・MD-MT821

117　｜　Sharp　｜　'99  02.25

大膽無畏實力派

Sharp新聞稿指出，在年輕族群中的需求持續增長的MD：

• '98年度MD市場總需求約561萬台(相較前年度+149.2%）
• 隨身型態246萬(相較前年度+152.8%)，預定達到總體銷售額約30%
• 可錄 / 放機型需求預估也將穩健成長到約92萬台(相較前年度+149.2%）

'95年起Sharp以嶄新的水平式Slot In機構作為產品特色，One Touch直覺簡便的入/退碟型式，在MD總是非厚即重的發展棋成為獨樹一格的亮點，只是受限於物理限制額外的空間需求，比起一般貝殼開碟機構總是顯得厚重，畢竟於體驗上的優秀相對於外型的小巧輕便可是無需言語地高下立判，曾經賣點也逐漸成為小型化的絆腳石。在此背景下Sharp則以Slot In / 貝殼開碟機構並行策略回應市場需求。

相隔近4年後重新回歸的Recorder MD-MT821，操作性、薄型化、長效續航與攜便性更上一層。

一貫的反骨叛逆的造型DNA，以複數圓形交疊出大膽前衛的近未來意象，髮絲紋與磨砂相異加工出形色的複合層次。操作鍵順應圓弧排列讓繁多合為集約，帶來先進高品味的設計質感。

MD的核心ATRAC的LSI，採用最先進的0.25μm低功耗處理器。光學頭與機械結構也進行低功耗設計，發售時為錄8.5 / 放11小時的最強續航，只是與前代相其實幾近原地踏步的微升級。此外RF(來自光學頭信號增幅迴路)數位化開始、信號處理編碼 / 解碼、數位伺服EFM處理、壓縮 / 擴展由單晶片處理執行。

主機配備Shuttle Key，僅需滑動讓FF / REW或編輯時需反覆的文字輸入變得簡便暢快。

本次的貝殼開碟機構導入新規的片匣退片機構，使用前作規格的光學頭經由懸掛形狀最適化的調整下，相較於前作於MS-721體積-28%、厚度-20%實現小巧的口袋機身。

背光線控以高効Triple Shuttle旋鈕由基本操作到音質切換、顯示等僅僅需單指撥動實現的全方位操控，造型與主機簡直是天生一對。

第6世代ATRAC以三次元(時間軸方向 / 頻率軸方向 /振 幅方向)"Bit Allocation Algorithm(自適應位元分配演算)"和24bit運算處理實現清晰延伸感的高音質。為了讓音源的微信號也能忠實地錄 / 放採用高性能的20Bit AD /DA轉換。

Bold and Fearless Powerhouse

Sharp's press release highlights the continued growth in demand among younger demographics for MDs, with the total market demand for MDs in '98 reaching approximately 5.61 million units (+149.2% increase compared to the previous year). Additionally, portable models saw 2.46 million units sold (+152.8% increase compared to the previous year), accounting for an estimated 30% of the total sales. Notably, demand for recordable/playable models is also expected to grow steadily, reaching around 920,000 units (+149.2% increase compared to the previous year).

Since '95, Sharp has introduced a new level of product innovation with the Slot-In mechanism, a feature that has become synonymous with its products. The One-Touch intuitive disc insertion and ejection design stood out as a breakthrough in an era when MDs were often bulky or heavy. However, due to physical space limitations, these models were often perceived as bulky compared to other shell-style disc mechanisms. While the user experience was excellent, the compact, lightweight form factor was harder to achieve, and the former selling points gradually became obstacles to miniaturization. In response to market demand, Sharp adopted a dual approach, offering both Slot-In and Top-open disc mechanisms.

After nearly four years, the Recorder MD-MT821 returns, offering enhanced functionality, thinner design, longer battery life, and greater portability.

True to Sharp's signature rebellious design DNA, the MD-MT821 features bold, avant-garde imagery with overlapping circular shapes evoking a near-future aesthetic. The hairline texture and matte finish create a complex, multi-layered look. The controls are arranged in a curved pattern, simplifying the interface while providing a refined, high-quality design feel.

The core ATRAC LSI uses the latest 0.25μm low-power processor. Both the optical head and mechanical structure are designed for low power consumption, offering the longest battery life in its class at rec 8.5 / play 11hrs. While the upgrade is minimal compared to its predecessor, the improvements are still noteworthy. The digital RF (from the optical head signal amplification loop) processing, signal encoding/decoding, digital servo EFM processing, and compression/expansion are all executed by a single chip.

The main unit features a Shuttle Key, allowing for easy and smooth operation of FF/REW or repetitive text input editing with just a slide of the key.

Top-open mechanism incorporates a new disc ejection structure. The optical head from the previous model has been optimized with a hanging design, reducing the size by -28% and thickness by -20% compared to the MS-721, achieving a more compact and pocket-friendly design.

The backlight controller features a high-efficiency Triple Shuttle knob, allowing for full-range control with a simple flick of a finger, from basic operation to sound quality switching and display adjustments. The design of the controls complements the main unit perfectly.

The 6th generation ATRAC uses a three-dimensional "Bit Allocation Algorithm" (adaptive bit allocation) along the time, frequency, and amplitude axes, along with 24-bit processing, to deliver clear, extended high-quality sound. To faithfully record and play back audio sources, the system employs a high-performance 20-bit AD / DA converter.

XM-P77