- Memory Stick™ General/Specifications
- Memory Stick™ Licensing Policy
- Memory Stick™-Related Products
- Content Protection Technology and Music Compression Technology
1.Memory Stick General/Specifications
- Q1．What is Memory Stick™?
- A1．Memory Stick™ is an IC recording media that uses flash memory. Since it records various types of digital content and allows sharing of content among a variety of digital products, it can be used for a broad range of applications whether for business or personal use.
- Q2．What types of Memory Stick™ media are currently available?
- A2．The current line-up is Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™), Memory Stick PRO™, Memory Stick PRO-HG™ and Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™). (As of July, 2007)
- Q3．What are the dimensions of Memory Stick™ media?
- A3．Standard-size Memory Stick™ media measures 50.0 (W) x 21.5 (H) x 2.8 (D) mm. Memory Stick Duo™ media is only approx. one-third the volume and half the weight of standard-size media. It measures 31.0(W) x 20.0(H) x 1.6(D) mm. Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) media is less than one third of the area and one quarter of the volume with Memory Stick Duo™ media. It measures 15.0(W) x 12.5(H) x 1.2(D) mm.
- Q4．What is Memory Stick™ media's access speed?
- A4．The theoretical access speed of Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™), Memory Stick PRO™ and Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) is 160Mbps (20MB/s), while the speed of Memory Stick PRO-HG™ is 480Mbps (60MB/s). The actual speed may vary and is depending on the device used.
- Q5．When was Memory Stick™ media first introduced?
- A5．The first shipment was made in October 1998.
- Q6．Where can I obtain answers to questions regarding Memory Stick™ media?
- A6．Please contact the customer support center of the manufacturer.
- Q7．My PC only supports standard-size Memory Stick™ media. Is it possible to access data stored on Memory Stick Duo™ media?
- A7．By using a Memory Stick Duo™ adaptor, such as Sony's MSAC-M2 or MSAC-M2/O, Memory Stick Duo™ media can be used in PCs with standard-size Memory Stick™ media slots.
- Q8． My computer does not have a Memory Stick™ slot. How can I copy data to my PC?
- A8．For Windows OS: Use a commercially available adaptor to enable the transfer of data. For all types of data, including music files, it is necessary to use a MagicGate™-compatible device, such as Sony's MSAC-US40 Memory Stick™ USB reader/writer.
For Mac OS: Use an appropriate commercially available Memory Stick™ USB reader/writer.
- Q9．How can I format (initialize) Memory Stick™ media?
- A9． All Memory Stick™ media are pre-formatted for optimal performance before leaving the factory. You can use your newly purchased Memory Stick™ media immediately. If you wish to re-format a Memory Stick™ at a later date, follow the formatting directions for the device with which you are using Memory Stick™ media.
【Caution】
- * Do not try to format Memory Stick™ media using the standard Windows format tool (found in the "My Computer" menu).
- * When re-formatting Memory Stick™ media, all previously stored data will be erased. To prevent the loss of valuable data, be sure to make back-up copies before re-formatting.
- Q10．Is the Memory Stick™ media capacity given on the package equal to the usable capacity?
- A10．No. Media capacity indicated on the packaging differs from actual usable capacity since a portion of the memory is used for data management file functions. (The minimum guaranteed capacity of Sony Memory Stick™ media is always specified on the back side of the packaging.) To access user capacity chart for Sony Memory Stick™ media, click here.
- Q11．Can I put a label on Memory Stick™ media?
- A11．Standard-size Memory Stick™ media come supplied with labels. However, please do not put any labels or stickers on the Memory Stick Duo™ and Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™). It could come off when the Memory Stick Duo™ and Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) are inserted into the slot of the host device or Memory Stick™ adaptor.
Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ "HX"
- Q1．What is Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ "HX" media?
- A1．Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ "HX" media is produced for the purpose of providing high speed media with cheaper price to meet the market needs for high-speed transfer of larger-sized data like of camcoder, DSLR camera or digital cameras. A USB adaptor is included (8-bit parallel transfer compatible) in the package to experience the fast transfer speed on most PC.
- Q2．What is the transfer speed of Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ "HX" media?
- A2．The theoretical I/F transfer rate between the media and a compatible device is 480Mbps (60MB/s) which is three times faster than Memory Stick PRO™ format of 160 Mbps (20MB/s).
The minimum write speed of 120Mbps (15MB/s)* for 8-bit parallel transfer and 40Mbps (5MB/s)* for 4-bit parallel transfer is guaranteed.* Complies with the high speed write operation in the specifications.
- Q3．What technologies are used to achieve the faster data transfer speed of Memory Stick PRO-HG™ "HX" media?
- A3．The speed is achieved by extending the transfer mode from a 4-bit to an 8-bit parallel interface and increasing the maximum interface clock frequency from 40MHz to 60MHz.
- Q4．Do Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ "HX" media work with Memory Stick PRO™ or Memory Stick™ (MagicGate™) compatible products?
- A4．Memory Stick PRO-HG Dou™ "HX" media can be used with Memory Stick PRO Duo™ compliant devices*, but does not work with Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™) compliant devices.
*Please note operability is not guaranteed for every product.
Memory Stick PRO-HG™
- Q1．What is Memory Stick PRO-HG™?
- A1．Memory Stick PRO-HG™ is a new format extended from the Memory Stick PRO™ format designed for high-speed data transfer. SanDisk and Sony co-developed the new format to meet market needs for high-speed transfer of larger-sized data.
- Q2．What is the access speed of Memory Stick PRO-HG™ media?
- A2．Combination of Memory Stick PRO-HG™ and Memory Stick Duo™ ExpressCard™ Adaptor can achieve high-speed data transfer of 240Mbps (30MB/s). The minimum write speed of 120Mbps (15MB/s)* for 8-bit parallel transfer and 40Mbps (5MB/s)* for 4-bit parallel transfer is guaranteed.
* Complies with the high speed write operation in the specifications.
- Q3． What technologies are used to achieve the faster data transfer speed of
Memory Stick™ PRO-HG™? - A3．The speed is achieved by extending the transfer mode to an 8-bit parallel interface and increasing the maximum interface clock frequency from 40MHz to 60MHz.
- Q4． Do Memory Stick PRO-HG™ media work with Memory Stick PRO™ or Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™) compatible products?
- A4．Memory Stick PRO-HG™ media can be used with Memory Stick PRO™ compliant devices*, but does not work with Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™)
* Please note operability is not guaranteed for every product.
- Q5． Which media can be used with Memory Stick PRO-HG™ format compliant devices?
- A5．Both Memory Stick PRO-HG™ media and Memory Stick PRO™ media can be used. Operability of Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™) media depends on the specifications of the device used.
- Q6．Do Memory Stick PRO-HG™ media deliver higher performance than Memory Stick PRO™ media when used with a Memory Stick PRO™ compliant hardware?
- A6．Actual performance varies depending on the specifications of the media and device used.
- Q7．Is it possible to upgrade and existing Memory Stick PRO™ compabile device to a Memory Stick PRO-HG™ compatible device?
- A7．No.
Memory Stick PRO™
- Q1．What is Memory Stick PRO™?
- A1．Memory Stick PRO™ is an advanced media format that incorporates various capabilities and expandability, such as high capacity, high-speed technology and data protection technology. All the advanced technologies, working in concert with optimized Memory Stick PRO™ format-compatible devices, enable various applications including real-time recording and playback of high-resolution moving images. The combination of the media of this format and compatible devices brings a new level of high-quality digital playback and capture, enabling users to view, listen to and enjoy incredibly rich entertainment. The Memory Stick PRO™ format offers Memory Stick PRO™ media and Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media. (As of Sep. 2003)
- Q2．Is the Memory Stick PRO™ format a proprietary Sony technology?
- A2．The Memory Stick PRO™ media format was developed jointly by SanDisk and Sony Corporation.
- Q3． Why was the Memory Stick PRO™ format developed?
- A3．Similar to how DVD represents the evolution of disc-based technology, the Memory Stick™ format is the evolution of ultra-portable IC recording for music and video applications. Like DVD and CD technologies, Memory Stick PRO™ media can co-exist, providing different options and benefits for different needs.
- Q4．What is the access speed of Memory Stick PRO™ media?
- A4．Memory Stick PRO™ media is designed to support access speeds up to 160Mbps. Also, a minimum write speed of 15Mbps* is specified (by the format) to allow real-time recording of high-quality moving images. Actual read and write speeds may vary and are dependent upon the combination of the compatible device and media used.
* When the host device supports a write speed of 15Mbps or higher.
- Q5． How much content can a Memory Stick PRO™ media hold?
- A5．Please refer to the "Memory Stick™ media capacity".
* Actual figures may vary according to the recorded content and the device used for recording.
* The Memory Stick™ capacity is composed of the actual usable capacity (user capacity) and system files.
- Q6．Do Memory Stick PRO™ media work in all Memory Stick™ compatible products?
- A6．Memory Stick PRO™ media can be used with Memory Stick PRO™ and Memory Stick PRO-HG™ compatible devices only. PCs can accept this media through the use of a Memory Stick PRO™ compatible PC card adaptor or USB reader/writer. Compatibility with this media can also be implemented in products in some categories through firmware or software upgrades.
- Q7． What will happen if a Memory Stick PRO™ media is inserted into a non-Memory Stick PRO™ compatible device?
- A7．Depending on the hardware, an error message may appear.
Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)
- Q1．What is Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)?
- A1．The Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) format is a newly developed IC recording media format that satisfies the demand for an ultra-small form factor for use in such portable products as mobile phones, while maintaining the high capacity and Content protection technology features of the Memory Stick PRO™ format. (As of April, 2006)
- Q2．What is "M2™" meaning?
- A2．"M2™" is abbreviated "Memory Stick Micro™" format name.
- Q3．What is the data transfer speed of Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)?
- A3．The theoretical interface data transfer speed is 160Mbps (20MB/s). Actual speed depends on products.
- Q4．With use of an adaptor, will it be possible to use Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) media with products that are already on the market?
- A4．Using a Memory Stick Micro™ adaptor, it will be possible to use Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) media for data recording and playback with Memory Stick PRO™-compatible products.
- Q5．Which Memory Stick PRO™ compatible devices can be recording and playback by Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) media using an adaptor?
- A5．Please refer to "Memory Stick™ Products Compatibility Chart" for interoperability with each devices.
- Q6．Will it be possible to use Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) media with Cyber-shot digital cameras?
- A6．Please refer to "Memory Stick™ Products Compatibility Chart" for interoperability with each devices.
- Q7． Does Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) format have the same MagicGate™ technology as other Memory Stick™ formats?
- A7．Yes. Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) format incorporates the same MagicGate™ technology as the one used for the Memory Stick PRO™ format.
- Q8． Is Data Rescue cover "Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)"?
- A8．It will be covered if it is Sony brand media.
Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™)
- Q1．What is Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™) media?
- A1．For use with a broad range of compatible products, this media is also compatible with "MagicGate™" content protection technology and is capable of high-speed data transfer.
- Q2．Which products can be used with Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™) media?
- A2．Memory Stick™-compatible products and Memory Stick PRO™-compatible products can be used with both standard- and Duo-size* Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™) media. In some cases, Memory Stick™ (with MagicGate™) media cannot be used with some products and services.
- * Requires an adaptor for use in standard-size slots. Some products have media slots that can accommodate either standard- or Duo-size media without using an adaptor.
Memory Stick Duo™
- Q1．What is Memory Stick Duo™?
- A1．Memory Stick Duo™ is a smaller-sized Memory Stick™ media designed for compact and wearable devices. By using the media with a dedicated adaptor, Memory Stick Duo™ can be used in standard-size media slots of other Memory Stick™ compatible products.
- Q2． What are the dimensions and weight of Memory Stick Duo™ media?
- A2．Measuring 31.0(W) x 20.0(H) x 1.6(D) mm (1.22 x 0.79 x 0.06 in), Memory Stick Duo™ media is only approx. one-third the volume and half the weight of standard-size media.
- Q3． Is it possible to use Memory Stick Duo™ media in a slot for the standard-size Memory Stick™ without any problem?
- A3．Yes. By attaching the supplied or optional adaptor to the media, the size of Memory Stick Duo™ becomes the same as that of the standard-size Memory Stick™ media.
* Some products have media slots that can accommodate either standard- or Duo™-size media without using an adaptor.
2. Memory Stick™ Licensing Policy
- Q1．What is the policy on licensing the Memory Stick™ format?
- A1．As an open format, Memory Stick™ licensing conditions and other information are readily available to a broad range of companies covering all types of industries. In line with this policy, the Memory Stick™ Developer's Site (URL: www.memorystick.org) has been established, making it possible for companies to obtain licenses online. A variety of activities are also held involving Memory Stick™ supporting companies, including a forum to exchange information and joint promotional events.
3. Memory Stick™-Related Products
- Q1．What are Memory Stick™-compatible products?
- A1． Examples include digital cameras, digital video cameras, Blue-ray disc recorders, personal computers, IC recorders, car navigation systems, digital printers, mobile phones, mylo® and game console. To access "Using Memory Stick™ media with the PSP™ handheld entertainment system," click here.
4. Content Protection Technology and Music Compression Technology
- Q1．What is MagicGate™?
- A1． "MagicGate™" is a content protection technology based on file encryption. Encrypted content cannot be accessed until mutual authentication between the media and compatible device is successfully completed.
- Q2．What is ATRAC3?
- A2． ATRAC3 compresses audio data to half that achieved by the ATRAC technology originally developed by Sony for MD, while maintaining the same superior sound quality. To put in another way, it can compress data to about 1/10th that of CD data. The ATRAC3 technology is used not only in MDLP long-time recording and playback modes but also for Memory Stick™, making it possible to record music data equal to one CD album on one 64MB MagicGate™ Compatible Memory Stick™ media.
- Q3．What is ATRAC3plus?
- A3．ATRAC3plus is an enhanced format of the ATRAC3 technology. It increases the compression ratio to about 1/20th that of CD data without causing deterioration in audio quality, making it possible to record up to about 5 hours and 50 minutes of high-quality music data on a 128MB media at a bit rate of 48kbps.
- Q4．Is there a difference between MP3 and ATRAC3?
- A4．Yes. MP3 is the abbreviated name for MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 standard and is a different type of data compression method from the ATRAC3 music data compression technology.
- Q5．Is it possible to playback speeches and interviews recorded in ATRAC3 on the Memory Stick™ IC recorder?
- A5． No. Playback of recordings in ATRAC3 requires a playback device with a built-in ATRAC3 decoder. Playback is not possible with the IC recorder's ADPCM™ and LPEC™ decoders.
- Q6．What is OpenMG?
- A6．OpenMG is a content protection technology that is used to manage digital music contents downloaded to a PC from CDs, music download service websites and other sources.
as of August 2007
