Sony MZ-S1 SonicStage v1.5 User manual

SonicStage
Ver.1.5
for Sony Network Walkman
3-248-530-12 (1)
© 2003 Sony Corporation
Operating Instructions
This manual describes how to install the SonicStage software and
explains its basic operations for use with the Network Walkman.
Before you start, please also review the instruction manual of your Network
Walkman.

2
Program ©2001, 2002 Sony Corporation
Documentation ©2003 Sony Corporation
• SonicStage, OpenMG, “MagicGate”, “MagicGate Memory Stick”, “Memory Stick”, “Memory Stick Duo”, ATRAC,
ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus and their logos are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• “WALKMAN” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation to represent Headphone Stereo products.
is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
• Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
• MMX and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
• All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
In this manual,TM and ® marks are not specified.
• Copyright laws prohibit reproducing the software or the manual accompanying it in whole or in part, or renting the
software without the permission of the copyright holder.
• In no event will SONY be liable for any financial damage, or loss of profits, including claims made by third parties,
arising out of the use of the software supplied with this player.
• In the event a problem occurs with this software as a result of defective manufacturing, SONY will replace it.
However, SONY bears no other responsibility.
• The software provided with this player cannot be used with equipment other than that which is so designated.
• Please note that, due to continued efforts to improve quality, the software specifications may be changed without
notice.

3
Notes
• The illustrations in this manual may differ from the
actual software.
• Explanations in this manual assume that you are
familiar with basic operations of Windows. For
how to use your computer and operating system,
please refer to the respective manuals.
Table of Contents
What you can do with the SonicStage
software ............................................. 4
How to store digital audio files on the
computer ..................................... 6
What is “Check-in/Check-out”?........ 6
On copyright protection .................... 7
About this manual ................................... 8
About Network Walkman.................. 8
Procedures for listening to music with the
Network Walkman............................. 9
Checking the system requirement ......... 10
Installing the SonicStage software on the
computer.......................................... 11
Before installing the software ......... 11
Installing “SonicStage Ver.1.5”
software..................................... 12
Basic Operations
About SonicStage .................................. 13
Playing audio files........................... 13
Recording/Transferring audio files ..... 13
Storing audio files to the computer ....... 14
Starting SonicStage ......................... 14
Recording audio files from audio CDs to
the hard disk of the computer ... 14
Labeling audio files
of recorded tracks...................... 17
Transferring audio files from the computer to
the Network Walkman – Check-out.... 18
Connecting your Network Walkman to
the computer ............................. 18
Transferring audio files to your Network
Walkman – Check-out............... 18
Transferring checked out audio files to the
computer – Check-in ....................... 20
Connecting your Network Walkman to
the computer ............................. 20
Transferring audio files to your computer
– Check-in ................................. 20
Playing/Editing audio files
on the computer............................... 22
Playing back songs .......................... 22
Editing track/album titles ................ 22
Creating a playlist to
organize tracks .......................... 22
Advanced Operations
Downloading audio files from EMD service
sites to your computer ..................... 23
Using an EMD service .................... 23
Importing audio files such as MP3 or WAV
format files (Import)........................ 24
Others
Uninstalling (Remove) the SonicStage
software ........................................... 26
When using Windows®XP/Windows
2000 .......................................... 26
When using Windows 98 Second
Edition/Windows Millennium
Edition....................................... 26
Various settings and notes ..................... 27
About the system restore on Windows
XP/Windows Millennium
Edition....................................... 27
For the user using the following
operating system ....................... 27
About switching to the system suspend
or system hibernation mode while
operating SonicStage ................ 28
About backing up audio files .......... 28
Features of copyright protection............ 29
Troubleshooting..................................... 30
Index ...................................................... 33

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What you can do with the SonicStage
software
You can store songs from the audio CDs or the Internet to a
computer using the SonicStage software.
(page 14, 23, 24)
Listening
You can play the audio CDs or audio files
stored in the computer. (page 22)
Audio CDs
Internet
WAV/MP3 format
audio files
On the computer
Storing songs to your computer

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With the SonicStage software, you can store audio files from audio CDs, etc., to the hard disk of your
computer, and manage the files collectively.
SonicStage is a comprehensive software application that enables users to manage the audio files on the
computer, play the audio files in various ways, edit the audio files, or transfer audio files to external devices
such as a Network Walkman.
Editing
You can easily edit the music or album titles
with a keyboard. (page 17)
Creating music
libraries
You can create music libraries with your
favorite music on your computer.
You can transfer audio files from your computer to
external devices such as a Network Walkman using
the SonicStage software. (page 18)
to your Network Walkman
Transferring audio files

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How to store digital audio files on the computer
Before listening to music with your Network Walkman, you need to transfer and save digital audio files on
the hard disk of your computer using the SonicStage software. You can store digital audio files with the
SonicStage software in the following ways:
• Recording audio files from audio CDs using the CD-ROM drive of your computer (compressed in the
ATRAC3 or ATRAC3plus format). (page 14)
• Downloading audio files from EMD (Electronic Music Distribution) service sites on the Internet, etc.
(page 23)
• Converting existing MP3 or WAV format audio files to the ATRAC3 or ATRAC3plus format which is
encrypted in SonicStage format*. (page 24)
* For the Network Walkman NW-E7/E10, you can transfer MP3 format audio files using the SonicStage software.
What is “Check-in/Check-out”?
After saving digital audio files on the hard disk of your computer, you can transfer those digital audio files
to your Network Walkman using the SonicStage software.
Transferring audio files from the computer to your Network Walkman is called “Check-out,” and from your
Network Walkman to the computer is called “Check-in.”
For details, refer to “Transferring audio files from the computer to your Network Walkman–Check-out” on
page 18.
You can check out each audio
file up to three times.
Check-out
Check-in
If you check in an audio file, the audio
file will be available for Check-out.

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Restrictions on audio content
High quality digital audio content is widely available through music distribution services on the Internet.
To protect the copyrights of its holders from unauthorized distribution, some audio content is distributed
with certain restrictions on recording and playing audio files. For example, the playback period or playback
count for the data may be limited.
“Move” function of the “MG Memory Stick”
You can move audio files directory recorded on an “MG Memory Stick”, copyright information and
additional information to the SonicStage software on your computer. For details about moving audio files,
refer to the online Help for the SonicStage software.
Notes
• You cannot move audio files between a computer and an external device/medium unless the external device/medium is
compatible with the MG Memory Stick.
• The only audio files that can be moved between your computer and the MG Memory Stick are those that are permitted
by copyright information.
You cannot check in audio
files to any computer other
than the computer used
for Check-out.
You cannot copy
or move audio
files to another
computer.
You can check in
audio files only to
the computer from
which they were
checked out.
On copyright protection
The SonicStage software allows users to record and play digital audio files while maintaining the
copyrights of its holders by using the copyright protection technology “OpenMG”* developed by Sony.
The SonicStage software encrypts all audio files in OpenMG format and saves them on the hard disk of
your computer to prevent incorrect handling or unauthorized distribution of audio files.
* The copyright protection technology of your Network Walkman conforms to the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI)
specifications.
The digital music player has some restrictions on recording and playing audio files to protect copyrights.
You can check in audio files only to the same computer from which they were checked out. They cannot be
copied or checked in to another computer. For details, refer to “Features of copyright protection” on page
29.

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About this manual
This manual explains the basic operations of the SonicStage software for the Network Walkman.
For the operation of the Network Walkman, refer to the instruction manual for it.
For the description of each menu and detailed information of the SonicStage software, refer to the online
Help for the SonicStage software.
To display online Help
You can display the online Help in the following ways:
• Click the [Start] button, select [Programs*] and then the help you want to view from [SonicStage].
* Select “All Programs” for Windows XP.
• While running the SonicStage software, click and then select the help you want to view
from the [Help] menu.
z Tip
In the “Help of SonicStage,” “Devices/Media” is a generic term used to refer to the Network Walkman, or NetMD, etc. In
this manual, “Network Walkman” or “device and medium” are used.
About Network Walkman
Refer to the instruction manual of your Network Walkman to make sure that the following features are
supported. You cannot use the feature if your Network Walkman does not support it.
• ATRAC3plus format files
• MP3 format files
• Group function

9
m
m
m
m
m
Procedures for listening to music with
the Network Walkman
The following is the procedure that you need to perform using the SonicStage software before listening to
music with the Network Walkman.
For details, please read each reference page.
1 Checking the system requirement (page 10)
This section describes the system requirement such as computer, operating system, etc.
2Installing the SonicStage software on
the computer (page 11)
3 Storing audio files to the computer (page 14)
This section describes how to record audio files from CDs to the computer.
4 T ransferring audio files from the computer
to the Network Walkman –Check-out (page 18)
You need to connect your Network Walkman and computer. For details, refer to the instruction
manual of your Network Walkman.
5 Listening songs on the Network Walkman
For details, refer to the instruction manual of your Network Walkman.
6 Transferring checked out audio files to
the computer –Check-in (page 20)

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The supplied software “SonicStage Ver.1.5” is designed to be operated in the following system
environments.
Computer IBM PC/AT Compatible
– CPU: Pentium II 400 MHz or higher (Pentium III 450 MHz or higher
is recommended)
– Hard disk space: 120MB or more (Requires additional drive space
depending on the Windows version or audio file sizes.)
– RAM: 64 MB or more (128 MB or more is recommended)
– CD-ROM drive (for installing and recording from audio CDs)
– Sound board
– USB port (USB1.1 compliant)
Operating System Factory installed:
Windows XP Home Edition/Windows XP Professional
Windows Millennium Edition
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows 98 Second Edition
Display High color (16-bit color) or higher
800 ×480 dots or more (800 ×600 dots or more is recommended)
Other Access to the Internet when using EMD (Electronic Music Distribution)
service sites on the Internet
The following system environments are not supported.
• Macintosh
• Other versions of Windows XP/2000/98 (not listed above)
• Windows NT
• Windows 95
• Self-made computers
• Operating system upgraded from system standards
• Multimonitor environment
• Multiboot environment
Note
We do not ensure trouble-free operation on all computers that satisfy the system requirements.
Checking the system requirement

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Installing the SonicStage software on
the computer
Before installing the software
Make sure to install the supplied SonicStage Ver. 1.5 software.
Install and overwrite the supplied SonicStage Ver. 1.5 software even if you have already installed Sonic
Stage Ver. 1.5. You can continue to use audio files stored in SonicStage after overwriting the software.
Before overwriting, back up your stored audio files in case any problem occurs, for details, refer to the help
of SonicStage or OpenMG Jukbox.
Install SonicStage Ver. 1.5 even if you have installed SonicStage Premium, and Use SonicStage Ver. 1.5
when you check out to your Network Walkman. SonicStage Premium will not be overwritten when you
install SonicStage Ver. 1.5.
1Make sure to note the following:
• The dedicated USB cable is not connected.
The SonicStage software may not operate properly if it is installed while the dedicated USB cable is
connected to the computer.
• All other Windows programs are closed.
Especially, be sure to quit capacious programs such as virus check software.
• The free space of the computer’s hard disk is sufficient.
The SonicStage software requires 120MB or more free space of the computer’s hard disk to be
installed. Also, additional drive space is required depending on the Windows version or audio file
sizes.
2Depending on the operating system or software installed on your computer,
please notice the following before installing the SonicStage software.
When using Windows XP
• The operation of the SonicStage software is restricted. Log on with the Administrator group account
when installing the software.
• If “System restore” is performed, the audio files managed by the SonicStage software may not be
played. (page 27)
When using Windows Millennium Edition
If “System restore” is performed, the audio files managed by the SonicStage software may not be
played. (page 27)
When using Windows 2000
The operation of the SonicStage software is restricted. Log on with the “Administrator” account (user
name) when installing the software.
When OpenMG Jukebox or older version of SonicStage is installed
• When SonicStage Ver.1.5 is installed, the older version of SonicStage or OpenMG Jukebox Ver.1.0
to 2.0 will be automatically overwritten.
• When SonicStage Ver.1.5 is installed, OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 will be updated to the newest
version.
• The stored audio files are automatically converted to the SonicStage Ver1.5 format files.
• If you use OpenMG Jukebox Ver.2.2 and OpenMG Jukebox is displayed on the task tray, change
the setting to remove it from the task tray. To change the setting, Select the [Tool] menu from
OpenMG Jukebox and click [Setting], and then select [General] tab and uncheck [Add Jukebox
Startup on the task tray].
• Even if SonicStage Ver.1.5 is installed, SonicStage Premium will not be overwritten. You can use
both versions of the software on your computer.

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Installing “SonicStage Ver.1.5” software
1Insert the SonicStage installation CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your computer.
The setup program starts up automatically. The SonicStage 1.5 installation window is displayed.
2Click [SonicStage 1.5].
3Click the model of your Network Walkman.
You can also select multiple models in case that you have two or more Network Walkmans.
4Click [Install] and follow the on-screen instructions.
5Click [Restart] when installation is completed.
Notes
• Do not delete, move, or edit the installed folders using Windows Explorer or any other application. It may cause
improper operation of the SonicStage software.
• Do not quit installation or remove the CD-ROM while installing the software.
• Do not install the software using a CD-ROM drive via a network. Always use the CD-ROM drive on the computer that
the software is installed into.
z Tip
While uninstalling the old version of the OpenMG Jukebox software, the message “Remove shared File?” will be
displayed. Click [Yes to All]. And then click [Yes] when the message “Are you sure you want to proceed?” is displayed.
Installing only the driver file for the Network Walkman
After installing the supplied SonicStage Ver.1.5 software, you can install only the driver file for the
Network Walkman for the following cases as needed.
• The Network Walkman connected to the computer is not recognized.
• The other model of the Network Walkman has been selected when you install the SonicStage Ver.1.5
software.
To install only the driver file, insert the SonicStage installation CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your
computer and select “Driver” in the step 2 above to install the corresponding driver file for your Network
Walkman.
If you hold old versions of the SonicStage or OpenMG Jukebox installation CD-
ROMs
You cannot overwrite the SonicStage Ver.1.5 software with old versions of the software. If you
accidentally overwrite it with an old version, all stored audio files may be deleted.
Note
All stored audio files will be deleted if you uninstall the SonicStage Ver.1.5 software and install old versions of the
software. Even when backing up using a back up tool, the restoration of audio files on the old version of the SonicStage
software is not guaranteed.

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Basic Operations
With the SonicStage software, you can easily play audio files by clicking on the Source icons at the top of
the window and recording/transferring audio files by using the Recording button.
Playing audio files
Double-click the Source Icon to start playing.
Recording/Transferring audio files
Click the Recording button to display the Recording Assistant panel for recording audio files from audio
CDs or transferring audio files to your Network Walkman (Check-in/Check-out).
Click to display the Recording Assistant panel.
In the Recording Assistant panel, click icons and select a combination of recording/ transferring, and then
click (Jump to Record Window) to display the Record/Transfer window.
Basic Operations
Source icons
1Click
4Click
2Select a recording/
transferring source 3Select a recording/ transferring target
,
About SonicStage

14
This section explains how to record audio files from audio CDs to the hard disk of your computer. You can
also transfer audio files from media other than audio CDs. For details, refer to the online Help for the
SonicStage software.
Starting SonicStage
Double-click the [SonicStage] icon on the desktop, or click the [Start] button and then select
[Programs*], [SonicStage], and [SonicStage].
The “SonicStage” window is displayed.
* Select [All Programs] on Windows XP.
When SonicStage is started, the message “Auto-configure all SonicStage compatible media?” displays. If
you click “Yes,” audio files supported by SonicStage (WAV, MP3, Windows Media, OpenMG) will be
automatically played from the next time. If you click “No,” you can configure the audio file formats
automatically played by SonicStage.
The “Welcome to SonicStage” window is displayed. It explains how to use SonicStage.
Recording audio files from audio CDs to the
hard disk of the computer
1Insert an audio CD into the CD-ROM drive of your computer.
If the following Record/Transfer window is displayed automatically, skip to step 4.
The list area will be displayed at the bottom of the window. The audio files in the audio CD will be
displayed on the left side of the list area.
If the Record/Transfer window is not displayed automatically, follow step 2.
Storing audio files to the computer
Record Setting button
Record All button
Rec Selection button
Stop button
Select All (Cancel check) button
CD Info button

15
Basic Operations
Notes
•For the first time when recording the audio files using the CD-ROM drive, the “CD-ROM Drive
Optimization” dialog box will be displayed when an audio CD is inserted into the drive. With the
“CD-ROM Drive Optimization” dialog box, the drive check will be performed to record audio files
from the CD-ROM drive properly. Click “Start” to check your CD-ROM drive.
• When using an external CD-ROM drive, connect the drive to the computer prior to starting
SonicStage.
2Click .
The Recording Assistant panel is displayed.
3Click and select (CD) for [1Sources] and (Music Drive) for [2Targets], and
then click 3(Jump to Record Window).
The Record/Transfer window is displayed.
4Click in the middle of the window and select the recording format and bit rate.
•Format
Please select the file format supported by your Network Walkman. (Note that if ATRAC3plus is selected, the file
created cannot be played on a Network Walkman not supporting the ATRAC3plus format.)
•Bit Rate
The bit rate affects the sound quality and recording time. A high bit rate offers better sound quality but shortens the
recording time, if the recording format is constant. Contrary, the low bit rate is inferior to the high bit rate in
quality but lengthens the recording time and enables you to check out more tracks to your Network Walkman.
5Click (CD Info) to acquire the CD information such as an album title or track titles.
The latest CD information is automatically downloaded from the CD information service site on the
Internet. (To use the Internet CD information service, your computer must be connected to the
Internet.)
Note
The CD information for some audio CDs may not be available. You can enter by using the keyboard in such a case.
(page 17)
continued

16
Storing audio files to the computer (continued)
6Click (Record All).
Recording from the audio CD starts.
When recording is completed, the playlist will be registered on the hard disk and the recorded audio
files will be stored in the playlist.
When you want to select tracks to be recorded
Uncheck the CD Track# that you do not want to record and click (Rec Selection). Each click
changes the status (check/uncheck) alternately. The CD Track# unchecked will not be recorded*.
When you want to record only one or two tracks, you can clear all checks by clicking in the
“Select All” item at the bottom left of the window and then check the CD Track# you want to record.
*When the Record All button is clicked, the status (check/uncheck) will not affect the selection and all tracks will
be recorded.
When you want to stop recording
Click (Stop) at the bottom of the window.
If you click (Rec Selection), you can restart recording for the rest of the selected tracks.
z Tip
Click if the list area is not displayed at the bottom of the Record/Transfer window.

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Basic Operations
Labeling audio files of recorded tracks
You can edit the track titles after recording audio files as needed.
1Click (Music Drive).
2If the list area is not displayed, click .
“All Playlists” stored on the hard disk are displayed.
3Click at the bottom right of the window.
The edit area is displayed.
4Select the playlist including the track you want to edit the title in “All Playlists” at the left
of the window.
Tracks in the selected playlist are displayed on the right side of the edit area.
5Click and select the track, and click (Properties) at the bottom left of the window.
The Track Information is displayed.
6Enter the new title in the “Title” field and click [OK].
The track title is changed.
Edit button
Properties button

18
You can check out tracks in the playlists of SonicStage to your Network Walkman.
Connecting your Network Walkman to the
computer
For details, refer to the instruction manual of your Network Walkman.
When using a device supporting “MG Memory Stick”, insert the “MagicGate Memory Stick” media into
the device before connecting to the computer.
Transferring audio files to your Network
Walkman – Check-out
1Click to display the Recording Assistant Window.
2Click and select (Music Drive) for [1Sources] and (Device/Media) for
[2Targets], and then click 3(Jump to Record Window).
The Record/Transfer window is displayed.
3Select the device/media from the drop-down list at the right of the window.
When using the Network Walkman supporting two or more medium types, select the target medium.
When you check out to the built-in flash memory, select “Network Walkman (Internal),” and when
you check out to the “Memory Stick”, select “Network Walkman (Memory...).”
Transferring audio files from the computer
to the Network Walkman – Check-out
Device/media
Drop-down list
Transfer mode button

19
Basic Operations
4Click in the middle of the window and select the transfer mode.
• Using ATRAC3plus
Check the box only when you use the Network Walkman supporting ATRAC3plus. (ATRAC3plus format files can
be played on the device supporting ATRAC3plus only. Always uncheck the box when you use the Network
Walkman not supporting ATRAC3plus.)
• Transfer Mode
– Standard transfer: The original data format and bit rate are selected for the Check-out. You can also select the
transfer method for the audio files that cannot be transferred with the original formats by clicking [Details].
– Maximize available transfer space: The low bit rates are selected for the Check-out. You can click [Set up of
minimum bit rate] to select the data format and lower limit of the bit rate.
5If the list area is not displayed, click .
The list area is displayed at the bottom of the Transfer window. The list for selecting tracks to be
checked out will be displayed on the left side of the list area.
6Select the playlist including the tracks you want to check out from the list on the left side.
Tracks in the selected playlist are displayed in the middle of the list area.
7Click (Check-Out All).
All tracks in the playlist are checked out.
When you want to select tracks to be checked out from the playlist
Select tracks you want to check out from the list in the middle of the list area and click (Check-
Out).
When you want to stop Check-out
Click in the “Processing” dialog box or (Stop) in the window.
Notes
• When the free memory space of the target device/media becomes insufficient while checking out, the alert message will
be displayed and the Check-out will be terminated automatically.
• Do not remove the USB cable, battery, or “Memory Stick” while checking out. It will cause damage to data,
malfunction, or improper operation.
• The suspend functions (stand-by, hibernation) and screen saver function controlled by a computer’s timer will not work
during checking out.
z Tip
If the Network Walkman supports the Group function, tracks to be checked out are transferred to the Network Walkman by
group. A group is a unit like a folder on the computer. You can manage a lot of tracks easily and efficiently by using the
Group function.
You can create groups in any “Memory Stick” using the SonicStage Ver.1.5 software but you cannot use the group
function if your device does not support it.
Stop button
Check-Out button
Check-Out All button

20
Transferring audio files from your Network Walkman to the computer is called “Check-in.” You can check
in audio files only to the computer from which they were checked out.
Connecting your Network Walkman to the
computer
For details, refer to the instruction manual of your Network Walkman.
When using the device supporting MG Memory Stick, insert the “MagicGate Memory Stick” media into
the device before connecting to the computer.
Transferring audio files to your computer
– Check-in
1Click to display the Recording Assistant Window.
2Click and select (Music Drive) for [1Sources] and (Device/Media) for
[2Targets], and then click 3(Jump to Record Window).
The Record/Transfer window is displayed.
3Select the device/media from the drop-down list at the right of the window.
When using the Network Walkman supporting two or more medium types, select the target medium.
When you check in from the built-in flash memory, select “Network Walkman (Internal),” and when
you check in from the “Memory Stick”, select “Network Walkman (Memory...).”
4If the list area is not displayed, click .
The list area is displayed at the bottom of the Transfer window. The list of tracks stored in your
Network Walkman will be displayed on the right side of the list area.
5Click (Check-In All).
All tracks in your Network Walkman are checked in.
When using the Network Walkman supporting two or more medium types, all tracks stored in the
target medium selected in step 3 are checked in.
When you want to select tracks or groups to be checked in
Select tracks or groups you want to check in from the list at the right of the list area and click
(Check-In). Only selected tracks or groups will be checked in.
Transferring checked out audio files
to the computer – Check-in