Sony Multimedia CD-ROM Player

Sony Multimedia CD-ROM Player
Also known asSony Bookman (pre-release name)
ManufacturerSony Corporation
TypeElectronic book reader, portable media player
Release dateNovember 1992[1]
MediaMMCD Player Software (CD-ROM XA-based), CD-DA
Operating systemMS-DOS 3.21[2]
CPUNEC V20HL @ 9.54 MHz[3]
Memory640 KB
DisplayLCD, 300 × 200 pixels with 7 shades of grey, 100 mm (4 in) × 76 mm (3 in) [4]
ConnectivitySerial port (DE-9)
PowerNickel–metal hydride battery
  • Power supply: 12 W 10 V 700 mA[5]
Dimensions44 mm (1.75 in) H
140 mm (5.5 in) W
190 mm (7.5 in) D
Mass1.00 kg (2.2 lb)[6]
RelatedData Discman

The Sony Multimedia CD-ROM Player was a portable CD-ROM–based multimedia player produced by Sony and released in 1992. It was used to run reference software, such as electronic publications and encyclopedia. Before its release, both Sony representatives and the press referred to the device as the Sony Bookman;[7][8][9] that name remained in use in later publications.[10]

The player was sold concurrently with Sony's Data Discman e-book players.[11] Unlike those devices, the MMCD Player could read full-size 120-millimeter CD-ROM discs, including audio CDs. Software format, proprietary to the player, was one of several rich media CD formats released to the market during the early 1990s.

  1. ^ "Sony's new portable Multimedia CD-ROM Player enhances personal and business productivity" (Press release). New York: Sony Corporate Communications. Business Wire. 1992-09-16 – via Factiva. The Multimedia Player will be available at retail in November 1992 and will have a suggested list price of $999.95.
  2. ^ O'Connor, Rory J. (1992-03-23). "New CD-ROM player to be release by Sony". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  3. ^ "Application for Equipment Authorization FCC Form 731, FCC ID: AK8PIX100". OET Laboratory Division Equipment Authorization System. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  4. ^ Nicholson, David (1993-05-31). "Sony's on-the-run CD-ROM". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  5. ^ Sony Accessories, Tools, Literature and Service Information 2000 (PDF). Sony World Repair Parts Center of the Americas. p. 111. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  6. ^ Grunin, Lori (1992-11-10). "Sony's CD-ROM Player: Portable Multimedia for Consumers and Businesses". PC Mag. Vol. 11, no. 19. Ziff Davis, Inc. p. 46. ISSN 0888-8507. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  7. ^ Blissimer, Robert H. (1992-03-16). "Non-standard prototype CD-ROM system causes confusion — Sony Bookman on show bill". Electronic Engineering Times. Vol. 16, no. 684. CMP Publications – via Factiva.
  8. ^ Weber, Jonathan (1992-03-11). "Sony Shows Off New Hand-Held PC: Technology: CD-ROM discs allow tiny machine to play electronic books and other 'multimedia' programs". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  9. ^ McCormick, John A. (1994). The New Optical Storage Technology: Including Multimedia, CD-ROM, and Optical Drives (2nd ed.). Burr Ridge, Ill.: Irwin Professional. p. 47. ISBN 1556239076. OL 1731548M.
  10. ^ Nesi, Hilary (2008), "Dictionaries in Electronic Form", in Cowie, A. P. (ed.), The Oxford History of English Lexicography, vol. II, Oxford University Press, p. 462, ISBN 9780191558078
  11. ^ "Sony and Affordable Portables present Freedom of Information". Los Angeles Times. 1992-12-15. p. 138. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2022-05-03 – via Newspapers.com.