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2008B05-1

© 

2008.02

Photo: NWZ-A728

 ATRAC is trademark of Sony Corporation.
 “WALKMAN” and “WALKMAN” logo are registered trademarks of Sony 

Corporation.



 and 

 are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

 Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and Windows Media are trademarks or 

registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or 
other countries.

 Adobe, Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash Player are trademarks or registered 

trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other 
countries.

 MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology and patents licensed from 

Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.

 IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business 

Machines Corporation.

 Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Inc.
 QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks or registered trademarks 

of Apple Inc., used under license therefrom.

 Pentium is a trademark or a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
 This software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.
 THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE MPEG-4 VISUAL PATENT 

PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL 
USE OF A CONSUMER FOR
(i) ENCODING VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MPEG-4 VISUAL 

STANDARD (“MPEG-4 VIDEO”) AND/OR

(ii) DECODING MPEG-4 VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED BY A 

CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL 
ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER 
LICENSED BY MPEG LA TO PROVIDE MPEG-4 VIDEO.

NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER 
USE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDING THAT RELATING TO 
PROMOTIONAL, INTERNAL AND COMMERCIAL USES AND 
LICENSING MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, LLC. SEE 
HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM

 THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO 

LICENSE FOR THE PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE OF A 
CONSUMER TO
(i) ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AVC STANDARD 

(“AVC VIDEO”) AND/OR

(ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED BY A CONSUMER 

ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL AND

NON-COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A 
VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE AVC VIDEO. NO LICENSE 
IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER USE. 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, 
L.L.C. SEE HTTP://MPEGLA.COM 

 US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby Laboratories. 
 All other trademarks and registered trademarks are trademarks or registered 

trademarks of their respective holders. In this manual, 

TM

 and ® marks are not 

specified.

This product is protected by certain intellectual property rights of Microsoft 
Corporation. Use or distribution of such technology outside of this product is 
prohibited without a license from Microsoft or an authorized Microsoft 
subsidiary.

Content providers are using the digital rights management technology for 
Windows Media contained in this device (“WM-DRM”) to protect the integrity 
of their content (“Secure Content”) so that their intellectual property, including 
copyright, in such content is not misappropriated.  
This device uses WM-DRM software to play Secure Content (“WM-DRM 
Software”).  If the security of the WM-DRM Software in this device has been 
compromised, owners of Secure Content (“Secure Content Owners”) may 
request that Microsoft revoke the WM-DRM Software’s right to acquire new 
licenses to copy, display and/or play Secure Content.  Revocation does not alter 
the WM-DRM Software’s ability to play unprotected content.  A list of revoked 
WM-DRM Software is sent to your device whenever you download a license 
for Secure Content from the Internet or from a PC.  Microsoft may, in 
conjunction with such license, also download revocation lists onto your device 
on behalf of Secure Content Owners.

Program ©2008 Sony Corporation
Documentation ©2008 Sony Corporation

File format

MP3(MPEG-1 Layer3) file format, ASF file format, MP4 file format, Wave-Riff file 
format

File extension

MP3 (.mp3), WMA*

1

 (.wma), AAC-LC*

2

 (.mp4, .m4a, .3gp), Linear PCM (.wav)

Codec

MP3

Bit rate: 32 to 320 kbps (Supports variable bit rate (VBR))
Sampling frequency*

3

: 32, 44.1, 48 kHz

WMA*

1

Bit rate: 32 to 192 kbps (Supports variable bit rate (VBR))
Sampling frequency*

3

: 44.1 kHz

AAC-LC*

2

Bit rate: 16 to 320 kbps (Supports variable bit rate (VBR))*

4

Sampling frequency*

3

: 8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 kHz

Linear PCM

Bit rate: 1,411 kbps
Sampling frequency*

3

: 44.1 kHz

Video
File format

MP4 file format, “Memory Stick” video format

File extension

.mp4, .m4v

Codec

Video

AVC
(H.264/AVC)

Profile: Baseline Profile
Level: Max. 1.3
Bit rate: Max. 768 kbps

MPEG-4

Profile: Simple Profile
Bit rate: Max. 2,500 kbps

Frame rate: Max. 30 fps
Resolution: Max. QVGA (320 × 240)

Audio

AAC-LC

Channel number: Max. 2 channels
Sampling frequency*

3

: 24, 32, 44.1, 48 kHz

Bit rate: Max. 288 kbps per 1 channel

File size

Max. 2 GB

The number of files

Max. 1,000

File format

Compatible with DCF 2.0/Exif 2.21file format

File extension

.jpg

Codec

Profile: Baseline Profile
Number of pixels: Max. 4,000 × 4,000 pixels (16,000,000 pixels)

The number of files

Max. 10,000

1

WM-DRM 10 files are compatible.

2

Copyright protected AAC-LC files cannot be played back.

3

Sampling frequency may not correspond to all encoders.

4

Non-standard bit rates or non-guaranteed bit rates are included depending on the 
sampling frequency.

5

Some photo files cannot be played back, depending on their file formats.

– Continued on next page –

The approximate times are based on the case in which you transfer or record only 4 
minutes songs (not including videos and photos) in the MP3 format. Other playable audio 
file format song numbers and times may differ from MP3 format.

Bit rate

Songs

Time

Songs

Time

48 kbps

2,450

163 hr. 20 min.

5,050

336 hr. 40 min.

64 kbps

1,850

123 hr. 20 min.

3,750

250 hr. 00 min.

128 kbps

925

61 hr. 40 min.

1,850

123 hr. 20 min.

256 kbps

460

30 hr. 40 min.

945

63 hr. 00 min.

320 kbps

370

24 hr. 40 min.

755

50 hr. 20 min.

Bit rate

Songs

Time

48 kbps

10,200

680 hr. 00 min.

64 kbps

7,650

510 hr. 00 min.

128 kbps

3,800

253 hr. 20 min.

256 kbps

1,900

126 hr. 40 min.

320 kbps

1,500

100 hr. 00 min.

Bit rate

Songs

Time

Songs

Time

48 kbps

2,450

163 hr. 20 min.

5,050

336 hr. 40 min.

64 kbps

1,850

123 hr. 20 min.

3,750

250 hr. 00 min.

128 kbps

925

61 hr. 40 min.

1,850

123 hr. 20 min.

256 kbps

460

30 hr. 40 min.

945

63 hr. 00 min.

320 kbps

370

24 hr. 40 min.

755

50 hr. 20 min.

The approximate recordable times are estimated in the case where only videos are 
transferred. The time may differ, depending on the conditions under which the player is 
used.

Bit rate

Time

Time

Time

Video Format: 384 kbps

15 hr. 00 min.

30 hr. 40 min.

62 hr. 00 min.

Audio Format: 128 kbps

Video Format: 768 kbps

8 hr. 30 min.

17 hr. 30 min.

35 hr. 30 min.

Audio Format: 128 kbps

Bit rate

Time

Time

Video Format: 384 kbps

15 hr. 00 min.

30 hr. 40 min.

Audio Format: 128 kbps

Video Format: 768 kbps

8 hr. 30 min.

17 hr. 30 min.

Audio Format: 128 kbps

Max. 10,000
Recordable number of photos may be less depending on file sizes.

NWZ-A726: 4 GB (Approx. 3.57 GB = 3,840,638,976  bytes)
NWZ-A728: 8 GB (Approx. 7.30 GB = 7,840,956,416 bytes)
NWZ-A729: 16 GB (Approx. 14.7 GB = 15,841,820,672 bytes)
NWZ-A726B: 4 GB (Approx. 3.57 GB = 3,840,573,440 bytes)
NWZ-A728B: 8 GB (Approx. 7.30 GB = 7,840,890,880 bytes)
*

1

Available storage capacity of the player may vary.

  A portion of the memory is used for data management functions.

Frequency response
20 to 20,000 Hz (when playing data file, single signal measurement)

Headphone: Stereo mini-jack
WM-PORT (multiple connecting terminal): 22 pins
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant)

5 °C to 35 °C (41 °F to 95 °F)

• Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• USB power (from a computer via the supplied USB cable)

USB-based charging
Approx. 3 hours (full charge), Approx.1.5 hours (approx. 80 %)

By setting as follows, a longer battery life can be expected.
The times below are approximated when “New Song Pop Up”, “Clear Stereo”, “DSEE(Sound 
Enhancer)”, “Dynamic Normalizer”, “Equalizer” and “VPT(Surround)” are deactivated, 
and “Screensaver” is set to “Blank.”
Furthermore, for videos, the time approximated when the brightness of the screen is set to 
“3.”

Music

Playback at MP3 128 kbps

Approximately 36 hours

Playback at WMA 128 kbps

Approximately 35.5 hours

Playback at AAC-LC 128 kbps

Approximately 33.5 hours

Playback at Linear PCM 1411 kbps

Approximately 34.5 hours

Video

Playback at MPEG-4 384 kbps

Approximately 10 hours

Playback at MPEG-4 768 kbps

Approximately 9 hours

Playback at AVC 384 kbps

Approximately 8 hours

Playback at AVC 768 kbps

Approximately 8 hours

2.4-inch, TFT color display with white LED-backlight, QVGA (240 × 320 pixels), 262,144 
colors

50.2 × 93.6 × 9.3 mm (2 × 3 

3

/

4

 × 

3

/

8

 inches)

51.0 × 93.9 × 9.3 mm (2 

1

/

8

 × 3 

3

/

4

 × 

3

/

8

 inches) 

Approx. 58 g (Approx. 2.1 oz)

Headphones (1)
USB cable (1)
Earbuds (Size S,L) (1)
Attachment (1)
Use when connecting the player to the optional cradle, etc.
Stand (1)

CD-ROM

1

2

 (1)

   – BestBuy Digital Music Store (NWZ-A726B/A728B)
   – MP3 Conversion Tool
   – Media Manager for WALKMAN
   – Windows Media Player 11
   – Operation Guide (PDF file)
Quick Start Guide (1)
*

1

Do not attempt to play this CD-ROM in an audio CD player.

2

Depending on the country/region in which you have purchased the player, the 
bundled software may be different.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Notes on chip component replacement
• 

Never reuse a disconnected chip component.

• 

Notice that the minus side of a tantalum capacitor may be dam-
aged by heat.

Flexible Circuit Board Repairing
• 

Keep the temperature of soldering iron around 270 °C during 
repairing.

• 

Do not touch the soldering iron on the same conductor of the 
circuit board (within 3 times).

• 

Be careful not to apply force on the conductor when soldering 
or unsoldering.

  .............................................   3

  ..................................................................   5

3-1.   Disassembly Flow  ..........................................................   6
3-2.   Cover (Rear), Rear Assy .................................................   6
3-3.   Battery .............................................................................   7
3-4.   MAIN Board ...................................................................   7
3-5.   LCD Assy ........................................................................   8

TEST  MODE 

 ............................................................  

9

5-1.  Block Diagram - MAIN Section - ...................................   17
5-2. Block 

Diagram 

 

- PANEL, POWER SUPPLY Section - ...........................   18

5-3.  Printed Wiring Board - MAIN Board (Side A) - ............   20
5-4.  Printed Wiring Board - MAIN Board (Side B) - ............   21
5-5.  Schematic Diagram - MAIN Board (1/6) - .....................   22
5-6.  Schematic Diagram - MAIN Board (2/6) - .....................   23
5-7.  Schematic Diagram - MAIN Board (3/6) - .....................   24
5-8.  Schematic Diagram - MAIN Board (4/6) - .....................   25
5-9.  Schematic Diagram - MAIN Board (5/6) - .....................   26
5-10.  Schematic Diagram - MAIN Board (6/6) - .....................   27
5-11.  Schematic Diagram - SW Board (1/2) - ..........................   28
5-12.  Schematic Diagram - SW Board (2/2) - ..........................   29
5-13.  Printed Wiring Board - SW Board - ................................   30

6-1.  Cover (Rear) Section ......................................................   42
6-2. Rear 

Assy 

Section 

...........................................................  43

6-3.  MAIN Board Section ......................................................   44
6-4. Front 

Section 

...................................................................  45

  ..............................   46

CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

UNLEADED  SOLDER
Boards requiring use of unleaded solder are printed with the lead-
free mark (LF) indicating the solder contains no lead.
(Caution: Some printed circuit boards may not come printed with 

the lead free mark due to their particular size)

Unleaded solder has the following characteristics.
•  Unleaded solder melts at a temperature about 40 °C higher 

than ordinary solder.

 

Ordinary soldering irons can be used but the iron tip has to be 
applied to the solder joint for a slightly longer time.

 

Soldering irons using a temperature regulator should be set to 
about 350 °C.
Caution:  The printed pattern (copper foil) may peel away if the 

heated tip is applied for too long, so be careful!

• Strong 

viscosity

 

Unleaded solder is more viscous (sticky, less prone to fl ow) 
than ordinary solder so use caution not to let solder bridges 
occur such as on IC pins, etc.

• 

Usable with ordinary solder

 

It is best to use only unleaded solder but unleaded solder may 
also be added to ordinary solder.

NOTE  THE  CN601,  CN602,  IC301,  IC302,  IC305,  IC501,  
IC503,  IC508,  IC509,  IC601,  IC602,  IC701,  IC751,  IC752,  
IC901  AND  IC902  ON  THE  MAIN  BOARD  REPLAC-
ING
CN601, CN602, IC301, IC302, IC305, IC501, IC503, IC508, 
IC509, IC601, IC602, IC701, IC751, IC752, IC901 and IC902 
on the MAIN board cannot exchange with single. When CN601, 
CN602, IC301, IC302, IC305, IC501, IC503, IC508, IC509, 
IC601, IC602, IC701, IC751, IC752, IC901 and IC902 on the 
MAIN board are damaged, exchange the entire mounted board.

NOTE  THE  CN801,  CN881  AND  IC801  ON  THE  SW  
BOARD  REPLACING
CN801, CN881 and IC801 on the SW board cannot exchange with 
single. When CN801, CN881 and IC801 on the SW board are dam-
aged, exchange the entire mounted board.

 Computer 

IBM PC/AT or compatible computer preinstalled with the following Windows operating 
systems*

1

:

Windows XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2 or later) / Windows XP Professional 
(Service Pack 2 or later) / Windows Vista Home Basic / Windows Vista Home Premium 
/ Windows Vista Business / Windows Vista Ultimate

  Not supported by 64 bit version OS.

  Not supported by OSs other than above. 

*

1

 Excluding OS Versions not supported by Microsoft.

 CPU: Pentium 4 1.0 GHz or higher

 RAM: 512 MB or more

 Hard Disk drive: 380 MB or more of available space

 Display: 

Screen Resolution: 800 × 600 pixels (or higher) (recommended 1,024 × 768 or higher)
Colors: 8 bit or higher (16 bit recommended)

 CD-ROM drive (supporting Digital Music CD playback capabilities using WDM)

To create original CDs, a CD-R/RW drive is required.

 Sound board

 USB port (Hi-Speed USB is recommended)

 Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or 3.0, QuickTime 7.2, Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0, 

Windows Media Player 10 or 11 (Windows Media Player 11 recommended. Some 
computers that already have Windows Media Player 10 installed may encounter file 
limitation (AAC, video files, etc.) that can be transferred by dragging and dropping.).

 Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher needs to be installed.

 Broadband Internet connection is required to use Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) 

or to visit the web site.

We do not guarantee operation for all computers even if they meet the above System 
Requirements.

Not supported by the following environments:
Personally constructed computers or operating systems
An environment that is an upgrade of the original manufacturer-installed operating 

system

Multi-boot environment
Multi-monitor environment
Macintosh

NOTE  THE  MAIN  BOARD  REPLACING
When the MAIN board is replaced, format it according to the fol-
lowing.

NWZ-A726

US

z

z

US (CircuitCity)

z

z

CND

z

z

z

E, AUS, JE

z

z

z

MX3

z

z

EE

z

z

z

z

NWZ-A726B

US (BestBuy)

z

z

NWZ-A728

US

z

z

US (CircuitCity)

z

CND

z

z

E, AUS, JE

z

z

z

MX3

z

EE

z

z

z

z

NWZ-A728B

US (BestBuy)

z

z

NWZ-A729

US

z

E, AUS, JE

z

EE

z

You can format the built-in flash memory of the player.
If the memory is formatted, all data and settings will be erased. Be sure to 
verify the data stored in memory prior to formatting and export any important 
data to the hard disk of your computer.

Settings

5-way button

BACK/HOME 

button

 This function is only available in the pause mode.





/// button to select   (Settings), and then press 

 button to confirm.



/// button to select “Common Settings,” and then 

 button to confirm.

The list of “Common Settings” options appears.



/// button to select “Format,” and then press the 

 button to confirm.
“All data including songs will be deleted. Proceed?” appears.



/ button to select “Yes,” and then press the  button 

to confirm.
“All data will be deleted. Proceed?” appears.



/ button to select “Yes,” and then press the  button 

to confirm.
While the memory is being formatted, an animated display appears.
When initialization finishes, “Memory formatted.” appears.

Select “No” in step 



 or 



 and press the 

 button to confirm. You can also 

cancel the operation by pressing the BACK/HOME button in step 



 or 



.

 Do not format the built-in flash memory using software or Windows Explorer.

• Abbreviation
 AUS : 

Australian 

model

 CND : 

Canadian 

model

  EE 

: East European model

 JE 

: 

Tourist 

model

  MX3  : Argentina, Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Ecuadorean, Panamanian, Peruvian and Venezuelan models