Sony MSAC-US40 - MemoryStick Flash Memory Card USB 2.0... User manual

Memory Stick USB
Reader/Writer
MSAC-US40
Operating Instructions

2-GB
English
Before operating the unit, please read this instructions thoroughly, and
retain it for future reference.
For the Customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY(7669).
The number below is for the FCC related matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name : SONY
Model : MSAC-US40
Responsible Party : Sony Electronics lnc.
Address : 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone number : 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved
in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

3-GB
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
–Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
–Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
–Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
–Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The specified USB cable (supplied) must be used with the equipment in
order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B
of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
For the customers in Canada
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to
discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and
connect the USB cable again.

4-GB
Program©2005 Sony Corporation
Documentation©2005 Sony Corporation
•, “Memory Stick,” “MagicGate Memory Stick,” “Memory Stick Duo,”
“MagicGate Memory Stick Duo,” “Memory Stick PRO,” ,
“Memory Stick PRO Duo,” “MagicGate,” , “Open MG,”
, “ATRAC3,” “ATRAC3plus,” , “SonicStage”
and are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation.
•Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
•Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its
subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
•Adobe and Adobe Reader are registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe
Systems, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
•Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
•All other trademarks and registered trademarks are trademarks of their
respective holders.
Furthermore “™” and “®” are not mentioned in each case in this manual.
•CD and music-related data from Gracenote, Inc., copyright c 2000-
2004Gracenote. Gracenote CDDBR Client Software, copyright 2000-2004
Gracenote.This product and service may practice one or more of the following
U.S.Patents: #5,987,525; #6,061,680; #6,154,773, #6,161,132,
#6,230,192,#6,230,207, #6,240,459, #6,330,593, and other patents issued or
pending.
Services supplied and/or device manufactured under license for following
Open Globe, Inc. United States Patent 6,304,523. Gracenote and CDDB are
registered trademarks of Gracenote. The Gracenote logo and logotype, and the
“Powered by Gracenote” logo are trademarks of Gracenote.
•MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology and patents licensed from Fraunhofer
IIS and Thomson.

5-GB
Precautions on use
Pay attention to the following points when using this unit.
•If the body becomes dirty, wipe with a soft cloth. Never use benzine,
alcohol, paint thinner or other solvents. This unit may deform or
malfunction.
•The contents of data cannot be compensated if recording or playing back
is not made due to malfunctions such as “Memory Stick” error.
• To prevent recording or deletion of data on “Memory Stick” set the
“Memory Stick” write-protect switch to “LOCK.”
PNotes
• The access lamp lights when you insert the “Memory Stick” into the unit.
This blinking indicates that the data on the “Memory Stick” is being
accessed. Never remove the “Memory Stick,” turn off the computer or
unplug the USB cable while the access lamp is blinking. Doing so may
damage the data on the “Memory Stick.”
•When disconnecting the USB cable, do not hold it by its cable; hold it by its
connector.

6-GB
Table of contents
Precautions on use ................................................................................................ 5
On “Memory Stick” .............................................................................................. 7
System requirements ............................................................................................ 9
Checking the included items ............................................................................ 12
Supplied applications for Windows ................................................................ 13
Using the operating instructions and help ..................................................... 14
Installing the software on your computer (When Using Windows) .......... 16
Installing the “SonicStage” software on your computer .............................. 18
Connecting this unit to your computer ........................................................... 19
Confirming that connections are completed .................................................. 21
When the removable disk (Memory Stick icon) is not indicated ................ 22
Copying image data recorded on “Memory Stick” to your computer ....... 25
Disconnecting the unit from your computer .................................................. 26
How to Use (When using Macintosh) ............................................................. 28
About “SonicStage” ............................................................................................ 30
Before using “SonicStage” (Be sure to read) ................................................... 32
Launching “SonicStage” .................................................................................... 34
Formatting (initialization) of “Memory Stick” ............................................... 35
Precautions for use of “Memory Stick” ........................................................... 37
Uninstalling (Deleting) the software ............................................................... 38
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 39
Restrictions imposed by the copyright protection......................................... 40
Specifications ....................................................................................................... 41
LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................................... 42

7-GB
On “Memory Stick”
What is “Memory Stick”?
“Memory Stick” is a compact large-capacity IC storage media. The media
can be used not only for transferring data between “Memory Stick”
compatible products, but also as a removable, external storage media for
storing data.
“Memory Stick” is available in standard size and a smaller size called
“Memory Stick Duo.” When “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted into a
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor, the size becomes the same as the standard-
sized “Memory Stick” to allow to use with products that are compatible
with the standard-sized “Memory Stick.”
“Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” are also available for
handling even larger capacity data.
What is “MagicGate”?
“MagicGate” is the generic name for a copyright-protection technology
developed by Sony. After performing authentication to confirm that
recording or playback can be carried out correctly between a compatible
device and “Memory Stick,” “MagicGate” then encrypts the data.
Copyright-protected data can only be played back on an authenticated
device.
Music and other data that require copyright protection can be recorded
and played back by using a combination of a “MagicGate” compatible
“Memory Stick” and equipment compatible with “MagicGate,” such as
this unit.
Different types of data can be recorded on a single “Memory Stick.”
For example, it is possible to record image data on the remaining empty
section of a “MagicGate” compatible “Memory Stick” containing music
data.

8-GB
“Memory Stick” types that can be used with
this unit
* Sony does not guarantee this unit to operate with all kinds of “Memory
Stick.” It has been checked to operate with any “Memory Stick” up to 4
GB (MSX-4GN) (as of October, 2005). Check the following URL to see
which kinds of “Memory Stick” the unit supports.
http://www.sony.net/memorystick/supporte/
*This unit supports parallel data transfer (High speed data transfer). The
reading or writing time varies depending on the media used.
*This unit is not compatible with I/O modules.
PNotes
• Formatting a “MagicGate” compatible “Memory Stick” containing data
will delete all the data, including music data. Be careful not to delete
important data accidentally. Sony can not be held responsible for the data
lost through formatting.
•What you record are for personal enjoyment only. Copyright laws prohibit
other forms of use without the permission of the copyright holder.
•In no event will Sony be liable for the data contents in case download of
recorded material is impeded or music data is corrupted or deleted due to
malfunctions of this unit or the “Memory Stick.”
“Memory Stick” types
“Memory Stick” (without MagicGate) a×
“Memory Stick” (with MagicGate) aa
“MagicGate Memory Stick” aa
“Memory Stick PRO” aa
“Memory Stick Duo” (without MagicGate) a×
“Memory Stick Duo” (with MagicGate) aa
“MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” aa
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” aa
Data transfer/
Music transfer
(MP3 form)
Music
transfer
(ATRAC3plus/
ATRAC3
form)

9-GB
System requirements
Recommended Windows environment
•OS: Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (Windows 98SE)/Windows
Millennium Edition (Windows Me)/Windows 2000 Professional Service
Pack 3 or later (Windows 2000)/Windows XP Home Edition/XP
Professional/XP Media Center Edition (Windows XP)
*The operating systems mentioned above must be installed on the
computer when shipped from the factory.
*Operation is not guaranteed for upgraded operating systems even if
they are among those mentioned above.
*Not compatible with Windows 98.
*Not compatible with Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 1/
Service Pack 2.
•CPU: Pentium III 450 MHz or faster processor recommended
•RAM: 128 MB or more
•Available hard disk space: 200 MB or more
(More disk space may be required depending on the version of Windows
you are using. Further space is also required for handling music data.)
•CD-ROM drive
•Sound board (A sound board is required to use “SonicStage.”)
•USB port (This unit supports Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0).)
•Display: High Color (16-bit) or higher, 800 ×480 pixels or more
(800 ×600 pixels or more recommended.)
Recommended Macintosh environment
•OS: Mac OS 9.2.2/X (v10.2~10.4)
*The operating systems mentioned above must be installed on the
computer when shipped from the factory.
*Operation is not guaranteed for upgraded operating systems even if
they are among those mentioned above.
•RAM: 64 MB or more
•Hard disk: 50 MB or more available hard-disk space
•USB port (This unit supports Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0).)
PNotes
•Operation is not guaranteed for all computers even if they comply with the
recommended environments.
•“SonicStage” does not support Macintosh.
If you are using a Macintosh computer, it is not possible to transfer music
data that requires copyright protection.

10-GB
When using Windows 2000/Windows XP
The following restrictions apply when “SonicStage” is running under
Windows 2000/Windows XP.
•Installation should take place after you log on as Administrator.
For how to log on using the Administrator account, see the manual
provided with your computer.
•When using the software, log on as an Administrator.
•Do not insert or remove a CD-ROM drive while “SonicStage” is running.
Your important data may get lost.
•Can only be used with Windows 2000 Professional edition with Service
Pack 3 or later installed.
•NTFS format can only be used when standard-installed (installed when
shipped from the factory).
When using this unit on a computer with
Service Pack 3 of Windows 2000 installed
Performing the following operations may cause the unit not to be
recognized by your computer when using this unit on a computer with
Service Pack 3 of Windows 2000 installed:
1. Starting Windows with your computer on or rebooting while the
products in question are connected to your computer’s USB port.
2. Unplugging and plugging in the USB cable that is connecting the unit
and your computer after starting Windows.
tThe products in question will cease to be recognized by your
computer.
If the USB cable is not unplugged, these issues will not occur.
To avoid these issues
When starting Windows with your computer on or when rebooting
Windows, remove the USB cable that is connecting the products in
question and your computer.

11-GB
On System Restore and Windows XP/Windows Me
When using the Windows XP or Windows Me, executing the “System
Restore” item in System Tools may make it impossible to play back the
songs managed by “SonicStage.”
Therefore, be sure to back up the song data managed by “SonicStage”
before you execute “System Restore.”
After “System Restore” has been executed, the backed-up data can be
restored and the songs managed by “SonicStage” can then be played
back again.
For how to back up data, see the Help information for “SonicStage.”
PNote
An error dialog appears if playback of song data is impeded following
execution of “System Restore.” In this case, follow the instructions displayed
on the screen.

12-GB
Checking the included items
•Memory Stick USB Reader/Writer (1)
PNote (The standard size of “Memory Stick” / the Duo size
compatible slot)
You can use both the standard sizes of “Memory Stick” and the sizes of
“Memory Stick Duo” by one slot. (You cannot use both the sizes of
“Memory Stick” at the same time.) When you use the sizes of “Memory
Stick Duo,” do not attach the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor to them.
Do not insert the two or more “Memory Stick” into the slot at the same
time or insert the “Memory Stick” in the opposite direction. It causes
the malfunction of this unit.
•Special USB cable 1 m (1)
•CD-ROM for Windows (MSAC-US40) (1)
PNote
Select the CD-ROM which contains the language you prefer, when installing
“SonicStage.”
*The CD-ROM contains the following software programs.
•Device Driver Software
•“SonicStage”
•Memory Stick Formatter
•Operating Instructions (PDF file)
The data of Operating Instructions for this unit (PDF file) is
MSAC-US40Manual_ENG.pdf
•Operating Instructions for this unit (1)

13-GB
Supplied applications for Windows
The supplied Windows CD-ROM contains the following software
programs.
Device driver (Windows)
The driver must be installed when this unit is used on a Windows
computer.
For how to install the driver software, see page 16.
“SonicStage” (Windows)
“SonicStage” is comprehensive software for enjoying music. With
“SonicStage,” you can enjoy listening to music sources such as music CDs,
etc., or you can import music into the hard disk of your PC for a complete
management of your collection. Furthermore, music data that has been
imported into the hard disk of your PC can also be transferred to a
“Memory Stick” or “Memory Stick Duo” so that they can be enjoyed
outside the PC environment.
PNotes
•“SonicStage” does not support Macintosh.
•This software is not compatible with writing of music data to CD-RW/CD-
R media. Sony will not be liable for any damage of data resulting from
such operation.
•If you have a version of SonicStage other than the one supplied with this
unit, carry out the following step.
tIf you have SonicStage Ver.3.2 or later, install the driver from the CD-
ROM.
tIf you have SonicStage Ver.3.1 or earlier, install the driver and
SonicStage from the CD-ROM.
Memory Stick Formatter (Windows)
This is a software program for formatting (initialization) of “Memory
Stick.” Formatting deletes all the data recorded on a “Memory Stick.”
In order to maintain the compatibility of a “Memory Stick” when using it
with compatible products, always use this software when formatting
“Memory Stick” on this unit.
PNote
Formatting a “Memory Stick” to which data has already been written will
delete the existing data. Be careful not to delete important data by mistake.

14-GB
Using the operating instructions and
help
Using the Operating Instructions on the CD-
ROM
For details on how to use this unit, see these Operating Instructions.
Adobe Reader from Adobe Systems Incorporated is required to view PDF
files.
How to use Adobe Reader is described in the following.
Screen view
•Left frame
Each page of the Operating Instructions appears as a thumbnail.
When you click on the thumbnail corresponding to the page that you
want to view, the page is shown in the “Right frame.”
•Right frame
Shows each page.
For details on how to use Adobe Reader, see the online Help manual for
Adobe Reader.
Left frame Right frame

15-GB
How to use the Help (When Using Windows)
The following applications feature separate online Help manuals.
•“SonicStage”
•Memory Stick Formatter
For details on how to use each of the application software programs, see
the respective Help manuals.
How to use the Help manuals is described as follows.
Screen view
•Left frame
Contents or Keywords are displayed here.
•Right frame
Displays explanations. Clicking underlined parts in the text displays
related explanations.
Tab
Left frame Right frame

16-GB
Installing the software on your
computer (When Using Windows)
PNote
Be sure to install the supplied software before you connect this unit to your
computer.
Do not perform the installation while this unit is connected to your
computer.
Restart your computer when installation is completed, and then connect this
unit to your computer.
Use the following procedure to install the software.
A part of the installation may take place automatically.
Installing the device driver on your computer
PNote
Simultaneously with the installation of the device driver, the “Memory Stick
Formatter” and the operating instructions (PDF file) are also installed on
your computer.
1Turn on your computer.
At this point, do not connect this unit to your computer.
Close all running applications.
To install the device driver when you are using Windows 2000 or
Windows XP, you must log on with Administrator rights.

17-GB
2Insert the supplied CD-ROM (MSAC-US40) into the CD-ROM
drive on your computer.
The Installer launcher starts up automatically.
To install a driver, click the [Driver] button in the menu.
3Carefully read the License Agreement, and then click the
[Agree] button.
When you click the [Agree] button, installation of the driver starts.
4Click the [Next] button as prompted on the screen.
5When you click [Finish], the driver installation is completed.
6Following this, installation of the “Memory Stick Formatter”
starts.
Click the [Next] button as prompted on the screen.
7When you click [Finish], installation of “Memory Stick
Formatter” is completed.
To use “Memory Stick Formatter,” select [Start] – [Programs] –
[Memory Stick Utility] – [Memory Stick Formatter].
8Following this, installation of the operating instructions (PDF
file) is performed automatically.
When installation of the operating instructions is completed, the
application selection screen returns.
To end installation of the software at this point, click [Exit].
If you do so, “SonicStage” is not installed.
To view the operating instructions, select [Start] – [Programs] – [Sony
Memory Stick Reader Writer] – [MSAC-US40 Instructions].
PNote
Adobe Reader from Adobe Systems Incorporated is required for
viewing the operating instructions (PDF file).

18-GB
Installing the “SonicStage” software on
your computer
1Do as follows to install “SonicStage.”
Click the [SonicStage] button in the menu.
2Carefully read the License Agreement, and then click the [Yes]
button.
When you click the [Yes] button, installation of “SonicStage” starts.
3Click the [Next] button as prompted on the screen.
4Select the folder in which you want to install “SonicStage.”
To change the folder suggested for the installation, click the [Browse]
button and then select the folder. When the storage destination folder
is decided, click the [Next] button.
5Click the [Done] button.
6Restart your computer.
PNote
Be sure to connect this unit only after you have restarted your computer.

19-GB
Connecting this unit to your computer
PNote
Be sure to install the supplied software before you connect this unit to your
computer. Restart your computer following installation.
Connect the USB port on this unit to a USB port on your computer using
the special USB cable supplied.
On the special USB cable
A connector:This is plugged into the USB port on the computer. Any
ports can be used if the computer is provided with multiple
USB ports.
Mini-B connector:This is plugged into the USB port on this unit.
1Firmly insert the Mini-B connector of the USB cable into the
USB port on this unit as far as it will go.
2Plug the A connector of the USB cable into a USB port on your
computer.
•The “Found New Hardware Wizard” starts up and installation of
the driver begins. Depending on the OS, the driver installation may
take place automatically.
•The location of the USB port on the computer differs with the
computer used.
•When using a computer with multiple USB ports, do not connect
other devices, with the exception of a standard mouse and keyboard,
to USB ports at the same time as this unit. When using a desktop
computer, use a USB port on the main unit of the computer. For
details, see “Recommended ways for connecting this unit” on page
20.
USB port
A connector
Mini-B
connector
Access lamp
USB port
*Serial number
(8-digit number on the
backside of this unit)

20-GB
Recommended ways for connecting this unit
The operation of this unit has been confirmed when connected to the
computer in either of the following ways.
When this unit is connected to a USB port on the computer main unit, and
nothing is connected to other USB ports on the computer main unit.
PNotes
•When two or more USB devices except standard equipment are connected
to one computer, and both are used simultaneously, operation is not
guaranteed depending on the USB devices.
•Make sure to connect the supplied USB cable to a USB port on the
computer main unit. Operation is not guaranteed if the cable is connected
via the keyboard or a USB hub, etc.
•Not all operations are guaranteed on all computers running under the
recommended environment.
• Make sure to use the specified USB cable (supplied) to connect to your
computer.
When, on a computer with a USB keyboard and mouse as standard
equipment, the USB keyboard is connected to one of the USB ports on the
computer main unit, and this unit is connected to another USB port on the
computer main unit with the supplied USB cable.