Sony Magic Gate Memory Stick is a type of removable flash memory card that was developed by Sony Corporation. It is a proprietary format used exclusively in Sony digital cameras, camcorders, and other portable devices. The Magic Gate technology was introduced to provide enhanced security and copyright protection for digital content stored on the memory stick. The Sony Magic Gate Memory Stick features a built-in encryption mechanism that allows for secure storage and transfer of data. This encryption technology ensures that only authorized devices can access and use the content stored on the memory stick. It also prevents unauthorized copying or tampering with the data, providing an added layer of protection for copyrighted material.
Available at retail in April, 256MB, 512MB and 1GB Memory Stick PRO media will sell for about $190, $440 and $880, respectively.
Devices that can accept the new Memory Stick PRO media after being updated via a software upgrade include for additional product information and a complete list of compatible VAIO notebook and desktop PC models, visit in April. In much the way that DVD takes up where CD left off, Memory Stick PRO format builds upon the foundation of the popular standard Memory Stick platform.
It also prevents unauthorized copying or tampering with the data, providing an added layer of protection for copyrighted material. In addition to its security features, the Magic Gate Memory Stick offers high storage capacities, ranging from a few megabytes to several gigabytes. This makes it suitable for storing large amounts of digital content, such as photos, videos, and documents.
Sony Memory Stick Pro and Select
LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #10728), Jan. 9, 2003 - Enabling users to listen, watch and enjoy a variety of rich content including high-resolution digital images, CD-quality audio and DVD-quality moving images, Sony Electronics announced U.S. introduction plans for its line of the new 256MB, 512MB and 1GB Memory Stick PRO media.
Jointly developed with SanDisk Corporation, the new generation of memory cards features high capacity, high-speed data transfer, high-level security and future expandability. The Memory Stick PRO format-enabled devices with high-speed data transfer capabilities can reach unparalleled levels of performance, such as real-time recording of high-resolution moving images.
"Memories, not just information, are stored on these tiny media cards. Sony developed Memory Stick PRO format together with SanDisk to ensure that those memories can be captured quickly and abundantly," said Mark Viken, senior vice president of the Information Technology Products Division at Sony Electronics. "In much the way that DVD takes up where CD left off, Memory Stick PRO format builds upon the foundation of the popular standard Memory Stick platform."
The Memory Stick PRO format integrates new technologies and features including:
- High Capacity - On a 1GB card, users can enjoy and record approximately:
- 16 CDs (calculated at 64MB per CD)
- 385 JPEG images in 5.0-megapixel quality, more than 10 rolls of 24/36 film.
- 24 minutes of DVD quality video (MPEG2)
- Six hours of MPEG4 (384Kbps) moving images
High Speed - In addition to an improved transfer speed of up to 160 megabits per second (Mbps), an advantage of the Memory Stick PRO format is the minimum write speed of 15Mbps that can be realized with optimized Memory Stick PRO format-compatible devices.
Real-time Recording - Memory Stick PRO technology also incorporates software specifically designed to offer real-time recording of data. With compatible devices, users can now rest assured that their memory cards and more importantly, the content on the card, will not be compromised when they accidentally remove the card before all of the data has been transferred or recorded.
Data Security - Tentatively dubbed the "Access Control Function," the new protection technology will have the capability of securing content on the media, preventing others from accessing the files in the event the card is stolen or lost. The new format also includes the MagicGate copyright protection technology, which will provide secure transfer and playback of commercial and copyrighted content, such as digital music and in the future, video and games.
Compatibility with Current and Future Devices
While many new Memory Stick PRO media-enabled devices are expected to ship in spring 2003, certain devices currently in the market are able to accept the new format cards either natively or through a downloadable software patch.
Devices that can accept the new format cards natively include:
- Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-F717 digital camera
- Sony Handycam® Camcorders TRV-350,-22,-33,-38,-39,-70 and -80
- Sony DPP-EX5 and -EX7 digital photo printers
- Sony XBR Grand WEGA KF-60XBR800, -50XBR800 Rear Projection TV
- Sony KLV30XBR900 LCD Color TV
- Sony Plasma WEGA KE-50XBR900, -42XBR900 Flat Panel Television
- Sony CINEZA VPL-HS10 LCD Front Projector
- Sony MSAC-US20 USB Memory Stick adapter
- Sony MSAC-US70 USB optical mouse and Memory Stick adapter
- Sony MSAC-PC3 PC Card Memory Stick adapter
Devices that can accept the new Memory Stick PRO media after being updated via a software upgrade include (for additional product information and a complete list of compatible VAIO notebook and desktop PC models, visit in April):
- Sony CLIÉ PEG-NZ90 handheld
- Sony CLIÉ PEG-NX70V handheld
- Sony CLIÉ PEG-NX60 handheld
- More than 100 VAIO notebook and desktop PCs
Available at retail in April, 256MB, 512MB and 1GB Memory Stick PRO media will sell for about $190, $440 and $880, respectively.
Memory Stick Select Press Release:
HIGHER CAPACITY AND SMALLER SIZE OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR EXISTING MEMORY STICK DEVICES
LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #10728), Jan. 9, 2003 - Offering a greater range of options for Memory Stick media-enabled devices, Sony Electronics introduced two new media cards designed to connect the growing universe of compatible devices.
The new Memory Stick® media with Memory Select Function is based on the existing Memory Stick media platform, which incorporates multiple 128MB memory units on a single card. Users of current Memory Stick media-enabled devices which support 128MB capacity can quickly and easily separate their personal data into the individual memory units via a switch located on the back of the media.
Initially with a total 256MB (128MBx2) capacity, the new memory card will be available at retailers nationwide in April for about $160.
"Personal photos and business documents and any other digital files should be easily accessible on a memory card," said Mark Viken, senior vice president of the Information Technology Products Division at Sony Electronics. "By partitioning the memory on the new Memory Stick media, users can find the file they need in half the time."
Also announced today, the tiny MagicGate Memory Stick Duo media will make its American debut this spring. One-third the volume and half the weight of standard-size Memory Stick media, the new card was designed for use with smaller digital devices, including cellular phones and wearable portable audio players.
Memory Stick Select Press Release:
The memory stick is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to carry and use with various devices. The Sony Magic Gate Memory Stick is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Sony digital cameras, camcorders, and portable audio players. It can also be used with select PlayStation video game consoles and other devices that support the Magic Gate technology. To use the memory stick, users simply insert it into the compatible device's memory stick slot. The device will recognize the memory stick and allow users to access and manage the stored content. Users can transfer data to and from the memory stick by connecting it to a computer via a USB adapter or card reader. Overall, the Sony Magic Gate Memory Stick offers a reliable and secure solution for storing and transferring digital content. Its encryption technology and compatibility with various devices make it a popular choice among Sony users looking for a portable and secure storage solution..
Reviews for "Exploring the Features of the Latest Sony Magic Gate Memory Stick"
1. John Doe - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with the Sony Magic Gate Memory Stick. First of all, it seemed to have compatibility issues with my devices. None of my devices recognized the memory stick, and I had to spend hours troubleshooting and searching for solutions online. Additionally, the transfer speed was abysmal. It took forever to copy files onto the memory stick, and even longer to retrieve them. Overall, I would not recommend this product to anyone.
2. Jane Smith - 2/5 - The Sony Magic Gate Memory Stick did not meet my expectations. The storage capacity advertised was not accurate, as I found that the actual usable space was significantly less than what was promised. I also found the construction of the memory stick to be quite flimsy. It felt cheap and easily breakable. Lastly, the price point for this memory stick was unjustifiable considering its lack of reliability and performance. I regretted my purchase and would not buy this product again.
3. Michael Johnson - 1/5 - I had a terrible experience with the Sony Magic Gate Memory Stick. Firstly, the memory stick kept causing errors and corrupting my files. I lost important documents and cherished photos because of it. Additionally, the customer support from Sony was disappointing. They were unhelpful and did not provide any solutions to the issues I faced. I feel like I wasted my money on a subpar product and would not recommend it to others.