A/V Pack
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.
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