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General discussion

HD5 question

Jul 11, 2005 10:46AM PDT

Does the HD5 play files boughten from walmart downloads.com. If not is there a way to convert those files already purchased and saved in my computer to a file format that the Sony NW-HD5 will play? Also if I bought an HD5, would I be able to use it in the gym, for running activities? I have read that flash players are the only players that should be used in the gym, but what about the Sony? Also what player is better, the Sony NW-HD5 or the Cowon Iaudio X5. The fast that the sony can't do FM is a huge downer, and the video playback(while not perfect) is just icing on an already delicious cake. But what do you think?

Discussion is locked

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Sony Connect
Jul 11, 2005 11:36PM PDT

I think Sony's players can only play DRM-protected files from their Connect service. The HD5 can also play MP3 files (after wrapping in their OMG format, which doesn't change the quality of the files, just adds a layer of frustration for the users).

So, I suppose you could buy the files from Walmart's site, burn them to a CD (if that's allowed from Walmart's service) and then rip them in MP3 format or ATRAC (Sony's proprietary format). You would lose some quality when you went from Walmart's format (WMA?) to MP3 or Atrac.

Also, I think that jogging, etc., is not recommended with any HD player. I would imagine it wouldn't crap out immediately, but would probably shorten the life of the unit.

Sounds like you're sold on that other unit anyway.

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hd5 question
Jul 12, 2005 4:51PM PDT

I don't see why it wouldn't play them, unless the walmart files have some kind of copyright protection thing on them...(I've never used any of the file purchasing things)

You can take any existing files from your computer and import them into sonicstage without having to burn them on another cd pretty easily. There's a feature that will scan your harddrive for soundfiles and just import anything it finds.

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the way it can work
Jul 12, 2005 7:01PM PDT

well very 1st:
i'm european, so i'm not familar with wal-mart (it isn't allowed to run a supermarket with the possibility to buy guns in my country Grin) nor their music files, but ...
*
1) regardless of the format u need sonic-stage to put music into you hd-5
a) if u use atrac everything is fine
b) if u use mp3 the are "containered"
c) DRM-protected files (WMA) are encoded to atrac
d) same like c) to most of the other codecs with the exception of mpc, which are not supported at the moment

2) about gym
yes, it's true
flashplayers big advantage is the missing of mechanical devices the cost for it is: a far higher gb per dollar rate

3) comparing X5/HD-5
well i don't like sony's proprietary style, so if i must vote i would choose the X5!