ZUNE and your X360 - ZUNE HD Now in 64GB - Latest Update Now Supports AVI/XviD

I like the new software, it doesn't bog down my computer like the old one, but it does crash from time to time which is annoying...
 
[quote name='stevez0r']Only way I would get a Zune is if I can download music on the 360. Don't understand why MS doesn't have this feature yet.[/quote]

The same MS points you use to buy stuff on the 360 is what you also use to buy single songs on Zune Marketplace.
 
If anyone else is having trouble ripping DVDs, I believe I have the most perfect free solution for you.

Use DVDShrink and Videora iPod Video Convertor together.

Rip the DVDShrink using the reauthor DVD feature, creating a VOB file. However, under edit > preferences, you MUST change it so the program does not break up the VOB into multiple files. After that, then you can reauthor the DVD and rip it.

After you have ripped it, then use the Videora iPod Video convertor to change it into a mp4 format. I used the iPod Classic defaut settings and it has worked great. It takes about 3-4 minutes to rip a 22 minute show, and about 30 minutes to rip a 2 1/2 hour long movie.

To convert the videos takes a bit more time. Converting a 22 minute show takes from 5-6 minutes, while a 2 1/2 hour movie takes about 45 - 50 minutes. Hopes that helps someone!
 
I went back to using my iPod until the next 'update' .
My Zune locks up in the middle of all of my podcasts .

Please post when there is a firmware or software update .
 
[quote name='MSUHitman']The same MS points you use to buy stuff on the 360 is what you also use to buy single songs on Zune Marketplace.[/QUOTE]

wow i didnt know that, how much per song. lets say i buy 4000 MS points from dell
 
[quote name='rly723']wow i didnt know that, how much per song. lets say i buy 4000 MS points from dell[/quote]

79 points per song (~99 cents)
 
[quote name='A Happy Panda']If anyone else is having trouble ripping DVDs, I believe I have the most perfect free solution for you.

Use DVDShrink and Videora iPod Video Convertor together.

Rip the DVDShrink using the reauthor DVD feature, creating a VOB file. However, under edit > preferences, you MUST change it so the program does not break up the VOB into multiple files. After that, then you can reauthor the DVD and rip it.

After you have ripped it, then use the Videora iPod Video convertor to change it into a mp4 format. I used the iPod Classic defaut settings and it has worked great. It takes about 3-4 minutes to rip a 22 minute show, and about 30 minutes to rip a 2 1/2 hour long movie.

To convert the videos takes a bit more time. Converting a 22 minute show takes from 5-6 minutes, while a 2 1/2 hour movie takes about 45 - 50 minutes. Hopes that helps someone![/quote]

It may be faster to use DVD Decrypter (also free) instead of DVD Shrink to rip the DVD to a VOB file.
 
[quote name='Richlough']I went back to using my iPod until the next 'update' .
My Zune locks up in the middle of all of my podcasts .

Please post when there is a firmware or software update .[/QUOTE]
does it freeze or does it shutoff? mine shuts off during podcasts and once in a while during songs. last night i changed the backlight to stay on forever and it didnt happen again.

bb doesnt carry it instore anymore, so id have to return it in store and order another one from their site. i dont wanna go through the hassle if im experiencing somewhat normal performance.
 
[quote name='rly723']does amazon music downloads work with the zune?[/quote]
Yes, their DRM-free MP3 downloads work with any MP3 player.
 
[quote name='paz9x']does it freeze or does it shutoff? mine shuts off during podcasts and once in a while during songs. last night i changed the backlight to stay on forever and it didnt happen again.

bb doesnt carry it instore anymore, so id have to return it in store and order another one from their site. i dont wanna go through the hassle if im experiencing somewhat normal performance.[/QUOTE]

Mostly freeze , it shows it's playing but I can toggle the play and pause icon .
It's a 30 GB . When it locks up I have to hold down and back to force it to reboot .
Sometimes it just does the same thing again .
It is so irritating , so I'm just going to go back to my iPod and keep my fingers crossed that they will fix it with an update .

It also has blank gaps in alot of podcasts which is probably a transfer issue .

Are there any secret methods to completely format a Zune , not firmware just data on the HDD ?
I'd like to try to use it with a clean slate .
 
so which is the best service you use...zune, amazon, yahoo etc for downloading songs?

itunes works right, but you'd have to burn it to a cd, then transfer it to zune?

what do you recommend?
 
[quote name='rly723']so which is the best service you use...zune, amazon, yahoo etc for downloading songs?

itunes works right, but you'd have to burn it to a cd, then transfer it to zune?

what do you recommend?[/quote]
I don't pay for anything that comes wrapped up in DRM, so I strongly recommend the Amazon MP3 store as well as eMusic.
 
[quote name='xeno']So anyone know what kind of case i should get with my zune 80gb? ive been carring it in a blue soft cloth for a month and kinda want a proper case for it...[/quote]
I use an Agent 18 case. Only complaint I have about it is that the holes for the play and stop button are a little to small, it's kinda hard to push the button down. Other then that, I love it.

http://www.agent18.com/scripts/prodview2.asp?idproductpages=24
 
[quote name='TheRock88']I use an Agent 18 case. Only complaint I have about it is that the holes for the play and stop button are a little to small, it's kinda hard to push the button down. Other then that, I love it.

http://www.agent18.com/scripts/prodview2.asp?idproductpages=24[/QUOTE]

I have the same case for my 30 GB .

I like it better than my Belkin folding leather case .
It's too hard to use the 2 side buttons with the Belkin , plus I suspect the case is pressing down on the side buttons on it's own .
 
[quote name='xeno']So anyone know what kind of case i should get with my zune 80gb? ive been carring it in a blue soft cloth for a month and kinda want a proper case for it...[/QUOTE]

I just got this one today for my 80GB Zune.

http://www.myincipio.com/product/ZU..._Case_for_Microsoft_Zune_80GB_by_Incipio.html

The case looks great and is decent for the price (although they had free shipping over $20.00 when I ordered it). It definitely protects the Zune, but if I'm watching a video, I'll take it out of the case to avoid the distortion from the clear plastic screen protector.
 
[quote name='bmachine']I don't pay for anything that comes wrapped up in DRM, so I strongly recommend the Amazon MP3 store as well as eMusic.[/QUOTE]

My God eMusic's selection is horrible. If you get the 25 free songs thing, that's great, but I had trouble finding things to use it on.

Fortunately, I was able to find a great new group with it (Thievery Corporation).
 
[quote name='CocheseUGA']My God eMusic's selection is horrible. If you get the 25 free songs thing, that's great, but I had trouble finding things to use it on.

Fortunately, I was able to find a great new group with it (Thievery Corporation).[/QUOTE]

i agree too bad i didnt know it was horrible before igot a 1 month subs for 9.99 which allows a limit of 80 songs, i'll cancel after the month
 
Anyone having problems getting video podcasts to play on the Zune software on your PC after they're downloaded? It works in ITunes but not in the Zune software.
 
This is kind of a Zune and 360 question rolled into one: What resolution/settings is everyone using for both?

Here's the problem I'm facing: I'd like to start converting all of my regular DVDs to digital based, both so I can quickly access them via a HTPC/360/XBMC, and use them on my Zune or WM phone (with TCPMP) or possibly a Touch in the future.

I'd like to do a few things in the process: I'd like to shorten the encode process (right now it's about 3-4 hours for a 1h10m TV show). I'd like the final product to actually look good on my SDTV. If it's getting pixellated and jaggy on a SDTV, I'm sure it would look horrible on a HDTV in the future.

Since I don't want to be doing things over and over again, I'd like to convert to a format that allows me to do all of these things. Right now I am using Cucusoft with the WMV9 settings (1500 BR, 29.970 FR, 320x240 encoded into wmv format). I'm using this so I don't have to have the Zune software recode it, which seemed to take forever when I tried a different program.

So, that's the situation I'm in. I have full versions of Cucusoft DVD to Zune (and can get the Ultimate version for $15, the only thing I'd be willing to purchase at this point), the DivX Pro software that everyone got for free, and that's it. Everything else that's freeware I could probably find, but nearly everything else has not worked - the DVD never got converted from the IFO, ISO or VOB or straight from DVD.

BTW, I'm using the Zune 30. Again, I also need it to work on the 360 or XBMC (I bought the Splinter Cell game last week, just need to upload it) and possibly a Touch. The WM-phone I can get just about any format to play.

The other requirement is I don't have a shitton of space to store these files. I have about 100GB free right now, and I'm sure I could obtain another 250GB drive with some of the stuff on my list. Point being, if the files are too much over 1GB apiece, I might start running into problems, especially if I have to keep switching out the movies on my Zune and it has to recode.

Any thoughts?
 
I think there are many people wanting to do that kind of thing right now, but I don't think there are very many easy ways of doing it. Your question is probably going to be best answered on a more AV centric forum, though I wouldn't be suprised if another CAG knew the direction to point you in.

Good Luck.
 
Cochise, I don't think there's a good solution for you out there right now. If there is, I'd love to know about it, too.

If you find something that looks good on your 360, then I'm sure it won't play on your Zune 30 without transcoding that takes forever.

What I'd really like is a software program that upscales my DVDs to 720p and compresses it into one of the new formats that the xbox plays.
 
I'll be taking the next week or more and testing out different things each night (since I pretty much have to have it work overnight), now that I'm back home.

I'll be keeping track of what works and what doesn't.
 
[quote name='Gamehead']What was today's update? I am searching the internets, but can't find anything.[/quote]

From the GotZune? Blog:

Zune 2.3 Update To Fix Bunches

Posted by Chris Leckness on 01/22/08
Wow. There are a ton of bullet items in this patch! The following was posted by Cesar in the Zune.net forums…
  • Fixed top crashing bugs submitted by users
  • Fixed bug where Zune software thinks the device memory is full (but isn’t)
Key Marketplace fixes
  • Allow users to view top music videos in marketplace
  • Misc improved error messaging including splitting sign-in issues into 4 separate errors for customer and support benefit
  • Retrieval of subscription download history no longer stalls if the content is revoked
  • Better handling of accounts that have expired credit cards
  • Podcasts with spaces in their name can now be subscribed to
  • Marketplace no longer blocks explicit content purchases when parental controls are set to allow
  • Points balance label is now updated when user purchases new points
Key Player UI fixes
  • Allow zooming in/out (2x, 4x, fullscreen) during video playback to prevent stretched playback
  • Ability to switch Zune to GDI mode through command-line parameter
Key Podcast fixes
  • Allow subscriptions to podcasts larger than 10MB
  • Fixed some parsing errors that prevented some podcasts from syncing to the device
  • Fixed bug where podcasts were unsubscribing themselves
Key Setup fixes
  • Fixed numerous bugs affecting build to build upgrades
  • Improved installation for users accessing from corporate networks
  • Fixed driver uninstall failures
  • Included device 2.3 firmware in client download
  • Failure in creating system restore point no longer blocks client installation
Key Sync fixes
  • Fixed issues with reverse sync
  • Fixes issues with sync meter UI showing incorrect information as to what is on the device
  • Fixed issues using wireless sync with multiple devices to the same PC
  • Fixed a few different issues setting up wireless sync
  • Device is no longer being reported as full even after deleting large file from device
  • Device content is no longer being turned into guest content when it shouldn’t be
  • Content with bad metadata now shows properly so it can be removed from device
  • Turning off “autolaunch when a Zune device is connected” no longer prevents “Sync Now” from working from a wirelessly connected device
  • Podcast bookmarking is now transferred/saved to the device
  • Wireless sync connection continues to work after rebooting host computer
  • Unsubscribe podcast from device now works properly
  • Changing album art in the client now updates the device as well
  • Duplicate tracks are no longer synced to the device twice
Key Xbox Streaming bug fixes
  • Xbox Streaming now monitors the rip folder if user changes default location
  • No need to reinstall client to fix Xbox Streaming when upgrading from XP to Vista
Key Infrastructure fixes
  • Vista x64 customers can now get to web help from error messages
  • Client no longer crashes if database is corrupted
Key Library fixes
  • Changes in pictures or video metadata made outside client will now get updated in the library
  • UI is now smoother during file groveling
  • When a track is added to an album we will now always update the track on disc
  • User can now update album art for marketplace tracks
  • ‘Unknown Artist’ metadata is no longer written to files when writing out user edit of album name
  • Renaming an artist now more reliably keeps the change
  • Two different copies of the same album no longer get duplicated down to one when it shouldn’t
  • Access violation no longer occurs when checking song properties in the burn list
  • Multi-disc albums imported from iTunes no longer show in the client as a single disc album
  • Thumbnails for video content now extract on XP properly
Click to expand...
 
PM me if anyone is interested in an official Zune AV link(with the 3 RCA cables). I picked up an extra cable pack and don't need another one of those cables. $5.50 shipped.


edit: cable is sold.
 
FYI you can use cheap camcorder AV cables with the Zune. I think you just need to switch the yellow and red plugs on your TV for it to work.

Anyways, here's an annoyance: when using my Zune with my 360, it takes ~5-10 seconds for long lists to show up (e.g., when I choose "Artists"). I only have about 14 GB of music on there and it shows up instaneously when I'm streaming wirelessly from my laptop. There's no reason the Zune should be so slow since USB is faster than my G wireless.
 
I think is was probably covered but searching would give way too many results..

Anyone know the best software to convert mp4 videos to wmv? I'm tired of waiting 2 hours to convert the damn video.
 
I'm thinking about getting a Zune 4GB to replace my broken 4GB ipod. What are some of the features involving the 360 and a Zune together? Transfer videos?
 
[quote name='Littlefields']I'm thinking about getting a Zune 4GB to replace my broken 4GB ipod. What are some of the features involving the 360 and a Zune together? Transfer videos?[/quote]

As far as i know, no Video transfers "Booo!!" or music transfers "Booo!!"

Just plug it into the 360 using the Sync cord and your done. The menu on the 360 is a little dumbed down, but you can transfer photos from your zune to the 360 which is cool but not as good as transfering music or videos.
 
OK, here are the settings I've decided on:

First, rip with DVD Converter.
Second, use Cucusoft DVD to Zune and encode with the Zune TV Size 3 (640x480), which is 1500vbr.

Firefly looked just like the DVD on my 360, and the same on the Zune. Takes a while to encode to the Zune, but this looks like the best option for people who want to stream anything. Size translates to about 10MB/minute.

I guess I'll have to redo the previous ones, but one good side effect is that the Cucusoft process doesn't take near as long as it used to, but you'll see that made up for with the Zune encode.
 
Thanks for the link mick 16, bought it with google checkout. After reading some reviews on Buy.com, if you have the 80, you need to pull something out of the dock for it to fit properly.
 
Question. I got some .avi files on my computer but I want to play them on my Zune (quality is not a problem they can look like crap), but as long as I can read text on those videos and of course hear sound. Anyway anyone know a fast way to convert those files to a Zune playable file format (speed is kinda of a factor I got a lot of files)?

Thanks
 
[quote name='Sir_Fragalot']Question. I got some .avi files on my computer but I want to play them on my Zune (quality is not a problem they can look like crap), but as long as I can read text on those videos and of course hear sound. Anyway anyone know a fast way to convert those files to a Zune playable file format (speed is kinda of a factor I got a lot of files)?

Thanks[/quote]

Just add them to your Zune libary. The Zune software will transcode them automatically the next time you sync.

[quote name='mick16']For anybody interested, Buy.com is selling the Home AV Kit for $27.99 shipped. First time users (or new gmail creators) can save another $10.

http://www.buy.com/prod/microsoft-zune-home-av-kit-multimedia-player-kit/q/loc/111/203171430.html

I still don't understand why they can't include a regular plug with the player, but at this price I can live with it as it includes the TV output and the wireless remote too.[/quote]

You can use a regular $5 camcorder A/V cable. You just have to switch the audio-right and video connectors:

http://www.cliczune.com/2006/11/tip_zune_av_cab.html
 
The Zune TV 3 setting seriously eliminates the jaggies from the regular Zune WM9 setting. At least on a SDTV.

Someone might want to check it on a HDTV for me.

I redid Finding Nemo (because when I use the disc, it usually gets taken out the DVD player and nearly destroyed). On the WMV9 setting, it was about 840MB. On the Zune TV 3 setting, it comes in about 1.03GB. Not too much of a difference for the increase in resolution. Still does take a lifetime to convert for Zune use, but it's something I can live with. I use the streaming feature much more than I do the Zune.
 
Here is a odd question for you guys. I have a brown 30 GB Zune. Anyway the past few times I went to add some music to my Zune some music got randomly erased (and trust me it was random, I had nothing to do with it). I added some new music to my Zune like I normally would through the software, I didn't delete anything from my Zune, but some music got randomly deleted. Anyway does anyone know what could of caused this for future reference? Like I said I didn't do it because the stuff that got erased, I would not erase from my Zune.

Thanks
 
If you delete the music from your computer, the next time you plug your zune in, those deleted songs will be taken off your zune.
 
Just to confirm: the only way to update album art is to delete the songs from the Zune and re-synch correct? I don't enjoy the Zune software automatically downloading album art that looks like ass on the Zune itself....as well it randomly taking away/mixing up album art sometimes. Oh I miss drag and drop for album art (as well as songs, but that's irrelevant talking about this thing)
 
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