I have some original recorded audio on minidisc that I want to
digitally transfer to the computer (to some common audio format, like
wav or aiff, etc).

I have a Sony minidisc player (MZ-NF520D) and the software that comes
with it (MD Simple Burner and Sonic Stage).  The player has a USB
link, so I can easily download music from my PC to the player. 
However, I cannot figure out how to digitally transfer original audio
from the player to my PC. When I try to use the software, it I get a
'write-protected' error - it looks like there's some 'copyright
protection' in place that prevents uploading, unless a file originated
on the PC.

Please let me know if it's possible to digitally transfer these files
via USB and how to do it. Please note that I don't have an audio
optical out on the MD player. I can use either my PC (running Windows
98) or my friend's Mac - whatever's easier. If the digital transfer is
absolutely impossible, incredibly complex, or requires buying anything
>$50, please tell me the best way to transfer the music through analogue,
while maintaining the highest quality possible. I would like the audio
files to eventually end up in Final Cut Pro.

Please ask for a question clarification if you are unclear about anything.

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Clarification of Question by lorak-ga on 13 Jul 2004 08:51 PDT

I have tried Real Player's MD plug-in - no luck. 

If I can't do it digitally myself, can you see if there are
professional audio places in the SF Bay Area that can do it, and how
much it would cost (for, say 4 hours of audio)?

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Request for Question Clarification by deadlychiapet-ga on 13 Jul 2004 11:49 PDT

Hi. Can you check on what version of the Sonic Stage program you're using?

Have you tried Real Player's MD plugin?

Frankly, you're going to have to have shielded 1/8" M/M cable to go
into Mic or Line In input (if your card supports Line In) and record
from that if other options don't exist.

Not sure if you are still reading this...
I have had experience (really) transferring data digitally from a
minidisc deck to computer, more specifically, from a Sony MDS-JB940,
to a Dell PC with an M-Audio 2448 soundcard with digital optical in. I
used Soundforge 9.0 to record in wave and converted it to MP3.
The deck supports LP4 but is not NetMD enabled. NetMD, and the
associated software that came with it, is by an large a copyright
scheme. There are, however, open-source tools to override that.
The bottom line being, it is not an easy project. If a studio is not
charging too much then by all means, but I would actually suggest
posting a request on craigslist first to see if anyone can do it.
Unfortunately I am no longer in the Bay area. best of luck

Kevin.