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Aiwa released the HD-X1 portable DAT recorder in 1989.

Aiwa released the HD-S1 portable DAT recorder in 1990.

The two recorders are identical apart from minor cosmetic changes and the introduction of SCMS compliancy in the HD-S1

The SCMS copy management system (whereby one digital copy may be made which is encoded with an inhibit signal to prevent further digital copying).

The HD-X1 and HD-S1 comprise two modules: the transport and playback circuitry, and a separate plug-in "recording block" carrying an A/D converter.

The unique feature of this unit at this price is that it has a digital audio interface as well as the usual analogue inputs and outputs.

The digital I/O connection actually uses a non-standard mini-jack connector, but a lead was supplied with standard phono connectors on the other end to connect directly to your CD player or to another DAT player

The analogue input/output unit (HD-A1) is in a separate housing which you must attach to the top of the main unit when you wish to use it. This has stereo mini-jack sockets for input and output, and also features record level and balance controls, a Line/Mic switch, and a 20dB Mic attenuator switch.

The HD-A1 also needs a battery, unless the main unit is being powered from an external source.

The units weigh 610g (including battery) and 100g respectively.

The HD-S1 uses the latest one-bit technology, the A/D block being based on Technics's MASH circuit and the D/A on Philips's Bitstream.

Standard DAT subcode read/write protocols are used, with automatic track numbering during recording and all recording start points indexed.

Direct track access is at 120-times normal speed.