Yes - The EDL MD data drive is listed as a Requirement

I'd interpret "normally supplied" as meaning they will supply the drive if they can find one to sell you. This page seems to suggest to me that they are having trouble getting any...

[pause for quick Google...]
Sony stopped making MD data drives in 1995 apparently. I subscribe to the MTMD list, and the author of that message generally seems to be knowledgable so I'd trust it.

Anahata