Sony NW-E3 - Manual (Page 32)

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Glossary
ATRAC3
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 double that of the Mini Disc, resulting in increased data
capacity for the media.
Bit rate
Quantity, per second, of information. The unit is bps (bit per second). You can choose from
132kbps/105kbps/66kbps when recording a compact disc or converting an MP3/WAV file to an
ATRAC3 file. For example, 105kbps means there are 105000 bits of information per second being
transferred. Bigger the number, larger is the information. When comparing audio files of the
same format, you can enjoy a better sound quality when recorded at 132kbps than at 105kbps,
also better at 103kbps than at 66kbps. (Audio files cannot be compared if of different format)
“Check-In /Check-Out”
Check-Out is to transfer music files managed on a personal computer by an OpenMG-compliant
software to a portable player (such as Network Walkman). Returning the Checked-Out music
files back to that computer is to Check-In. (You cannot move a Checked-Out audio data to
another computer.)
You can also Check-Out a music file, Check it back In, and then Check it Out again.
The SDMI rules provide that up to four copies of a music file can be created unless a special
condition for usage is set. Thus, unless a special restriction exists while one copy is saved in the
computer, the other three can be Checked-Out to the Portable Players.
MP3
Abbreviation for MPEG-1 Audio Layer3. A standard for audio data compression determined by
the Motion Picture Experts Group, which is an ISO (International Organization for
Standardization) working group.
It enables compression of audio data 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 compliant
with this standard, including freeware that is available for no charge. Thus, the MP3 standard is
widely used in the computer field.
OpenMG
Copyright protection technology that securely manages music content from the EMD/Audio CD
on a personal computer. Application software that is installed on the computer encrypts the
digital music content when recording on the hard drive. This allows you to enjoy music content
on the computer, but prevents unauthorized transmission of this content across a network (or
elsewhere). This PC copyright protection allows you to transfer digital music content from a PC’s
hard drive to a compliant device.
SDMI
SDMI which stands for Secure Digital Music Initiative, is a forum that consists of over 130
companies in the fields of recorded audio content, computers, and consumer electronics,
dedicated to developing an integrated method of copyright protection technology that can be
used worldwide.
SDMI is working to create a framework for preventing improper usage of audio files and to
promote legal music distribution services. The copyright protection technology OpenMG is based
upon the SDMI standard.