“PCM” (Pulse Code Modulation) is a digital conversion format that analyzes the analog audio waveform based on a specific sampling frequency, and converts each sample volume into a digital bit form.

It is with Sony's experience in PCM that Philips did finish and market the CompactDisc format. And in 16-bit, too, thanks to Sony. Besides the extremely complete AUDIO (USA) 1980 review posted here, an interesting 1979 text can be read at Stereophile.com, with a PCM-1 in it.

By employing a 4:1 compressor in the record chain and a 1:4 expander in the playback signal chain, the PCM-1 provides the equivalent dynamic range of a 14-bit system while in reality employing only a 12-bit code.

The Sony PCM-1, launched in September 1977, was Sony's first consumer PCM processor, setting the standard for digital audio devices despite its high price of 480,000 yen and limited sales of around 300 units worldwide.

Manufacturer: Sony; Model: PCM-1; Type: PCM processor; Years of manufacture: 1977 - 1981; Made in: Japan; Original price approx.: 15'500 DM; Technical data. Data at "The Vintage Knob": Comments . Other models in the same series: Sony PCM-1; Sony PCM-501 ES; Sony PCM-601 ESD; Sony PCM-701 ES; Sony PCM-F 1; Pictures . Extract from brochure: Sony ...

2021年6月9日 · Sony PCM F1 Digital Audio Converter J. Gordon Holt | Jun 9, 2021 | First Published: Sep 1, 1982 In 1978, when I reviewed Sony's first audiophile-type PCM-1 converter, I earned the undying scorn of a large segment of audiophilia by reporting that, on the basis of a rather short testing period (which did however include some live recording), I ...

そして1977年、ついにpcmプロセッサーのpcm-1を発売。 AD/DAコンバーター（アナログ／デジタル変換のための回路）などを備えた2chの機材で、ベータマックス規格のビデオ・テープ・レコーダーと組み合わせ、デジタルの録音／再生が可能でした。

In September 1977, the PCM processor was marketed as the PCM-1. Although it had to be used in combination with a VCR, it was the world's first product to be commercialized that enabled digital recording and playback. The PCM-1, which was generally intended for home-use, was priced at 480,000 yen.

索尼的pcm处理器—pcm-1是世界上第一款可与vtr结合进行数字录音和播放的商品， 成为后来的专业音频界发展的基石。 pcm处理器是使用录像带进行数字录音和播放所需的接口， 就像如今的音频i/o一样。 第二章我们将追溯从上世纪七十年代后期开始的轨迹。

ソニーはMOS（金属酸化膜半導体）型によるLSI開発を進めたが、他社と価格競争ができる半導体開発は無理との決断が下され、結果としてSOBAX自体のビジネスからも手を引かざるを得なかったのである。 何しろ半導体開発には莫大な資金がかかる。 1973年6月をもってSOBAXの製造は中止された。 この決断により、電卓開発の中で育てられてきたソニーのデジタル技術の芽は、いったん摘み取られた形となってしまった。 しかし、中島は、そのような状況でも諦めな …