Official Zune HD thread

By jonhapimp
in Hardware Hangout

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Grand Master

Calum Veteran

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To those saying Microsoft shouldn't open up the application SDK so we don't get pointless applications... why? You do realise you don't have to install the applications you deem "pointless", right? Why limit choice for others? Others who might like an application you think is pointless? :rolleyes:

One of the reasons Apple's App Store is so popular is because of the choice available.

Nicely put Calum :) I agree. Yesterday I noticed one more thing...the DJ artist mix in Quicplay..their color overlay changes slowly...it is such a nice visual experience. Zune 3.0 was always great but they got really really good with 4.0 and in contrast with iTunes 9's horrible color scheme, it is such a pleasure to use it.

Thank you :) I completely agree with your observations too. iTunes' colour scheme is horrible on Windows.

Grand Master

Ayepecks

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@ Calcum: Well, to each his own. I think the look of it is ugly as hell -- and I'm just talking about the PC software here, not the software on the actual device. I'd prefer it integrated better with Windows than it does. I also absolutely hate how the media is organized. I'd much rather prefer the way organization is done in WMP or iTunes. As for the editing track information -- I mean it's easier as in there are far more options for me to utilize and I don't have to fuss around looking for things, they're just all there.

I miss all the features I already described to you. I prefer the editing in iTunes, the converting songs features, and the organization features. The Zune software has some decent organization features, but not ones I care for.

I love the software because of its ease of use, and it looks GREAT. The integration with the Social and marketplace is awesome. The Smart DJ is definitely something I now dig since the release of 4.0. It surely beats the pants off iTunes any day. If you're just into sorting and looking at your music collection, then Zune isn't for you. I use it to listen to music and see what else I could be missing. No software comes close. Also, It's required since I do own a Zune 80 and a Zune HD 32. So, from my point of view, they complement each other very well :)

LOL, what, just into sorting and looking at your collection? I sort so I can find what I want and listen to music. It's pretty sad when I have to go into iTunes to convert my collection just to put it on my Zune.

Grand Master

Calum Veteran

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@ Calcum: Well, to each his own. I think the look of it is ugly as hell -- and I'm just talking about the PC software here, not the software on the actual device. I'd prefer it integrated better with Windows than it does. I also absolutely hate how the media is organized. I'd much rather prefer the way organization is done in WMP or iTunes. As for the editing track information -- I mean it's easier as in there are far more options for me to utilize and I don't have to fuss around looking for things, they're just all there.

I miss all the features I already described to you. I prefer the editing in iTunes, the converting songs features, and the organization features. The Zune software has some decent organization features, but not ones I care for.

They certainly sound like valid reasons for disliking the software, to me :yes: As you say, each to their own :) iTunes is a good media player, but I just find the Zune software to be miles ahead in experience for the reasons I mentioned. I certainly understand why people would go for functionality over look though or even if people dislike the look of the Zune software.

Converting of tracks is one feature the Zune software really could benefit from; I overlooked that one myself :p

Proficient

Petvas

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Safari on the iPhone is the best mobile browser. It had its issues, especially on the stability department but it is far ahead of the competition. The Palm Pre with its Web OS is playing catch up and I am glad that Microsoft started developing a good mobile browser, but currently Zune's browser is really slow.

Apps should eventually come. Yes, many of the apps for the iPhone are trash, but there are really dozens of good programs that enhance the functionality..

I really do not understand Microsoft's view on mobility. They have two teams working on mobile devices: The Windows Mobile Team and the Zune one. Why don't they merge them?

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darkmanx21

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convert collection? are you talking about videos or songs?

I think his collection may be in AAC or another protected format - so that's not supported without converting something.

They actually updated the firmware again on the old players today (maybe even yesterday) from 3.2(34) to 3.2(35) - I wish they would have added the Pins and History thing to the old devices. The device is faster now and the volume seems to be louder. Before, I would turn it up to about 15..now 12 sounds louder than 15. So, that's a good thing. Never understood the EQ thing..it can only make ****ty files sound better, but hey..people like to adjust their settings and that's cool also. The software now flies but man, upgrading has borked the music count. It's saying I have duplicates and the mp3 count is now off by one. ****ing annoying the **** out of me.

The views can be altered to all those saying they like the iTunes way. Just select Song view and you have a list with customizable columns. Is that not good enough? I use a separate tagger so the included one(s) is/are a non-issue for me, really. Great update..now only time will tell. The 32GB is sold out everywhere I've checked locally - not online. More than likely they only got a few of the higher capacity.

Grand Master

Ayepecks

Posted
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convert collection? are you talking about videos or songs?

Both. You can't convert songs on the Zune. You can only rip.

Anyone have any good, FREE DVD ripping to Zune video-supported software? e.g., ripping a DVD to a video format the Zune HD supports.

Grand Master

BajiRav

Posted
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Both. You can't convert songs on the Zune. You can only rip.

Anyone have any good, FREE DVD ripping to Zune video-supported software? e.g., ripping a DVD to a video format the Zune HD supports.

Why do you need to convert songs?

For DVDs you can use DVDFab6 + Handbrake. Handbrake doesn't have a preset but it is easy enough to make your own.

Mentor

BetaAddict

Posted
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I think it's because of the radio in the Zune HD. They want to make it compatible with the rest of the world.

"it's not because Microsoft is on the cutting edge, but because Microsoft is desperately looking for a marketable feature, whether or not that feature makes any sense for consumers."

Or it could be that Microsoft is on the cutting edge. Just because they're trying to sell more units doesn't negate the fact that all of the features in the Zune HD are simply cutting edge.

The radio compatibility might be one reason. But I am not really buying that as an excuse as the radio feature is hardly a main selling point considering you its an mp3 player first before anything else. I initially suspected supply was the bigger issue and guess I was right. Many of the major online retailers and stores are sold out and backordered. The only way to get it without a substantial wait is order directly from the official Zune site.

Also, it looks devs are already porting their apps/games to work with the Zune, in 12 hours nonetheless.

Community Regular

Mikee99

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Why do you need to convert songs?

I had a .wav file, which apparently (for some stupid reason) the zune software cannot play. I had to use iTunes to do the conversion to an MP3.

BTW, WTF happened with Amazon's free shipping? They used to use USPS to do it, and it was always great for me. I used to get packages within 3 business days. Apparently, they changed it over to FedEx SmartPost, and it sucks balls. My zune isn't estimated to come in until the 23rd! If they shipped it normally, I would have been playing with it already >:.

Grand Master

BajiRav

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Not trying to sound rude, but is that honestly a question you don't know the answer to? :)

I am genuinely curious. Zune plays Mp3, m4a(aac) and wma. That should cover most songs. I am not aware of what format you need to convert on iTunes (wma to m4a is one) that Zune can not play directly.

Grand Master

Ayepecks

Posted
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I am genuinely curious. Zune plays Mp3, m4a(aac) and wma. That should cover most songs. I am not aware of what format you need to convert on iTunes (wma to m4a is one) that Zune can not play directly.

OK, why would I NOT want to convert a song I have in a different file size? Or a different version? You're missing the point. The point isn't that the Zune can play it. It's that I want it in a different file type, not just a file type it can play. I like to have all my songs in a certain format at a certain bitrate, and I'd bet that a lot of people are that way. :)

I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't want file conversion in the Zune software. It's probably the biggest feature missing from the software, IMO. I'd also like to be able to tag album art on my own -- I've never been able to find that feature in the Zune software, but people have told me it's there. Maybe I'm just dumb.

Proficient

Cask1

Posted
Posted
OK, why would I NOT want to convert a song I have in a different file size? Or a different version? You're missing the point. The point isn't that the Zune can play it. It's that I want it in a different file type, not just a file type it can play. I like to have all my songs in a certain format at a certain bitrate, and I'd bet that a lot of people are that way. :)

I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't want file conversion in the Zune software. It's probably the biggest feature missing from the software, IMO. I'd also like to be able to tag album art on my own -- I've never been able to find that feature in the Zune software, but people have told me it's there. Maybe I'm just dumb.

Do you know that transcoded songs usually song like ****??? Even if a 128 kbps is transcoded to 256 kbps, the original will always sound way better. Do clean rips from CD or lossless only, otherwise keep the song at the bitrate and format you got it.

Grand Master

Redestium

Posted
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I'm with Ayepecks, there is a lot of missing functionality in the Zune software compared to iTunes. Lack of EQ or volume normalization is pretty big, much more control over tagging in iTunes as well. Auto Playlists are also much more limiting than Smart Playlists. Zune is nice I like the look of it but the music management features of iTunes (spreadsheet or not) works very well for getting the info you are after fast.

Zune's mini player is very nice though, but if the program didn't have all the visuals I don't think it'd be as popular because it is missing some features. I have a Zune 80 and an iPod Touch 2g.

Community Regular

Mikee99

Posted
Posted (edited)

I finally got my zune today, and I'm quite happy with it. However, I'm having an issue with the clock. Whenever I power down the device, the time gets all messed up. Is there anyone experiencing that issue?

I'm also left scratching my head as to why the Zune HD doesn't support connectivity to WiFi networks that do not broadcast their SSID. This is the year 2009, right? Is there any good and logical reason why the Zune cannot do what just about every WiFi capable device does (by connecting to non-SSID broadcasted access points)?

EDIT: Also, does anyone know how to remove artist pictures, bios, etc.? I'd rather have more storage space.

Edited by Mikee99
Veteran

Soldiers33

Posted
Posted
I finally got my zune today, and I'm quite happy with it. However, I'm having an issue with the clock. Whenever I power down the device, the time gets all messed up. Is there anyone experiencing that issue?

I'm also left scratching my head as to why the Zune HD doesn't support connectivity to WiFi networks that do not broadcast their SSID. This is the year 2009, right? Is there any good and logical reason why the Zune cannot do what just about every WiFi capable device does (by connecting to non-SSID broadcasted access points)?

EDIT: Also, does anyone know how to remove artist pictures, bios, etc.? I'd rather have more storage space.

i dont own a zune hd, but i rly dont think that the bio and pic will take up much room, maybe 200kb max

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