Zune to Retire Every Player But Zune HD? [Archive]

Adam Krebs

09-02-2009, 06:00 AM

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/09/01/current-zunes-are-discontinued-zune-hd-is-it-going-forward.aspx' target='_blank'>http://community.winsupersite.com/b...ng-forward.aspx</a> </div>"Microsoft guru Paul Thurrott of SuperSite for Windows fame has read the writing on the wall. According to the reps he spoke with, production has ceased on all Zune models before the upcoming Zune HD. In other words, when supplies run out, Zune 4, 8, 16, 80, and 120 are as good as dead, with only this year's model left standing."<img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/zt/auto/1250017268.usr495.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Alas, fair Zunes 4, 8, 16, 80, 120, we hardly knew thee. <a href="http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f9/flash-zunes-gone-zune-store-what-gives-94774.html#post711049" target="_blank">Jason mentioned</a> a couple weeks ago that the flash models were on the outs, but I had no idea they'd be axing the larger capacity Zune 120 as well. This seems like an incredibly short-sighted move, as it leaves only the high-end luxury model as a compatible device with the Zune software. Apple has known for quite some time, and proven for even longer, that when users buy into a device / software ecosystem, it helps to have a variety of different players to choose from. I hope the Zune team delivers a pleasant surprise in the near future, but for now I'm not holding my breath.

SoundMix

09-02-2009, 12:26 PM

I will never purchase anything less than a 120gb Zune. If this information is correct...and when my Zune dies...I will be looking elsewhere for a replacement (anything but ipod). :eek:

This news combined with the lack of compatability with WMP/WMC is unacceptable.

At least MS got Windows 7 right.

The Zune team (??!?) leaves a lot to be desired. (I'm being kind).

Paul

doogald

09-02-2009, 02:35 PM

It seems obvious that the current Zune form factors are only selling to a small number of users. This seems smart to me - Microsoft sells only a single type of a device called a Zune for now and, if they establish a successful market for it, they can always extend it to other device types and form factors later. In other words, let the HD build brand equity first, and then extend the brand.

Ron Hostetter

09-02-2009, 02:53 PM

While I'd hate to say this is sort of an admission of failure, I feel that perhaps that is the case here.

MSFT is probably hoping the HD takes off, and they can build a new brand loyalty based on that product.

Or, I could be completely wrong.

David Tucker

09-02-2009, 03:00 PM

I'm really not sure how I feel about this yet. :confused:

stlbud

09-02-2009, 04:19 PM

How does someone manage such a small space? My audio files alone are about 30G. Add the numerous Podcasts I enjoy and a handfull of video and you have bits all over the floor instead of in your pocket. I like the variety I have with a big storage area.

Seriously, would someone give me some guidance and demonstrate how they manage a smaller space for their music files? Do you just pick a few and hope it gets you through the week? Is it a constantly changing selection? How do you manage that? Playlists?

It seems like a lot of work to me.

Thanks in advance,

Adam Krebs

09-02-2009, 04:29 PM

How do you manage that? Playlists?

Sync groups. I want to do a post on that soon, but for now, check out the users guide page (http://www.zune.net/en-us/support/usersguide/musicvideospictures/syncgroups.htm).

David Tucker

09-02-2009, 04:47 PM

Janak Parekh

09-02-2009, 05:03 PM

Too much work. I don't know what I want to listen to when I have my player. I'll be constantly trying to decide what I want to have on there. There's only one option that works for me...all of it and always. :rolleyes: I agree. I use a (blasphemy :P) 32GB iPhone, and it's constantly driving me nuts to have to trim out 10% of my music. (Somewhat weirdly, smaller capacities are easier; I just chose certain music and lived with it. It's much harder to subtract than to add.)

That said, I suspect we're in the minority. Even the iPod classic is the least-developed iPod, and they trimmed out the 160GB version. It'll be interesting to see what Apple announces September 9, but it is named the classic.

That said, a lot of Zune users are power users and early adopters that wanted features above and beyond what the iPod offers, so maybe Microsoft is making a mistake. I'd love to see sales numbers of all of the existing Zunes.

--janak

Jason Dunn

09-02-2009, 05:36 PM

This blows. You don't build a brand overnight, and you don't build some momentum with two form factors, introduce a third, then kill the first two. The Zune HD in 16 GB and 32 GB capacities isn't enough on it's own to combat the iPod line with it's four form factors (Shuffle, Nano, Classic, Touch) and huge spread of storage capacities (4 GB up to 120 GB).

Jason Dunn

09-02-2009, 05:37 PM

Seriously, would someone give me some guidance and demonstrate how they manage a smaller space for their music files?

Sync Groups based on new music added in the past "x" days (I use 60 days), and Sync Groups based on genre.

stlbud

09-02-2009, 07:41 PM

doogald

09-02-2009, 07:43 PM

Seriously, would someone give me some guidance and demonstrate how they manage a smaller space for their music files? Do you just pick a few and hope it gets you through the week? Is it a constantly changing selection? How do you manage that? Playlists?

I'll start this by saying that I do this for an iPod with iTunes, but:

1. I rate all of my music, and only songs with three stars or more (out of 5) make it to the device. (I have well over 60 GB of music but most of it I definitely do not need with me all of the time.)

2. I have a smart playlist that gathers all of those songs. If the capacity would be greater than the device, then:

2a. I create a smart playlist of all of the 5 star songs, one for all of the 4 star songs, and one for three star songs that creates some sort of criteria for selecting music, but is limited to x GB. The criteria may be the 3 star songs totaling x GB that I have least recently listened to (so recent listens will roll off with the next sync).

2b. I then create a smart playlist that includes any songs in those three smart playlists

2c. (I actually have a regular playlist called "songs to move to iPod" which is designed to be songs I always want with me, which is included in that smart playlist is 2b).

3. I limit what gets synced to the iPod to just those playlists.

Can the Zune software do something like that?

stlbud

09-02-2009, 07:56 PM

I'll start this by saying that I do this for an iPod with iTunes, but:

1. I rate all of my music, and only songs with three stars or more (out of 5)

Thanks for your comments but it is still too much work. I live a spontaneous life, have an eclectic library of music and enjoy listening to whatever I want when I want. Besides, Zune player only has a 3 level rating system for each track - heart, no heart, broken heart.

I realize I'm something of an enigma when it comes to my taste in music but the schemes I see really only work for people who have a strong preference for one genre or limit their listening experience to the most recent tracks.

Maybe I'll just carry a USB harddrive with all my audio files on it and leave the Zune at home.

David Tucker

09-02-2009, 08:09 PM

doogald

09-02-2009, 08:30 PM

Hey, I was just answering a question - the one that I quoted. It was a lot of work at first (though made easier by rating everything one star and then just changing the ones that I wanted 3, 4 or 5 as I came to them), but adding new music it takes about a minute to rate an album's worth of music.

As for limiting to the most recent tracks, actually, I tend to limit to the music that I haven't heard in a while - as I said, taking the x GB of the least recently played music. And my collection is pretty broad as far as genres.

If Zune has only three ratings, you leave behind the stuff you do not like, take all that you love, and then limit the one's that you like but don't love.

Or not, whatever.

(By the way, the 5.7 GB of music on my device would get me through 3.6 days if I played 24 x 7. My least recently played songs are from Jan 1, 2008 [though I tend to listen to podcasts as much as I do music.] I'd say that a 32 GB Zune should get you pretty far.)

Phillip Dyson

09-02-2009, 08:43 PM

These days I'm mostly digesting Podcasts and Audiobooks but I have a pretty eclectic library myself. I can't think of a major genre that wouldn't have a noticeable presence in my library. Of course if you call me on something like Ska, I might have to concede.

I'm pretty confident that I'll be purchasing a 32GB ZHD but I don't know what I'll do for my music. My only consolation is that I have a ZunePass. If I'm near a hotspot, I should be able to pull most music down that I want to listen to. If I don't have it on my device.

From that 32GB I know the OS and Apps (when they materialize) will take up some of that space too. It is quite the quandry.

I posted this somewhere else, but this thread seems more appropriate.

I just checked the stats on my Zune80.

32.42GB Used
25.83GB Music
70.15MB Pictures
1.80GB Podcasts
138.41MB Channels
3.72GB Audiobooks
3.99GB Reserved Space
Technically I only need the one Audiobook that I'm listening to and I don't really listen to the Channels. That should buy me a few megabytes.

SoundMix

09-02-2009, 08:48 PM

Larger drive capacities allow for higher quality (bitrate) or lossless files...and therefore better sound quality. It is about the music...isn't it?

I also like a diverse collection of music, and will not be limited to 32GB. MS could have at least added an SD slot for memory expansion.

Paul

Arcadium

09-02-2009, 08:50 PM

This is the single, most retarded thing Microsoft has done. Now, I'll be buying a Zune HD, but I was also hoping to buy a Zune 120 to replace my Classic with Christmas money. Now what the hell am I going to do?

Flash players, I bared with it. Even though I'd like to have the chance to get a bigger storage later on, I have a 4 for running and sports, so I was okay. I could imagine the Zune 120 just becoming "Zune", like the 30's first year, and the Zune HD being just the Zune HD. It would be smart.

I am severely disappointed, and now kinda pissed that I now have to find a new Hard-Drive based player. But hey, maybe if this new iPod Classic has a camera, it'll be the one I get, and deal with iTunes again.

Jason Dunn

09-02-2009, 09:09 PM

MS could have at least added an SD slot for memory expansion.

Yeah, I would have really liked to have seen that as well. Done properly, it would have largely eliminated all this frustration from users we're seeing.

stlbud

09-02-2009, 09:19 PM

Stlbud...my music taste isn't even all that eclectic and it would still pose difficulty for me!

What's your Zune Tag?

Doog...the Zune autoplaylists can do all of the same things but what we're saying is that while it is an available option, its not the one that we prefer. We both would like to have our entire collection available.

Zune Tag - therealstlbud

I'll put it in my sig until I find a better way to get it in my profile.

Hey Jason, Is there some way to include Zune Tags in our profiles?

Jason Dunn

09-02-2009, 09:28 PM

Hey Jason, Is there some way to include Zune Tags in our profiles?

Nope. I'm afraid the Zune isn't so popular that vBulletin has a custom field for it. ;-) Sig works good...

stlbud

09-02-2009, 09:30 PM

Hey, I was just answering a question - the one that I quoted. ...

(By the way, the 5.7 GB of music on my device would get me through 3.6 days if I played 24 x 7. My least recently played songs are from Jan 1, 2008 [though I tend to listen to podcasts as much as I do music.] I'd say that a 32 GB Zune should get you pretty far.)

Sorry, I didn't mean to be critical of your advice.

I just quickly went through 5 classical CDs, rating each track using the Zune's heart method. Each track was familiar and I had strongly formed opinions of each track so I didn't have to listen through the entire selection. It still took almost 45 minutes. I guess I just need to get my act together and eliminate the tracks I hate and see what's left.

You bring up another point, iTunes (I had an iPod for a while) has it all over Zune when it comes to ratings, playlists, etc. Hopefully the next version of the Zune player will make this area more robust.

RE: your last statement - I realize everyone is different and enjoys their music in different ways but, I really like taking a moment to pick just the thing I want to listen to at that moment. I don't know what that preference will be in 30 minutes much less the evening before I go to work.

Jason Dunn

09-02-2009, 09:37 PM

You bring up another point, iTunes (I had an iPod for a while) has it all over Zune when it comes to ratings, playlists, etc. Hopefully the next version of the Zune player will make this area more robust.

As someone who's using a Zune (well, a few) and an iPod Touch, I couldn't disagree more! When I dock my Zune, here's what happens because the software scans different folders on my PC/network looking for new stuff:

1) I automatically get all new music that I've added within the past 60 days
2) I automatically get new photos that I've taken within the past 60 days
3) I automatically get anything in the hard rock category put onto my Zune

That's a *GREAT* sync experience.

The iPod? I get nothing at all because the piece of crap program won't monitor my music folder. I'm adding music from various sources - Amazon.com MP3s, Zune Marketplace MP3s, ripped CDs - and iTunes stupidly thinks that it's the only place that someone would POSSIBLY add music from.

Now it may be that the Zune ratings system is too binary - you either like it, are neutral, or don't like it - but I've gotten used to it. I don't see much of a difference between liking a song and REALLY liking a song - both are songs you want to here right?

So I'll take the Zune software over iTunes any day of the week...

stlbud

09-02-2009, 10:33 PM

...
The iPod? I get nothing at all because the piece of crap program won't monitor my music folder. I'm adding music from various sources - Amazon.com MP3s, Zune Marketplace MP3s, ripped CDs - and iTunes stupidly thinks that it's the only place that someone would POSSIBLY add music from.

Interesting. Maybe my memory is faulty but my iTunes did fine monitoring folders until I turned the feature off (it kept trying to add sound files from my DVD authoring software). And you are right. Microsoft understands real sync and does it so much better than anyone else (including Linux). Remember, Apple had to buy sync technology from Microsoft to get their precious iPhone to sync contacts and appointments.

I didn't mean to say the Zune software was junk. There are lots of fun features but like everything in life, there is room to grow.

Best of all, I don't have to wear turtle neck shirts anymore :-)

Janak Parekh

09-02-2009, 10:37 PM

(By the way, the 5.7 GB of music on my device would get me through 3.6 days if I played 24 x 7. My least recently played songs are from Jan 1, 2008 [though I tend to listen to podcasts as much as I do music.] I'd say that a 32 GB Zune should get you pretty far.) Please, please, don't use this argument. The point is not length, but selection. I occasionally want to hear a song from an album I bought a long time ago and generally don't listen to anymore. Or the whole album, for that matter.

--janak

stlbud

09-02-2009, 10:39 PM

Janak Parekh

09-02-2009, 10:40 PM

The iPod? I get nothing at all because the piece of crap program won't monitor my music folder. I'm adding music from various sources - Amazon.com MP3s, Zune Marketplace MP3s, ripped CDs - and iTunes stupidly thinks that it's the only place that someone would POSSIBLY add music from. I am going to studiously stay away from this debate and editorializing on it. You and I have different models, and I accept that. :) I just wanted to point out Amazon MP3's downloader can populate iTunes automatically, so that, along with iTunes's built-in importing facility, might explain why some people don't notice the lack of monitoring folders.

Anyway, does the Zune software have smart playlist functionality? I do end up using that in iTunes with a strategy of cascading rules to filter out which music I don't listen to, so as to fit everything in 32GB...

--janak

Janak Parekh

09-02-2009, 10:41 PM

Microsoft understands real sync and does it so much better than anyone else (including Linux). Remember, Apple had to buy sync technology from Microsoft to get their precious iPhone to sync contacts and appointments. This is the first time I heard about this. :confused: Which technology did Apple buy from Microsoft? (Unless you're referring to Exchange ActiveSync support, which is only one way to sync contacts/calendar from Apple products?)

And, can someone at Microsoft tell them to take either the Zune's sync or the aforementioned technology that they sold to Apple and hand it to the WM team? Please?

--janak

stlbud

09-02-2009, 10:51 PM

This is the first time I heard about this. :confused: Which technology did Apple buy from Microsoft? (Unless you're referring to Exchange ActiveSync support, which is only one way to sync contacts/calendar from Apple products?)

And, can someone at Microsoft tell them to take either the Zune's sync or the aforementioned technology that they sold to Apple and hand it to the WM team? Please?

--janak

Yes, it was the Exchange ActiveSync support. But, this short statement doesn't cover the whole picture. I've been using a PocketPC/Windows Mobile device for many years (since version 2.11). ActiveSync has the capability of syncing files as well as contacts/appointments. It does it very well and has never failed me. Look, also, at Microsoft's SyncToy. It does a remarkable job of quickly scanning files and making appropriate transfers in both directions if desired. Zune, ActiveSync, and SyncToy also work from a list of working folders and leaves the rest of the world alone. iTunes on the other hand wanted to "sync" everything, would frequently miss new files (not always), deleted files off the iPod when it got confused and was only one direction - to the iPod.

Apple clearly couldn't get it right on their own. I understand things have mysteriously gotten better since they started using ActiveSync.

Jason Dunn

09-02-2009, 10:52 PM

Interesting. Maybe my memory is faulty but my iTunes did fine monitoring folders until I turned the feature off (it kept trying to add sound files from my DVD authoring software).

I've fought with iTunes for a few years, and I've never seen it monitor folders. I really don't want to re-hash the whole argument again (Janak? This means you! :D) but in essence iTunes assumes that it's the central consumption point for music, videos, podcasts, etc. If you add content to your hard drive/LAN outside of iTunes, it's too stupid to know it's there.

Jason Dunn

09-02-2009, 10:55 PM

I just wanted to point out Amazon MP3's downloader can populate iTunes automatically, so that, along with iTunes's built-in importing facility, might explain why some people don't notice the lack of monitoring folders.

That's only helpful if you download the Amazon songs on the same computer that you have iTunes on. In my case, I don't do that. It's just too limited to think that way, to rely on a specific set of circumstances that need to be "just right" in order for it to work.

Anyway, does the Zune software have smart playlist functionality? I do end up using that in iTunes with a strategy of cascading rules to filter out which music I don't listen to, so as to fit everything in 32GB...

I guess it depends on how you define what "smart playlists" are supposed to do. See earlier in my thread where I describe how I use the Zune software...I think it's pretty smart. :)

doogald

09-02-2009, 11:35 PM

Please, please, don't use this argument. The point is not length, but selection. I occasionally want to hear a song from an album I bought a long time ago and generally don't listen to anymore. Or the whole album, for that matter.

Jeepers, people jumping all over me for simply answering the question how I get by on a limited memory device with a larger library! ;) It's how I get by. If it doesn't work for somebody, use your imagination.

If one has a Zune Pass that allows unlimited downloads, how does one limit oneself to only 120 GB? You find a way, right?

Janak Parekh

09-02-2009, 11:35 PM

That's only helpful if you download the Amazon songs on the same computer that you have iTunes on. In my case, I don't do that. It's just too limited to think that way, to rely on a specific set of circumstances that need to be "just right" in order for it to work. So we can easily debate this implicitly, which is what I think we're sidling to. But... I'll... resist... grr! :p

--janak

Janak Parekh

09-02-2009, 11:38 PM

Jeepers, people jumping all over me for simply answering the question how I get by on a limited memory device with a larger library! ;) It's how I get by. If it doesn't work for somebody, use your imagination.

Well, you did say:

I'd say that a 32 GB Zune should get you pretty far.

And, no, a 32GB iPhone doesn't get me far enough. It's better than 16GB, but the song selection is driving me insane.

If one has a Zune Pass that allows unlimited downloads, how does one limit oneself to only 120 GB? You find a way, right? I don't have a Zune, so that problem has been avoided. ;) But one solution is WiFi streaming, which the Sansa has for Rhapsody.

Also, when I use Rhapsody, I tend to be pretty picky as to which music I continue listening to, and if I like it, I typically purchase it. I guess (when I used to use a Pocket PC to listen to Janus DRM music) I didn't do as much exploratory listening on my mobile device myself, because I like to surf different artists and tastes interactively, and doing that in the subway is not going to work.

I freely admit my model isn't perfect for anyone else, though. It's somewhat arbitrarily suited to my tastes. ;)

--janak

Janak Parekh

09-02-2009, 11:41 PM

Yes, it was the Exchange ActiveSync support. But, this short statement doesn't cover the whole picture. I've been using a PocketPC/Windows Mobile device for many years (since version 2.11). ActiveSync has the capability of syncing files as well as contacts/appointments. It does it very well and has never failed me. Look, also, at Microsoft's SyncToy. It does a remarkable job of quickly scanning files and making appropriate transfers in both directions if desired. Zune, ActiveSync, and SyncToy also work from a list of working folders and leaves the rest of the world alone. iTunes on the other hand wanted to "sync" everything, would frequently miss new files (not always), deleted files off the iPod when it got confused and was only one direction - to the iPod.

Apple clearly couldn't get it right on their own. I understand things have mysteriously gotten better since they started using ActiveSync. I respectfully disagree. The iPhone has many limitations, but the one significant difference I saw on day 1 is that the sync experience was 100x more reliable than (desktop) ActiveSync. I do miss file sync and the ability to have plugin syncs, but the reliability has more than made up for it.

Kacey Green

09-03-2009, 03:19 AM

Sorry, I didn't mean to be critical of your advice.

I just quickly went through 5 classical CDs, rating each track using the Zune's heart method. Each track was familiar and I had strongly formed opinions of each track so I didn't have to listen through the entire selection. It still took almost 45 minutes. I guess I just need to get my act together and eliminate the tracks I hate and see what's left.

I've been doing this since the squircle on my 80 started acting up and I rotated in the 120 as my main music experience. Now I'm at the point that every time I plug in the Zune I have to remove stuff, I already have it set not to sync broken hearts, and this morning I had to remove Michael Jackson and another artist.

Podcasts, videos, friends, channels & pictures have been off the device for about a month. Every time I take something off it finds something else to go in. Also since the 80 there have been about 2000 songs that won't sync, are formatted correctly and have proper licenses for ZPass content.

Jason Dunn

09-03-2009, 05:06 AM

For everyone complaining about not being able to fit enough music onto their Zune, have you thought about setting it to transcode to a lower bit rate?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_xKFWN-94I

It's an option. :)

David Tucker

09-03-2009, 05:49 AM

I may as well return these nice new earphones if I go that route!:p

Jason Dunn

09-03-2009, 05:54 AM

I may as well return these nice new earphones if I go that route!:p

Do a test: transcode to 160 kbps WMA or even 128 kbps WMA and see how much (if any) of a difference that you notice...

David Tucker

09-03-2009, 06:02 AM

I will do that comparison...though it may take me a bit before I manage it.

doogald

09-03-2009, 02:41 PM

That actually is something else that I do: my main library is (mostly) 320 kbps MP3 files (the files that I ripped from my CDs), plus the 256 kbps MP3s and AACs bought from Amazon and iTunes (not really many of those), but nearly everything on my iPod library has been transcoded down to 128 kbps AAC files. I have done those listening tests, and with all but classical music with a lot of dynamic range, there is really no noticeable difference when wearing any sort of earbuds or headphones. And, considering the fact that I do a majority of listening to my iPod while I'm doing something else - running, cutting the grass, doing other outdoor chores - it really doesn't make that much of a difference. YMMV, of course.

And, by the way, when I say to somebody with 30 GB of music who also wants to carry a handful of video and numerous podcasts on their device that my argument to him that a 32 GB Zune should be ok, I think that is a reasonable suggestion. Please don't tell me that I shouldn't make that argument. You may certainly disagree, but I think I'm entitled to at least throw that out there in this particular case, yes?

David Tucker

09-03-2009, 03:50 PM

Please tell me that the 32 kbps is a typo for 320 kbps! :eek:

doogald

09-03-2009, 04:58 PM

Please tell me that the 32 kbps is a typo for 320 kbps! :eek:

'Tis. (message must be ten characters, so I have added this parenthetical message.)

Kacey Green

09-03-2009, 11:37 PM

Jason, two things: I'm already doing that with my full 120, I left it to sync this morning after de-selecting some more artists to make everything fit, and it added over 160 new items to the device, (despite my not adding any new content and only de-rating stuff I wanted to take off) I may drop the quality another notch :(.

Point two: I see the kinds of crazy comments you get on YouTube, yikes.

Jason Dunn

09-03-2009, 11:47 PM

Point two: I see the kinds of crazy comments you get on YouTube, yikes.

Hehe...you have no idea! I delete all the really bad ones. :D

stlbud

09-04-2009, 12:49 PM

...Please don't tell me that I shouldn't make that argument. You may certainly disagree, but I think I'm entitled to at least throw that out there in this particular case, yes?

I suppose that is an alternative. At first I was thinking the time to transcode would be prohibitive but then I remember that I sync and charge my Zune overnight. I wouldn't even be conscious 8-) I'd still have to see if it shrinks down enough.

Even still, it kind of takes the value of "HD" out of the equation. Specially when you have HDMI and Optical SPDIF out.

From the Wizard of Oz ... "My world! My Beautiful World! Shrinking! Shrinking..."

SoundMix

09-04-2009, 10:57 PM

And, by the way, when I say to somebody with 30 GB of music who also wants to carry a handful of video and numerous podcasts on their device that my argument to him that a 32 GB Zune should be ok, I think that is a reasonable suggestion. Please don't tell me that I shouldn't make that argument. You may certainly disagree, but I think I'm entitled to at least throw that out there in this particular case, yes?

I disagree!:)

SoundMix

09-04-2009, 11:16 PM

Do a test: transcode to 160 kbps WMA or even 128 kbps WMA and see how much (if any) of a difference that you notice...

I did that test ages ago. I can easily hear the differences. Of course each persons hearing can vary. And it depends on how well you've take care of your ears, ie. loud levels. Plus it depends on how you listen to music. A professional recording engineer/producer or musician probably listens differently and more critically. All my music except that from Amazon is recorded at the highest bitrates. If I had room on my Zune, I'd probably use lossless or at least OGG if it were an option. Yes, I use professional earphones.

Paul

blueboy75

09-05-2009, 06:44 PM

I don't know what the problem is. Microsoft is going full tilt with HD. It doesn't make sense to maintain the other models. You have a good sized unit that can play music, video and hopefully games in the future. The other models are no longer relevant and I certainly wouldn't recommend them since the the new HD is on its way.

For those of you hoping for more space, just wait. Obviously larger drives will be on there way. You already know that a 64 gb is in the works and they'll probably double that by the end of 2010 if not earlier.

Kacey Green

09-08-2009, 02:33 PM

Which is where the excitement is all coming from, it looks like they left the ultra enthusiast in the dust.

I'm hoping there are bigger players already ready but they just haven't announced them because they're giving Apple a chance to put the new iTouch out and say, "look what we did, nobody needs a Zune" Then MS will drop the 64 or more on the market after it is too late for Apple to save face.

Phillip Dyson

09-08-2009, 02:43 PM

Yeah, while I would love to see a 64GB device announced on or around release day, my cynical side tells me that we've seen all MS has to offer on the hardware side. If we're lucky they'll show out on the software side.

PhatCohiba

09-08-2009, 03:14 PM

I did that test ages ago. I can easily hear the differences. Of course each persons hearing can vary. And it depends on how well you've take care of your ears, ie. loud levels. Plus it depends on how you listen to music. A professional recording engineer/producer or musician probably listens differently and more critically. All my music except that from Amazon is recorded at the highest bitrates. If I had room on my Zune, I'd probably use lossless or at least OGG if it were an option. Yes, I use professional earphones.

Paul

Consider testing your ears with a site like this on: http://nigelcoldwell.co.uk/audio/

It has the same song transcoded into numerous formats. It could help you hone in on one that's best for you. Also note the blind test at the bottom, but you could certainly have a friend load up and test all sorts of versions.

I'd be interested to see how you do with these audio samples as well: http://www.freemosquitoringtones.org/

Lastly, I totally think that there may be an ability to see the existing devices for a little while on the clearance racks, so there by the time they sell out of 80s and 120s maybe there will be HD-128s.

Jason Dunn

09-08-2009, 04:52 PM

...because they're giving Apple a chance to put the new iTouch out and say, "look what we did, nobody needs a Zune" Then MS will drop the 64 or more on the market after it is too late for Apple to save face.

You sir are a dreamer. ;) Anything is possible, but the Zune team can't keep anything a secret for more than 60 seconds, so if there were a 64 GB version planned, we'd know about it by now. Apple meanwhile has managed to keep the wraps on their new iPods quite effectively.

SoundMix

09-08-2009, 09:07 PM

Consider testing your ears with a site like this on: http://nigelcoldwell.co.uk/audio/

It has the same song transcoded into numerous formats. It could help you hone in on one that's best for you. Also note the blind test at the bottom, but you could certainly have a friend load up and test all sorts of versions.

I'd be interested to see how you do with these audio samples as well: http://www.freemosquitoringtones.org/

Had my ears tested by an Audiologist when my pro-earphones were fitted.

We did double blind testing sometime ago at the AES (Audio Engineering Society) tech meetings. We compared master tapes to decimated (MP3/WMA) audio. Low bit rates = crap. High bit rates = less crappy. YMMV. My ears tell me that at low bit rates, OGG sounds best (not an option for Zune).

stlbud

09-15-2009, 04:17 PM