Oct 2008
Video Issues and Audio / Video Pack
10/23/2008 11:11 AM Filed in: Zune IssuesAudio
Podcasts
Episode
4
In episode three of the Zune net news podcast we added to our generation four wish list. The list is now posted on the Zune net news web site. We’ve also added a frequently asked question and solution web page focused on documenting common issues and solutions often provided by Zune users and forum contributors. The intent is to offer a compendium of fixes as well as resolving problems still in need of input from the Microsoft development and support team.
One of the issues that we find most aggravating, primarily because it is so mysterious, is the inability to play some of the video podcast files that appear to be correctly encoded and often produced by podcasters with videos that do play successfully. When attempting to play these files, we get an error message on our 80 and 120 Zune players indicating that and an “ item is missing or can not be played". A quick search of the Zune Net forum and independent web sites indicates this is a fairly common problem and affects not only the playback of video but more frequently audio files. The work around suggested by Microsoft may go as far as requiring that you completely erase the content of your player and reinstall the firmware operating system and then re-synch all of your content.
As documented on the ZNN website the file that first caused us to realize this could be an issue was episode 5 of the Zune Luv podcast. Strangely, episode 4, also a video podcast, downloaded and played perfectly. A fellow Zune, user using an upgraded 30 GB Zune, was able to view both video episodes without issue. We are requesting our listeners forward via e-mail listings of video podcasts that generate an error message when synched to their Zune player. Please contact us by emailing your comments to znnadmin@zunenetnew.com.
One of the reasons we find the Zune so attractive is the availability of the home audio / video pack which allows the Zune 30, 80 and 120 players to stream stored video and audio to Home Entertainment Centers. Although the interface is shipped with component video cables supporting enhanced resolution displays, we find the standard composite option provides a very good picture. Not only can we view video podcast and movies synced with our Zune but, when using our Media Center PC with cable television input and tuner, we can also record television and synch with our Zune. The Zune essentially becomes a portable video recorder. The A / V interface comes with a simple yet intuitive wireless remote control. The only issue we take with the Zune remote control is its diminutive size. We’re constantly reminding our self to remember to put the controlled next to the base hoping we can keep from losing it.
We are happy to announce that the zunenetnews audio podcast can now be found in the iTunes library. Unfortunately, Microsoft has yet to include it in the marketplace podcast catalog. We have submitted many podcasts over the years to iTunes and all have been quickly processed usually being added to the directory within 3 to 5 days. This has not been our experience with the Zune Marketplace and hope that Microsoft is focusing on improving the channel through which podcasts can be added. The Zune marketplace will become so much more valuable if we can rely upon it to have a content catalog equal to or superior to that found on iTunes.
Please forward your comments and suggestions for future podcast as well as desired Zune Net News web features.
In episode three of the Zune net news podcast we added to our generation four wish list. The list is now posted on the Zune net news web site. We’ve also added a frequently asked question and solution web page focused on documenting common issues and solutions often provided by Zune users and forum contributors. The intent is to offer a compendium of fixes as well as resolving problems still in need of input from the Microsoft development and support team.
One of the issues that we find most aggravating, primarily because it is so mysterious, is the inability to play some of the video podcast files that appear to be correctly encoded and often produced by podcasters with videos that do play successfully. When attempting to play these files, we get an error message on our 80 and 120 Zune players indicating that and an “ item is missing or can not be played". A quick search of the Zune Net forum and independent web sites indicates this is a fairly common problem and affects not only the playback of video but more frequently audio files. The work around suggested by Microsoft may go as far as requiring that you completely erase the content of your player and reinstall the firmware operating system and then re-synch all of your content.
As documented on the ZNN website the file that first caused us to realize this could be an issue was episode 5 of the Zune Luv podcast. Strangely, episode 4, also a video podcast, downloaded and played perfectly. A fellow Zune, user using an upgraded 30 GB Zune, was able to view both video episodes without issue. We are requesting our listeners forward via e-mail listings of video podcasts that generate an error message when synched to their Zune player. Please contact us by emailing your comments to znnadmin@zunenetnew.com.
One of the reasons we find the Zune so attractive is the availability of the home audio / video pack which allows the Zune 30, 80 and 120 players to stream stored video and audio to Home Entertainment Centers. Although the interface is shipped with component video cables supporting enhanced resolution displays, we find the standard composite option provides a very good picture. Not only can we view video podcast and movies synced with our Zune but, when using our Media Center PC with cable television input and tuner, we can also record television and synch with our Zune. The Zune essentially becomes a portable video recorder. The A / V interface comes with a simple yet intuitive wireless remote control. The only issue we take with the Zune remote control is its diminutive size. We’re constantly reminding our self to remember to put the controlled next to the base hoping we can keep from losing it.
We are happy to announce that the zunenetnews audio podcast can now be found in the iTunes library. Unfortunately, Microsoft has yet to include it in the marketplace podcast catalog. We have submitted many podcasts over the years to iTunes and all have been quickly processed usually being added to the directory within 3 to 5 days. This has not been our experience with the Zune Marketplace and hope that Microsoft is focusing on improving the channel through which podcasts can be added. The Zune marketplace will become so much more valuable if we can rely upon it to have a content catalog equal to or superior to that found on iTunes.
Please forward your comments and suggestions for future podcast as well as desired Zune Net News web features.
|
Episode 3 More Wish List and a Cautionary Tale
10/20/2008 02:29 PM Filed in: Zune IssuesAudio
Podcasts
Audio
Episode 3
In our second podcast we listed a few of the items from the top of our Zune wish list. We add to that today by including wireless access to the Audible library, wireless access to Zune Social comments and a flash based browser. Microsoft could press far ahead of its competitors and take the baton as portable media player developers by expanding its wireless access to the Audible books store. The browser adds on would be playing catch up. If flash enabled a Zune phone could jump ahead of the pack.
Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, recently suggested the Zune player firmware may begin showing up in other portable devices with Windows Mobile phones the most exciting target. While this would seem a natural progression for Microsoft, they now have Google on their heels with the release of the G1 Google Android phone. The G1 is getting good press and has the enviable advantage of being open source. Well designed hardware coupled with a developer friendly operating system and unrestrained access to marketing your wares to G1 users has the making of a winner.
Microsoft has a history of encouraging third party developers by offering the necessary tools and access to operating system innards and may, if it shows a coordinated follow through, be able to offer a Zune based Smart Phone that will pull the entrepreneurial talent needed to compete with Android and future open source competitors. Let’s hope Microsoft has a nice fat rabbit ready to pull from the hat as the G1 steam rolls ahead.
We close this podcast with a cautionary tale. Recently, I spent a full day trouble shooting our main Vista machine. When turned on I noted it was making the connect / disconnect sound heard when plugging and un-plugging USB devices. I suspected the often fussy D-Link USB interface used connect our phone to Skype and after almost 12 straight hours trying everything thing I could think of and researching the net I was on the verge of re-installing Vista.
As my eyes were glazing over I realized I had unplugged my Zune the evening before without shutting down the Zune Software 1st and as you may be anticipating once I synched the Zune the constant connect / disconnect sounds and pause in the cursor stopped! We have not tried to replicate this problem and can’t be absolutely sure the problem was caused by the Zune software but suggest that any Zune users confronted by this issue try re-synching their Zune before pulling hair.
In our second podcast we listed a few of the items from the top of our Zune wish list. We add to that today by including wireless access to the Audible library, wireless access to Zune Social comments and a flash based browser. Microsoft could press far ahead of its competitors and take the baton as portable media player developers by expanding its wireless access to the Audible books store. The browser adds on would be playing catch up. If flash enabled a Zune phone could jump ahead of the pack.
Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, recently suggested the Zune player firmware may begin showing up in other portable devices with Windows Mobile phones the most exciting target. While this would seem a natural progression for Microsoft, they now have Google on their heels with the release of the G1 Google Android phone. The G1 is getting good press and has the enviable advantage of being open source. Well designed hardware coupled with a developer friendly operating system and unrestrained access to marketing your wares to G1 users has the making of a winner.
Microsoft has a history of encouraging third party developers by offering the necessary tools and access to operating system innards and may, if it shows a coordinated follow through, be able to offer a Zune based Smart Phone that will pull the entrepreneurial talent needed to compete with Android and future open source competitors. Let’s hope Microsoft has a nice fat rabbit ready to pull from the hat as the G1 steam rolls ahead.
We close this podcast with a cautionary tale. Recently, I spent a full day trouble shooting our main Vista machine. When turned on I noted it was making the connect / disconnect sound heard when plugging and un-plugging USB devices. I suspected the often fussy D-Link USB interface used connect our phone to Skype and after almost 12 straight hours trying everything thing I could think of and researching the net I was on the verge of re-installing Vista.
As my eyes were glazing over I realized I had unplugged my Zune the evening before without shutting down the Zune Software 1st and as you may be anticipating once I synched the Zune the constant connect / disconnect sounds and pause in the cursor stopped! We have not tried to replicate this problem and can’t be absolutely sure the problem was caused by the Zune software but suggest that any Zune users confronted by this issue try re-synching their Zune before pulling hair.
ZuneNetNews
10/14/2008 04:57 PM Filed in: Zune IssuesAudio
Podcasts
Welcome
to episode two, of the zune net news
podcast. This
is October 14, 2008. Our Zune Wish List!
As mentioned in our first episode and posting, Microsoft has addressed many of the early Zune short comings and now has the software, hardware, and service infrastructure to capture a headline grabbing share of the portable media player market. The Zune strengths are quality construction, excellent video and audio, well designed user interface, enhanced wireless access, subscription music model, significant resources of the 800 pound Gorilla that is Microsoft, and encouragement by the music and film industries to give Apple a bit of a run for its money.
On the down side are relatively limited offerings in the Zune Market Place, poor market recognition, lagging promotional campaign and a nagging need to take full advantage of the wireless technology that has the potential to set the Zune apart from competitors.
We have many MP3 players with which to compare the Zune. In order of preference are the Ibiza 30 gig Rhapsody, 5th generation 30 gig hard drive iPod and Zen 4 gig flash player. We have a hand full of other players each with something to recommend them but no longer used often enough to make useful comparisons. The Ibiza is a relatively obscure player manufactured by Haier, principally known for products such as air conditioners and heavy kitchen appliances. The Ibiza allows wireless access to Rhapsody music accounts as well as podcasts. Unlike the Zune, the Ibiza can update podcasts without the need to make a hardwire connection and a more productive means of creating custom music play lists.
There always seems to be a flip side to all advantages. Haier offers a podcast directory from which to search and add new audio podcast but no easy way to add podcasts not listed. Although the Ibiza maybe used to play back video files transferred via USB connection to your PC, it does not support video podcasts. The Ibiza almost looks like and industrial grade prototype but is built like a Sherman tank. The controls are exceptionally intuitive and easy to use. For example: even when the control lock is set, you can still change volume using a large and protected control bar on the side of the device.
We fervently hope the Zune team is looking at all competing devices and willing to borrow good ideas when not protected by our out of control patent system.
Even though we are very fond of the Ibiza Rhapsody, the excellent video and support of video podcasts albeit, via, hardwired connection, coupled, with the option to dock the Zune with television or audio media center has moved us away from the Ibiza and perhaps more importantly, for Microsoft, toward the Zune Market place. One of the unsung perks of the Zune is the availability of a quality interface to HD television replete with an easy to use remote control. Even though our large screen digital TV is connected to a liquid cooled Sony tower PC with XP Media Center and TV tuner, we often find it easier to simply walk our Zunes over to the Zune Audio Video cradle and watch podcasts or use the external speakers to listen to our music.
At the top of our generation 4 Zune wish list is the ability to wirelessly access podcasts as well as PC and Home Server media files. Adding, and more importantly promoting these features, would give customers a very compelling reason to drool when spying Zunes behind the locked glass display cases at their retailer.
The second item is an improved means of creating and adding songs to play lists as they are streamed to the Zune from the Market Place. The Ibiza design team has implemented a simple, yet very powerful pop up menu allowing streamed Rhapsody tunes to be downloaded, purchased or added to the playlist of your choice.
Third on our list is a more responsive means to add podcasts to the Zune Market Place. The Market Place needs to become a one stop shop. At present, we all too often have to use iTunes to locate podcasts,or other media and manually add them to our player.
This is by no means our complete list, but a few of most desired enhancements. The Zune is well on its way to becoming the player of choice for more and more consumers. Perhaps a fitting last wish for episode II is that Microsoft more aggressively promote the Zune and take advantage of the momentum gained with generation three.
Thank you for downloading and listening. Please subscribe and remember, change is forever with us, and tomorrow, tomorrow a new adventure!
As mentioned in our first episode and posting, Microsoft has addressed many of the early Zune short comings and now has the software, hardware, and service infrastructure to capture a headline grabbing share of the portable media player market. The Zune strengths are quality construction, excellent video and audio, well designed user interface, enhanced wireless access, subscription music model, significant resources of the 800 pound Gorilla that is Microsoft, and encouragement by the music and film industries to give Apple a bit of a run for its money.
On the down side are relatively limited offerings in the Zune Market Place, poor market recognition, lagging promotional campaign and a nagging need to take full advantage of the wireless technology that has the potential to set the Zune apart from competitors.
We have many MP3 players with which to compare the Zune. In order of preference are the Ibiza 30 gig Rhapsody, 5th generation 30 gig hard drive iPod and Zen 4 gig flash player. We have a hand full of other players each with something to recommend them but no longer used often enough to make useful comparisons. The Ibiza is a relatively obscure player manufactured by Haier, principally known for products such as air conditioners and heavy kitchen appliances. The Ibiza allows wireless access to Rhapsody music accounts as well as podcasts. Unlike the Zune, the Ibiza can update podcasts without the need to make a hardwire connection and a more productive means of creating custom music play lists.
There always seems to be a flip side to all advantages. Haier offers a podcast directory from which to search and add new audio podcast but no easy way to add podcasts not listed. Although the Ibiza maybe used to play back video files transferred via USB connection to your PC, it does not support video podcasts. The Ibiza almost looks like and industrial grade prototype but is built like a Sherman tank. The controls are exceptionally intuitive and easy to use. For example: even when the control lock is set, you can still change volume using a large and protected control bar on the side of the device.
We fervently hope the Zune team is looking at all competing devices and willing to borrow good ideas when not protected by our out of control patent system.
Even though we are very fond of the Ibiza Rhapsody, the excellent video and support of video podcasts albeit, via, hardwired connection, coupled, with the option to dock the Zune with television or audio media center has moved us away from the Ibiza and perhaps more importantly, for Microsoft, toward the Zune Market place. One of the unsung perks of the Zune is the availability of a quality interface to HD television replete with an easy to use remote control. Even though our large screen digital TV is connected to a liquid cooled Sony tower PC with XP Media Center and TV tuner, we often find it easier to simply walk our Zunes over to the Zune Audio Video cradle and watch podcasts or use the external speakers to listen to our music.
At the top of our generation 4 Zune wish list is the ability to wirelessly access podcasts as well as PC and Home Server media files. Adding, and more importantly promoting these features, would give customers a very compelling reason to drool when spying Zunes behind the locked glass display cases at their retailer.
The second item is an improved means of creating and adding songs to play lists as they are streamed to the Zune from the Market Place. The Ibiza design team has implemented a simple, yet very powerful pop up menu allowing streamed Rhapsody tunes to be downloaded, purchased or added to the playlist of your choice.
Third on our list is a more responsive means to add podcasts to the Zune Market Place. The Market Place needs to become a one stop shop. At present, we all too often have to use iTunes to locate podcasts,or other media and manually add them to our player.
This is by no means our complete list, but a few of most desired enhancements. The Zune is well on its way to becoming the player of choice for more and more consumers. Perhaps a fitting last wish for episode II is that Microsoft more aggressively promote the Zune and take advantage of the momentum gained with generation three.
Thank you for downloading and listening. Please subscribe and remember, change is forever with us, and tomorrow, tomorrow a new adventure!
Introducing the ZNNBlog
10/01/2008 11:49 AM Filed in: Zune IssuesNews
Introducing
the ZNN Blog; your source for News, Tips and
Feedback. If you are a customer looking for
a portable media player and seeking info on what
the Zune offers, a Zune user, blogger, podcaster
or industry insider, please feel free to share
your questions, comments and feedback.
The Zune now allows wireless access to the Zune Market Place and Social network. Microsoft offered free generation 3 upgrades to all Zune users showing a continued commitment to supporting early adopters as well as customers buying into the generation 2 release. Hats off to Microsoft and the Zune development team for excellent follow through and an impressive demonstration of their dedication to the portable media market.
Microsoft has also adopted a subscription model similar to that offered by Rhapsody and Napster. Although the current Market Place library is considerably smaller than that offered by competitors, Microsoft appears committed to growing content and in providing Zune users with wireless access at home as well as on the road. Deals have been struck with companies, such as MacDonalds, to allow wireless hotspot connectivity to Zune owners.
Although pundits, including Steve Jobs, argue the subscription model is hobbled by the preference of music lovers to own rather than rent their music, we have been fans of Rhapsody for many years and believe the subscription model will prove successful, as more become aware of the value and convenience it offers. Frankly, much of the pop music we download and listen to proves of short lived interest to us. Services such as Rhapsody and Zune Market place allow us to feast at a low cost smorgasbord before making a purchase of tracks we truly want to keep.
Others suggest the subscription model will be further gutted by advertising supported free access to music through services such as MySpace Music and Last.fm. These services are akin to commercial radio and provide no means to deliver free music to our portable MP3 players. The unique Zune FM connection allows radio listeners to log and down load music heard on FM stations ... providing the encoding used by the Zune to identify tunes is included.
I still occasionally listen to Last.fm but continually find my Rhapsody and Zune Music Place channels a far better source of new content. The sometimes derided Zune social is evolving and has an outstanding opportunity to create a vibrant new media for sharing and connecting with others with similar musical tastes, as well as those who introduce us to sounds never imagined.
Although generation 3 has gone a long way in making the Zune and related services an exceptionally attractive option in the portable player market, we have a wish list to share with the Zune team and request our audience stop by ZuneNetNews.com to share your list of most desired enhancements or changes.
You may email the site admin using the email address under Contact Us on the home page or via moderated comments on this page. All comments will be reviewed before posting.
Thank you for viewing and sharing. Please bookmark ZuneNetNews and check back regularly as our site grows. We will be introducing both audio and video podcasts focusing on the Zune and Microsoft portable media technologies. If you have an interest in contributing please feel free to contact us.
The Zune now allows wireless access to the Zune Market Place and Social network. Microsoft offered free generation 3 upgrades to all Zune users showing a continued commitment to supporting early adopters as well as customers buying into the generation 2 release. Hats off to Microsoft and the Zune development team for excellent follow through and an impressive demonstration of their dedication to the portable media market.
Microsoft has also adopted a subscription model similar to that offered by Rhapsody and Napster. Although the current Market Place library is considerably smaller than that offered by competitors, Microsoft appears committed to growing content and in providing Zune users with wireless access at home as well as on the road. Deals have been struck with companies, such as MacDonalds, to allow wireless hotspot connectivity to Zune owners.
Although pundits, including Steve Jobs, argue the subscription model is hobbled by the preference of music lovers to own rather than rent their music, we have been fans of Rhapsody for many years and believe the subscription model will prove successful, as more become aware of the value and convenience it offers. Frankly, much of the pop music we download and listen to proves of short lived interest to us. Services such as Rhapsody and Zune Market place allow us to feast at a low cost smorgasbord before making a purchase of tracks we truly want to keep.
Others suggest the subscription model will be further gutted by advertising supported free access to music through services such as MySpace Music and Last.fm. These services are akin to commercial radio and provide no means to deliver free music to our portable MP3 players. The unique Zune FM connection allows radio listeners to log and down load music heard on FM stations ... providing the encoding used by the Zune to identify tunes is included.
I still occasionally listen to Last.fm but continually find my Rhapsody and Zune Music Place channels a far better source of new content. The sometimes derided Zune social is evolving and has an outstanding opportunity to create a vibrant new media for sharing and connecting with others with similar musical tastes, as well as those who introduce us to sounds never imagined.
Although generation 3 has gone a long way in making the Zune and related services an exceptionally attractive option in the portable player market, we have a wish list to share with the Zune team and request our audience stop by ZuneNetNews.com to share your list of most desired enhancements or changes.
You may email the site admin using the email address under Contact Us on the home page or via moderated comments on this page. All comments will be reviewed before posting.
Thank you for viewing and sharing. Please bookmark ZuneNetNews and check back regularly as our site grows. We will be introducing both audio and video podcasts focusing on the Zune and Microsoft portable media technologies. If you have an interest in contributing please feel free to contact us.