[Jason Dunn]

I was doing a little experiment today with my Zune: I ripped a single chapter from a DVD, using CloneDVD Mobile [Affiliate], and I used their .mp4 preset. The program helpfully allows me to specify resolution and bit rate, so I wanted to see the ceiling the Zune had on bit rate. Ripping to 320 x 240 in resolution, I ripped three different files at 500 kbps, 1000 kbps, and 1500 kbps. The Zune 80 could play all three of - I knew it could handle the first two, but I wasn't sure if the processor could decode 1500 kbps MP4 files. At 320 x 240, 1500 kbps is probably overkill (I think 1000 kbps looks identical), but if you're ripping to 640 x 480 to play back on a TV, the more bits the better. I haven't tested the upper limits of the Zune - I'm not actually sure what the threshold is for when the Zune desktop software transcoding kicks in. Anyone done any tests to find what the upper limit is for Zune video quality? What Video Format and Bit Rate Do you Use on Your Zune?

[Jason Dunn]

I was doing a little experiment today with my Zune: I ripped a single chapter from a DVD, using CloneDVD Mobile [Affiliate], and I used their .mp4 preset. The program helpfully allows me to specify resolution and bit rate, so I wanted to see the ceiling the Zune had on bit rate. Ripping to 320 x 240 in resolution, I ripped three different files at 500 kbps, 1000 kbps, and 1500 kbps. The Zune 80 could play all three of - I knew it could handle the first two, but I wasn't sure if the processor could decode 1500 kbps MP4 files. At 320 x 240, 1500 kbps is probably overkill (I think 1000 kbps looks identical), but if you're ripping to 640 x 480 to play back on a TV, the more bits the better. I haven't tested the upper limits of the Zune - I'm not actually sure what the threshold is for when the Zune desktop software transcoding kicks in. Anyone done any tests to find what the upper limit is for Zune video quality? What Video Format and Bit Rate Do you Use on Your Zune?

[coldshoulder]

I make my own videos (absolutiontv.com :P) and when I render them from my editing program, I usually render a 320x180 version for youtube. Cause I want it to be as high quality as I can, I set the render to 4k, with 2 pass. So, I know for a fact that the Zune 30 can handle 4k mp4's. Not sure about the higher resolutions on the 80, since I don't have one. I also know that the zune can take the same resolution in WMV form. Actually, I've found the zune, especially now, to be more forgiving when it comes to the video formats, then the ipod is. Right now I am trying to find the video format that will be usable to the most users, and the MP4's aren't quite cutting it. Zune and the Zune player handle them fine, and so does iTunes, but the iPods, don't seem to be able to play them. I'm thinking of trying a m4v instead. Although, I'm not sure if Zune will take that.

[Civisi]

Check your Zune settings. It may be converting it from the original format in order to play back on the Zune.

[albucian]

I use 3000kbps WMV video files (720:480) and it seems to work fine. They are not converted by the zune software (the cache doesn't have corresponding files and by browsing the content of the zune with the zune software it indicates that those files have the exact same size as the originals).

So 3000kbps is good!

(my zune software is set to "optimize videos for my zune device")

[gjw]

I didn't think the video limits were that big a mystery.

This is from the Zune website:
Windows Media Video (WMV) (.wmv) – Main and Simple Profile, CBR or VBR, up to 3.0 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD WMV files at device sync
MPEG-4 (MP4/M4V) (.mp4) Part 2 video – Simple Profile up to 2.5 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD MPEG-4 files at device sync
H.264 video – Baseline Profile up to 2.5 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD H.264 files at device sync

In my experience though, all WMVs must be encoded using the WMV9 codec because WMV7 and WMV8 seem to transcode no matter what resolution and bit rate are used.

That being said, I usually use WMV9 @ 320x(240 for standard/176 for widescreen) and I set the bitrate according to the subject matter.
Slower movies like the Godfather look crystal clear at 600kbps but higher action like Attack of the Clones needs 800+.

The higher the bitrate, the lower your battery life so encoding beyond what is necessary is a bit wasteful.

[gjw]

Originally Posted by coldshoulder

So, I know for a fact that the Zune 30 can handle 4k mp4's.

I know for a fact it can't.
The Zune 30 can't handle ANY mp4 without transcoding.

[onlydarksets]

I'm using H.264, 640x??? (depending on the aspect ratio), 768Kbps video and 128Kbps audio, 2 pass VBR. Looks great on the Zune/iPhone, looks 95% fine in VMC, and file size is very reasonable (~400MB/hour).