Information about taking your Zune / ZuneHD to the next level with zune downloads, zune wallpapers, zune mods, zune encoders, zune video conversion, and more.
When it ships later this year, the Zune HD could cost as much or more than the iPod touch by the time both updates are released this year, an additional leak said Thursday. An interview with a previous source on Neowin cautions that prices aren't "set in stone" but has the base 16GB model costing between $249 and $279, or at least as much as the Zune 120 does today. A current 16GB clickpad Zune costs $179.
The insider also supports notions of a 32GB version and adds that a 64GB model is possible later in the Zune HD's life cycle, though he doesn't say what the larger-capacity model might cost.
Such a price could potentially hurt the Zune HD, as Apple is widely assumed to be lowering the price on its 16GB iPod touch from its current $299 for its next revision. The Microsoft player is likely to cost more through its use of a multi-touch OLED screen, which should produce more accurate colors than Apple's LCD, as well as the NVIDIA Tegra chip that supports decoding 720p video.
The official confirmation was more or less a "let's get this out of the way for E3" move. Microsoft wanted to be sure the Xbox 360 and its Natal controller would be the star of the show.
Like all journalists, I tend to be wary of news tips from people I don't know. Such was the case when I was contacted way back in March by someone claiming to have inside info on upcoming Zune hardware. The tipster told me that the new Zune would be a full touch screen device. I thought this was interesting, so I passed it along on to Twitter much to the delight of my followers.
So to clear up any lagging questions about the Zune HD , I sat down with my source -- we'll call him "TK" -- to get him to answer a few more questions.
RR: What is your title at Microsoft? TK: Software Engineer
RR: How long have you worked for Microsoft? TK: 2 years.
RR: What kind of projects do you work on for Microsoft? TK: Windows Kernel
RR: Why did you decide to talk about the Zune HD? TK: Because I love Zune...It's just an all around better product then the iPod & I wanted it do better in the marketplace.
RR: Was it approved by execs higher up, or did you just go ahead without Microsoft approval? TK: I went ahead without any approval from any of the higher ups.
But I have converted it to HTML for easy viewing below:
How to place any file on a Zune by dressing it up as a video
(Only tested on a Zune 30GB – running the latest firmware and Zune software as of 25th of June)
What can be gained from doing this:
1. Skip the ridiculously long video transcoding process for a much faster sync
2. Save any file to the Zune - retrieved using the Zune software and then changing the file name back (or maybe not if you hide a .zip within a .wmv?)
3. Sync video to the Zune that is not compliant with the Zune software's strict format - Could it be used to play higher resolution video on a TV via the AV out leads? Maybe something with a higher frame rate?
How to do this:
1. Prepare a very small .wmv file (something in the range of 20 seconds will do just fine)
2. Prepare your other file to be placed on the Zune (If you plan to use a video file, makeit a .wmv as these seem to play on the device, .mp4 files will not)
3. Open this folder in windows explorer: "C:\Documents and Settings\##YOURUSERNAME##\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Zune\Transcoded Files Cache" and delete any files within, keep the window open
4. Run the Zune software and connect your Zune
5. Drag and drop your small .wmv onto the Zune device icon to sync it to your player, wait for this to finish, do not close the program
6. Return to the Zune cache folder, take note of the new file that will have appeared (in my experience it will be formatted like this: asdFG.tmp)
7. Copy the file to be injected to the cache directory, swap it for the .tmp file you found in step 6 by deleting the .tmp and then applying it's name and extension to the new file (you will not be able to delete the temp file because it is currently in use by the Zune software, this is easily fixed using a program like Unlocker - http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/)
8. Go back to your Zune software and navigate to your device, delete the small video from your Zune
9. Drag and drop your small .wmv onto the Zune device icon to sync it to your player again, wait for this to finish, do not close the program if you wish to override this file again, but feel free to disconnect/reconnect the Zune
10. That is it, your file is now accessible from your device's video menu
Step 2 - Experiment with file types/video formats and come up with your own applications for this
Step 4 - You will need to keep your Zune software running after the sync so the cache does not become irrelevant when your open it again
Step 10 - Something you will notice when you open your videos is that the injected file will have the thumbnail of the small .wmv file you replaced as well as the file name and apparent duration (e.g. it will say 20 seconds but when you play the video it will not be limited to this length)
This appears to be a sign that the Zune software sends over the video's information separately to the file. I personally use a small .wmv file who's thumbnail is white text on black saying "Injected File" because I got sick of looking at that guy from the TopGear video I had chopped up
And if you're thinking this is a bit of a pain to use, this is my plan for an command line application to speed this all up/make it easer to inject multiple videos at once:
Put all the files (videos?) you would like injected into a folder somewhere (these would be .wmv files in a format that has been tested to work by injection)
Type into the command line: injector.exe -t -##FOLDER DIRECTORY## (will generate a small base file for every video you placed in the folder you pointed to)
You would then run the Zune software and sync these base files, leaving the window open
Type into the command line: injector.exe -m -##FOLDER DIRECTORY## (will move the files to be injected into the cache, overwriting the transcoded base files)
You would then move back to the Zune software, delete the videos from your device, then re-sync the base files
If you want this to work, someone other than me should probably write this heh.
−
zuneninja // www.zuneboards.com/forums
(PS. Redmond, please don't patch this - you really piss off your biggest supporters
A tipster just dropped off a few internal Microsoft docs that point to a September 8 launch of the Zune HD. In addition to that, the tipster says it's coming in 16GB and 32GB versions. All pretty logical.
We already knew that the HD has Nvidia's Tegra inside, which makes it a high powered, high performance device that can handle HD output and possibly some nice gaming. What we don't know is what the cost of the OLED screen and the cost of Tegra will make the final price. No word on that yet from the tipster.
Wireless and web browser technology are one of the greatest achievements that have been made when it comes to communication technology. This has paved a way for easier access to communication channels and faster response time in transmitting messages received through these communication medium. As a result of this technological advancement a lot of us have established access points in different spots where information and communication takes at a rapid phase in the modern world. It has taken people at greater heights and has increased convenience in dealing with personal tasks and corporate solutions. So far, communication technology has never been this mobile with the use of wireless and web browser technology.
Gone where the days when you need to stay in one place and move around with limitations with cable wires or telephone wires. The most important contribution wireless technology has brought us is the convenience this offers when we don’t have to worry going out and getting in touch with people that we know. Cell phones, PDA’s and wireless phones provide access to us wherever we may be. This can help us stay connected to the people for business functions too. Today, millions of people have adopted the wireless and web browser technology making it easier for us to get in touch wherever we are in the world. This has enhanced the way security is handled and allowed us to get in touch with most people. It won’t be a big problem to receive and send data wirelessly as communication gadgets and other devices allow us to access this in a few minutes or even seconds time.
Today wireless and web browser technologies are applied in different areas for home and corporate use. In security systems this is a convenient way in getting response during emergencies and other activities. Cellular phones and mobile devices have also applied wireless and web application technology in their applications to in order to make phone calls. Wi-Fi is also a wireless application which allows us to get connected to the web and browse pages even if you are using you phone or portable communication devices which can give you access to wireless connection. You don’t anymore have to use plugs and wires to become connected in the internet. It makes it easier for WI-Fi or Bluetooth devices to do this one.
With the use of wireless and web browser technology, it’s so easy to get in touch and connected. It paves a way for a lot of people to make use of the convenience that this has to offer to us thus leading for a lot of people to improve their lives and communicate more with the use of the state of the art devices powered by wireless and web browser technology.
The ZuneHD will also include HD Radio, many wonder what are the advantages of upgrading to HD Radio rather than standard AM/FM signals?
In the quest to transmit digital signals at a higher quality technology made an adaptation and technological advancement known to many as HD Radio. Back then reception that was transmitted in radios and other forms of digital music have some distortions making the sound quality quite bad. Analog broadcasts have defined the kind of technology that was used back then but HD Radio has made a significant lead in providing the most modern and high quality radio broadcasting for most AM and FM stations.
What is HD Radio and how does this work? Back then radio signals were transmitted through analog sounds. Although this is the form of transmission used for decades, the quality of the sound is not that good with some static and fades that may be experienced. As technology has paved a way for more convenience and quality when it comes to sound, HD Radio technology was introduced to basically improve and add quality to the way signals are transmitted. This has paved a way for radio technology to follow from analog to digital quality sound. If consumers are interested to make an upgrade to HD Radio technology, the signals being transmitted from analog would now be compressed from digital signal making the quality even better as compared to only getting the analog sound. Digital radio will now be able to surpass the interference caused and experienced commonly by analog signals and now would be easily intercepted and replaced with the digital radio.
The advantage of upgrading into HD radio quality is the way your signals are being transmitted. Whether you are using FM or AM, you can ensure that you can experience high quality sound that is as good as an FM stereo of you tune in to AM and you will be not be able to experience anymore less fades and static. When you also have HD radio you also get to receive from the radio’s signal additional information aside from the music signal itself that will be shown on your receiver’s display. Depending on what information the station can offer you may also be able to receive information such as weather news, traffic updates and etc.
With more programming choices and better audio quality you can make sure that once you upgrade to HD Radio this can basically offer you some new and better ways to make your listening experience a more enjoyable one. With the way HD Radio technology works, it’s easier and more convenient to enjoy your leisure time while getting some important information through the radio. This is the way radio broadcasting technology has made an impeccable mark in making our lives easier with the use of entertainment technology.
Zune has made extensions on its capability as a device as they launch the Zune HD equipped with Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality. As Microsoft’s response to iPod Touch Zune HS has a 3.3 inch with a Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality that can indeed make a difference to your audio and video experience. As an additional feature Zune HD will also be integrated with Microsoft’s Xbox Live which they claim will entirely create a new gaming experience for the consumers. This by far makes Zune HD the portable media player which has an HD radio receiver with supreme video capabilities and Wi-Fi enabling capabilities.
As Zune HD will team up with Xbox Live to expand its platform this will also bring an advantage over the availability of choices on a large number of music and video files including shows and television that can change the way consumers will be able to get a good multi media experience. As Zune HD expands to the Zune HD portable media player this not only showcases an impressive Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality but this so far goes a lot more better also when it comes with High Definition Multi Media Interface that works as an audio visual docking station but is sold separately.
If you are looking for an amazing viewing experience you should try Zune HD as it promises to provide you with this feature on Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality. This is just one of the new features that are integrated on this site along also with a built in HD Radio receiver which gives you the comfort of listening to high quality sound with additional channels that are offered in radio stations that are multi casted in HD. With a highly compatible output this also brings and supports HD movies and other shows with convenience. Aside from this you can get a full screen internet browsing capability which is built in to cater its multi touch functionality. With its integration to Zune HD, video services will be extending its service to Xbox live where game lovers will also be able to get a hand of the offerings for Zune HD.
With Zune HD’s Touchscreen 16:9 OLED display with multitouch functionality thus allowing the users to navigate with ease at the contents. This has definitely brought a new change in the entertainment aspect with these new functionalities. As these becomes an integral part in the creation of one of the best portable media player device with multi media functions, it will become easier for consumers to navigate the other features and get access to a lot other offerings and services that are offered in Zune HD as well as in Xbox Live.
Zune HD with Xbox Live features some HD related features both for video and audio and can enable an Xbox live user to focus on the video content once it also gets integrated with Zune. Zune HD has an HD radio receiver built within it that gives an advantage because of its high quality audio and a more precise tuning ability. This is to ensure that the user will experience a more convenient audio and video experience when using Zune HD with Xbox Live. The integration of these two technologies will indeed create a great impact on the users over all experience with the following multimedia devices.
While this is a major leap in terms of the integration of Zune HD with Xbox live giving it a boost for users who not only tune in to music all the time but are also video game fanatics. This portable media player can just be the right thing that users would want to get to experience total entertainment in audio and video phase. So how exactly does the Zune HD integration with Xbox live differs from what we have been used to?
The Zune HD with its multitouch functionality has a full screen internet browser. It also Wi-Fi enabled which gives the user the opportunity to stream using the device with its millions of sound tracks straight from the Zune music store. Because it is now integrated with Xbox Live, not only are music and videos available in the marketplace for Xbox, it will give the opportunity for more games and movies to be downloaded straight from this site. The Zune HD has an OLED touch screen interface with a 480x272 resolution format display and a 16:9 widescreen. Zune HD carries a high definition output when the Zune is connected to an HD television and this also carries out the ability to get into HD radio stations at a better quality than standard ones. With this kind of set up, you can finally get an overall device which offers video with HD radio and internet browser connectivity.
This certainly is a more improved version of the original Zune that was released in the market. With accessible applications over the Xbox Live Video Marketplace this will definitely cater to the needs of consumer who are both into music and video games. This is also a boost for the gaming market as more people are looking for accessibility in this field. With a touch based device that promises comfort and convenience. With Zune’s makeover this can more likely attract the consumers using its improved design and functionality. This portable media player thus by far will create a new user gaming and music experience for entertainment purposes.
There is a lot of news circulating today about some rumors of the new Zune HD using the NVIDIA Tegra processor. Several websites have been following the rumor, that started at donanimhaber.com, but apparently no one can confirm whether or not Microsoft's latest portable media player does indeed use NVIDIA's system-on-a-chip design.
Well PC Perspective can: the Zune HD does in fact use NVIDIA's Tegra processor. I actually learned this fact from some NVIDIA staffers over at Computex in early June but I guess I just didn't realize how "news worthy" the information was. No longer do you have to worry about "rumors" on the subject - Tegra has its first major design win.
NVIDIA Tegra likely won the design with impressive statistics like its ability to decode a video stream using just 150 mWatts of power and output audio at only 20 mWatts.
The Zune HD features a stunning 3.3-in OLED touch screen display with a resolution of 480x272 and can playback just about any video including high quality H.264 content. While the resolution on the screen is somewhat limiting, the Zune HD has an HDMI output that will support HD video up to 720p - thus the need for a powerful graphics-based processor like NVIDIA's Tegra. The device also includes an HD radio receiver, IE-based web browser, Wi-Fi and accelerometers for rotation support. Overall I think it will make a great competitor to Apple's iPod touch line up when it comes out later this year.
If you are looking for a higher resolution other that the standard video that you have HD video is one of the best alternatives that you may want to consider. This is mostly adapted right now to different technologies such as computer monitors, television monitors, projectors, internet pages and even video game consoles. Usually the display resolutions for HD videos are 1280x720 pixels or it can be 1920x1080 pixels. For years the application of HD video output has been considerably helpful in the implementation in television broadcasts and for other recording videos. This has taken a major leap in the communication technology which has grown and enhanced for personal or commercial purposes.
There have been a lot of applications that make use of HD video output in image sources which can go as far as in terrestrial and direct broadcasts with internet downloads including video games and latest technologies applied right now in mobile phones. For computers right now they are already capable of handling HD video output for faster and more accurate images that are shown. In video games also although there are few games which can give a 1080p the good thins is these video games can actually be upscale to a higher resolution than this. It’s not difficult to understand why today there a number of devices that are implementing the HD video output especially for the ZuneHD.
Today more and more websites are adapting to HD Video Output, such as the ZuneHD, which can also help in the user experience and quality of the site that is being watched by visitors. This is in response to getting the most high definition quality outputs in terms of videos being shown in these sites. It is also thus important to consider how well still and motion pictures collaborate with HD video output. Video technologies have actually come a long way since the implementation and adoption of HD Video Output. While the use of HD video output has been in demand, it has also made a big impact in the film and video industry. The better the screen display is the more it will enhance the quality of the film or videos that are being shown.
There are different uses with regard to the implementation of HD video output. But as this is widely and commonly used for viewing and entertainment purposes, there are also instances wherein HD video outputs are extremely necessary factors as an added security features for those who are using HD. This has basically made an indelible mark in creating greater heights for the entertainment industry and in the improvement of display images that we usually make use of whenever we get to go online or use digital devices which also make use of HD video outputs. This is just one of many feature the ZundHD will come standard.
Check out TestFreaks, they have many reviews of HD video and HD audio devices.
Although its still not clear on the exact release date on the ZuneHD, there has been rumers that it will release in the USA on Sept. 5 2009. It will most likely be released this fall or before christmas of this year. I will monitor any news/information I hear and post onthe official release date. Until then if anyone else hears anything please email us: zunemediaplayer@gmail.com
Microsoft has not yet released pricing details or storage capacity, but we do know that the new Zune HD will use flash memory. Cnet Reviews also informs us that the software giant will give more details of a new Zune-branded video service for the Xbox at the E3 trade show in Los Angeles; this will replace the current Xbox Live marketplace for TV and movies.
When ZuneHD is released it will feature Unicode support.
Wikipedia: Unicode "Unicode is a computing industry standard allowing computers to consistently represent and manipulate text expressed in most of the world's writing systems."
For anyone who listen to music with a lot of non-English text which is better for albums and track listings. This will be nice because there won't be a bunch of unknown characters on their player.
When did Microsoft start gaining sympathy from users? It seems to have taken us by surprise but Microsoft just is not up to the standards it used to be. Microsoft's search engine is not producing well, they do not have a strong hold in the market share regarding operating systems or browsers and even Microsoft Office has intense competition with applications from Google and Zoho.
Microsoft may be taking yet another hit with the release of the ZuneHD because we are approaching the 2 year anniversary of the iPod Touch. Today Microsoft finally released their version, a product meant to measure up to the iPod Touch.
The Zune HD portable media player, announced last week, will feature an HD Radio tuner and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen. It will use flash memory and a version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser. It will feature an HDMI connection for streaming video to HDTVs, Wi-Fi connectivity, HD video support, and a built-in accelerometer.
I think that Microsoft's Zune HD, if as advertised, could supply some real competition for my iPod Touch.
The iPod Touch is no slouch. It sports up to 32GB of flash memory, a beautiful touch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, a Web browser, direct access to the iTunes Store, and much more. It's a great device, but in some respects, the Zune HD may be just a little better.
Zune advantages Some might scoff at the Zune HD's high-definition radio. But when we consider the fact that a major selling point of the current Zune is its FM radio, it might not seem like such a bad idea to bring in HD. And having the option of listening to a high-quality transmission of songs ranging from Britney Spears to Frank Sinatra for free isn't so bad, either. Granted, you can't pick those songs, and you'll need to listen to commercials, but I think that's a small price to pay.
Touch advantages The iPod Touch, of course, has some advantages of its own.
Apple's iTunes Store is one of the most important reasons behind the iPod's success. It offers a simple, end-to-end experience that's unparalleled in the business. And as the largest music retailer in the United States, it carries some clout.
The Zune HD is out and about, strutting its stuff in the wild already, and the first video of the iPod touch toppler is already here. Come take a look!
Microsoft’s OLED PMP, the Zune HD, has been rumoured for a while, but Redmond finally pulled the trigger and made it official earlier this week. Now though it’s broke free of the labs and made it in to the open. Eyeing it up close, it’s surprising how much the Zune HD looks like a HTC Touch Diamond2, although it’s definitely thinner.
Amazon.com has put up the Zune HD on their website but you cannot purchase it, only "Sign up to be notified when this item becomes available."
Here are the amazon technical details:
Bright 3.3-inch OLED touch screen with (480 x 272 resolution) 16:9 widescreen format display
Integration with the Xbox LIVE network gives you access to millions of videos, TV shows, and games from Xbox LIVE720p HD video output to your HDTV with optional docking station
720p HD video output to your HDTV with optional docking station
Full-screen Internet browser with multitouch functionality
Built-in HD Radio receiver; Wi-Fi enabled so you can instantly stream millions of music tracks from the Zune music store
Microsoft is to launch the Zune HD this autumn and the device will have access to TV, movies and games through the Xbox Live Video Marketplace.
Essentially being lined up as a rival to Apple's iPod Touch, the new PMP will have a built-in HD Radio receiver, an OLED touch screen interface, wi-fi, a multi-touch UI for Internet Explorer.
The new Zune will feature a 16:9 widescreen format display (480 x 272 resolution) and have HD video output to allow video to be played on an HDTV.
While the new features are certainly an improvement on the original Zune, it will be interesting to see whether consumers like the fact a Zune dock has also to be bought for outputting HD video.
Microsoft has launched the most-rumored protable music player, Zune HD. The tech-giant has also increased the Zune video services to the Xbox LIVE subscribers with Zune HD.
The Zune HD, an enhanced and advanced version of the Zune devices, claims to provide a premium listening and viewing experience. The device has a HD Radio receiver,allowing users augmented quality of sound and extra programs. The PMP (portable media player) is will be introduced in the US market during his fall.
When it ships later this year, the Zune HD could cost as much or more than the iPod touch by the time both updates are released this year, an additional leak said Thursday. An interview with a previous source on Neowin cautions that prices aren't "set in stone" but has the base 16GB model costing between $249 and $279, or at least as much as the Zune 120 does today. A current 16GB clickpad Zune costs $179.
The official confirmation was more or less a "let's get this out of the way for E3" move. Microsoft wanted to be sure the Xbox 360 and its Natal controller would be the star of the show.
