Sony NW-HD1

[Guest]

Just saw this on Sony. Is this new or have they always offered this? I knew everyone hated the fact you couldnt get MP3s on them, maybe Sony noticed and took action?

 

    Sony Network WALKMAN? ?NW-HD1?

    Upgrade information - (Chargeable service)

For owners of the "NW-HD1" we are now pleased to offer you an upgrade service, which will enable:

MP3 Transfer and Playback

In order to obtain this upgrade please first call our Helpline; see below for the telephone number along with details of the charge that applies. Our staff will be pleased to advise you how you can proceed.

However, please also read carefully all the details that follow, as it includes some important information and steps that you must take before returning your "NW-HD1" for the upgrade.

   

Please be advised of the following details:

? Model name: NW-HD1 Network WALKMAN? with HDD

? Period of the service: 10th January 2005 to July 2005

? Contact numbers and charges for this service:

United Kingdom

0870 240 8060 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)

Price : ?15.00

Ireland

01 413 1730 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)

Price : ?20

Please only use these telephone numbers for enquiries regarding this upgrade scheme. If you have other enquiries regarding Sony products, please contact your Customer Information Centre

   

? Upgrade:

o Transfer of MP3 files using SonicStage

o SonicStage ver.2.3 CD-ROM supplied

o Shorter handling/transfer time (times will vary with different PC environments)

o Playable MP3 file formats are:

    * MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3

    * Bit rate 32 ? 320 kbps (CBR/VBR)

    * Sampling frequencies 32/44.1/48 kHz

?Other features:

o As part of this upgrade some enhancements will also be made to the operation of the player:

    * Digital Sound Preset. You can preset the treble and bass levels to your preference.

    * Some changes will be made to the information shown in the LCD display (such as: 1. Bookmark icon is moved; 2. New Atrac3Plus/MP3 indicator is added)

    * New SHUFFLE pattern. If "SHUFFLE" playback has been selected and the player then goes in to sleep mode, press "PLAY" and playback restarts with a new SHUFFLE pattern.

   

? Important:

o Before applying for this service please ensure that you first transfer all the contents stored on your "NW-HD1" to your computer and initialise the built-in hard disc of the player. Any audio data and other data on the player will be erased during the upgrade and your "NW-HD1" will be returned to its original factory settings.

o Switch off the player and then set the "BUILT-IN BATTERY" switch to the "OFF" position.

o As it is required that you send your "NW-HD1" via a postal service, please ensure that it is securely and adequately packaged to avoid the risk of damage. Sony will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage during transit. Please also ensure that you include your name and address details, along with a daytime telephone number. You should retain a note of the serial number of your player as this will form your reference number should you have any enquiries.

Please NOTE: The period of your product warranty will not be affected by this service.

[conan_2000]

I think they added this when they released the NW-HD3, which supports mp3 playback. They offered the opportunity to upgrade the firmware on the older versions of the player to add this support. So they offered this at least from December I think.