Memory Stick PRO

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The Memory Stick PRO format offers high capacity and fast data transfer. When combined with an appropriate compatible product, the advanced technology and expandability of the media itself greatly expand the horizons of Memory Stick enjoyment. For example, Memory Stick PRO media enables real-time recording of high-resolution video. It also enables many other progressive solutions for the broadband era in a reliable and secure environment.

HIGH CAPACITY

With a theoretical maximum capacity of 32GB specified by the format for the same external dimensions as present media, Memory Stick PRO media provides the capacity sufficient for rich broadband content, including high-resolution still images, high-quality music data and MPEG2-compliant, DVD-quality moving images.

User Benefits of High Capacity
* Actual recordable capacity depends on the data to be recorded, as well as the device used for recording.

HIGH SPEED DATA TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY

In addition to serial transfer, Memory Stick PRO media supports parallel transfer to enable simultaneous transmission/reception of multiple data. In the parallel mode, data is transferred at speeds up to 160Mbps (theoretical value), making it possible to record DVD-quality moving images in real time*. With this high speed, Memory Stick PRO media also supports the advanced solutions that will be brought about in the coming broadband era.

* When Memory Stick PRO media is used in a product that supports parallel transfer.

Serial / Parallel Transfer

Memory Stick PRO media is compatible with both serial and parallel interfaces. Upon detection of the type of interface of the compatible host unit, the media automatically changes its transfer mode.

Parallel I/F Compatible Host will change mode from serial I/F to parallel I/F for high-speed data transfer.

Minimum Write Speed of 15Mbps
To meet the requirement of high-quality video recording, the minimum write speed has been standardized at 15Mbps. When used with an optimized Memory Stick PRO-compatible product*, Memory Stick PRO media can write at speeds of 15Mbps or higher -- fast enough to record DVD-quality video, which is recorded at 9Mbps. Even if power is interrupted during recording due to battery depletion, etc., data recorded up to that moment is not lost. With this media, users can efficiently and smoothly record massive volumes of data.

* When the write speed of the compatible product is also more than 15Mbps.

Real-Time Recording of DVD Quality Moving Image

Images taken by digital still cameras go to a buffer memory before actual recording, they are not recorded in real-time.

With Memory Stick PRO media and the silicon-based compatible recording device of the future, you can record DVD-quality video images in real time, directly to Memory Stick PRO media.

Memory Stick PRO media offers a built-in Intelligent Controller that makes it possible to incorporate MagicGate copyright protection technology for commercial content, as well as the functions to ensure future expandability such as user access control for personal data protection.

MagicGate Copyright protection
Memory Stick PRO media features MagicGate technology, allowing users to enjoy copyright-protected content such as music, electronic books and games with compatible products in a secure environment. This technology also facilitates the rapidly expanding electronic distribution of versatile broadband content.

Protecting Personal Data
Tentatively dubbed the "Access Control Function," this personal data protection technology is one of the expanded functions of the Memory Stick PRO format and involves new concepts currently under development -- a sophisticated locking device combined with a unique encrypted electronic key. Users will be able to protect their personal data from unauthorized access and falsification by making use of this function, which provides control over access to and recording of data inside the media.
When it is necessary for more than one person to access the same data, the key can be duplicated from one locking unit to another.

Memory Stick PRO DUO Media

Memory Stick PRO Duo packs all the advanced functions of the Memory Stick PRO media into the compact Duo format. This was made possible by adopting higher-density multi-stack technology.

*	Memory Stick PRO compatible products can accept the current Memory Stick media.
*	Some products in some categories will be able to accept Memory Stick PRO media by upgrading firmware or software. (Available advantage is high capacity only.)