This might be a little premature, but Sony says that recordings done in PCM on the new Hi-MD format can only be transferred to PC via USB if they came from an analog source. So does that rule out the possibility of using an external A/D with your mics to tape?
In other words, if you pop a CD in your stereo and use the optical out to make an MD from it, you won't be able to copy it to your PC because the SCMS code will read "first gen - copy prohibit".
But on the other hand they don't really say if Hi-MD recorders will work like a D100, where only the original recording can be digitally transferred elsewhere.
Sorry if i missed the answer to this in Sony's specs.