And when the current flows into an MP3 or MiniDisc player, it's music to your ears.

To make your audio CDs using your computer, you will either make a recording using a familiar recording device (cassette, MiniDisc or DAT) and import that recording into your computer or record directly into your computer.

Examples of such consumer electronic products include the MiniDisc, recordable CDs, the digital audio tapes, and the MP3 player.

It may even be spurring the minirevival of a format that had appeared and seemingly faded out of contention: the minidisc. The format was developed by Sony Electronics Inc.

The package also provides optical digital output that enables users to transfer recordings to external devices, such as a MiniDisc or DAT recorder, at a sample rate of 48KHz.

To meet the demands of the more than 20 million Americans currently downloading music from the Internet, Sony Electronics has launched the first portable MiniDisc player/recorder with Digital PCLink.

The ProMedia 2.1 is compatible with and easily connected to most portable audio devices such as MP3, CD, Minidisc and DVD players; video game consoles; and even camcorders, VCRs and televisions through its standard miniplug input jack.

Many teens wear the latest designer fashions, eat fast food at McDonald's and Burger King, listen to Minidisc players, watch music videos, and chat on cellular telephones, activities their North Korean counterparts do not know exist.

The Sony MiniDisc MZ-R50 recorder weighs less than seven ounces (excluding batteries), fits easily in a shirt pocket, and can be held comfortably in the palm of a person's hand.