SIST EN 61909:2005

Overview

EN 61909:2000 - Audio recording - Minidisc system specifies the mechanical and electrical characteristics required to ensure interchangeability of premastered optical discs and recordable magneto‑optical discs of 64 mm diameter used in a compressed digital audio recording system. Adopted from IEC 61909:2000 and published by CLC, this European standard targets compatibility between media and playback/recording equipment in Minidisc systems and defines the interfaces needed for reliable read/write and mechanical handling.

Key Topics

The standard focuses on practical requirements that enable cross‑vendor compatibility and reliable operation:

• Mechanical characteristics - physical dimensions, cartridge/disc fit and handling requirements to ensure media can be inserted, spun and transported reliably in Minidisc drives.
• Electrical characteristics - signal interfaces, control signal behaviour and electrical tolerances necessary for read/write interoperability between recorders and discs.
• Media interchangeability - requirements that allow both premastered optical discs and recordable magneto‑optical discs to be used interchangeably in compliant devices.
• Compressed digital audio - interoperability of systems using compressed audio formats on the specified 64 mm media (standard defines the medium and interface context rather than specific compression algorithms).
• Testability and conformity - criteria for manufacturing and quality assurance to verify mechanical and electrical compliance (test methods are defined or referenced).

Applications

EN 61909 is useful wherever consistent Minidisc media and device interoperability is required:

• Manufacturers of Minidisc players, recorders and drives ensuring their hardware accepts both premastered and recordable discs.
• Producers of premastered optical discs and magneto‑optical recordable media who need to meet mechanical and electrical interchangeability requirements.
• Quality assurance and regulatory teams responsible for product conformity, testing and certification.
• Audio engineers, archivists and broadcasters maintaining or migrating legacy compressed‑audio inventories on Minidisc media.
• Repair technicians and component suppliers requiring reference dimensions and interface expectations for service and replacements.

Related Standards

• IEC 61909:2000 (source international document adopted as EN 61909:2000)
• Standards covering broader audio systems (ICS 33.160.30) may be relevant for system‑level interoperability and audio compression specifics.

EN 61909 remains a focused technical reference for ensuring safe, reliable use of 64 mm Minidisc media across devices - valuable for product design, manufacturing, testing and long‑term media management in compressed digital audio applications.

Keywords: EN 61909, Minidisc standard, audio recording, recordable magneto‑optical discs, 64 mm diameter, premastered optical discs, compressed digital audio, interchangeability, mechanical and electrical characteristics.