro
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MR2Guy Regular user Nashville 179 Posts |
Hi All
I'm a little confused, does your system work with an iPod or not? Your site says yes. take care Jason
Question every rule.
There are no absolutes. |
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