Zune HD Sync Dock Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a dock. It's not a Zune HD. No myths to be debunked. Plug your Zune HD into the top. Plug the USB into a live USB port. Many TVs, Satellite receivers and cable boxes now have them. Anything but a PC and the dock will usefully keep your Zune HD charged. If the port is on your PC it'll charge your Zune HD and let you update it's content using the Zune software client. Included were cover plates for both older Zunes as well. Add an HDMI cable between this dock and your HDTV to watch 720p video content over that cable from the Zune HD. This is exactly the same dock as is included in the Zune HD A/V dock pack. You simply have to provide your own charging source (USB or AC adapter) and A/V cable to use it for more than simple charging/syncing. Even in your living room, the Zune's WiFi will let it sync with your PC, so this dock in a living room is a perfect place to keep your Zune up to date and entertaining you. There is also a digital SPDIF connection for your 5.1 A/V receiver should you want to simply enjoy music off your Zune through your home audio system. Remote control included. the Zune HD's TV interface is a joy to use compared with the TV interface from older Zunes.

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Connect to your PC and sync your collection while you charge your Zune in style. Control from a distance with the included wireless remote.


Wireless Remote Control The wireless remote gives you full access to your Zune player from anywhere in the room.

HDMI, Audio and Video Component Outputs You can purchase the Zune HD AV Power Pack to connect your dock to your home entertainment system to view high and standard definition video on your TV and listen to your music collection through your audio system. (Zune HD player and Zune HD AV dock required for high-definition video; both sold separately)

What's in the Box Dock, three inserts (one for each Zune model), and wireless remote.

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Zune HD 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Between me and my husband we've owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I've settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.
I'll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It's very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
Points of comparison:
- Brighter OLED screen with more vivid color and better contrast
OLED screens can wash out in direct sunlight more than others, but in almost any other situation they are clearly preferable, and have a marvelous eye-catching picture that needs to be seen to be appreciated. The screen has slighly lower resolution than the iPod Touch, but is also slightly smaller, so in the end video looks a little less pixellated when viewed closely, and very vivid.
- HD Radio
If you live within the reception area of some HD radio stations this can be a surprisingly nice feature. For me it's not so much the slightly better sound quality as it is the additional streams of content that make this fun. For example, if you tune into an FM station, then it's playing what you here, and if you don't like it too bad. With an HD station, you may tune in and it will be shown with up to three signals to chose from labeled HD1, HD2, and HD3. HD1 may have whatever is playing on the FM version, HD2 may be news, and HD3 might be some alternative music w/ a different theme. For example one of our oldies station in the Boston area broadcasts a love-song themed selection on HD3. One caveat: if you don't have a strong enough signal, these HD versions can cut in and out, making them frustrating to listen to. But, when the signal is strong enough it's very enjoyable.
- 720p video output via (an over-priced) dock. When transferring video content to the Zune you can specify if it should be sized appropriately for playback on the Zune or TV, so if you do plan to just watch on your Zune you won't have the video taking up huge amounts of storage.
- Zune Pass subscription service
This is my favorite feature that will keep me using a Zune until it's pried from my my desperate grasp. For $15 a month I get 10 DRM-free MP3 songs to keep, and unlimited access to millions of songs. As long as you would have bought at least 10 songs anyways that means you're paying only $5 for that access. It's better than Pandora, Slacker, LastFM or other services because you can listen to full CDs, specify playlists and tracks in the exact order you want, AND can either stream this music or store it on your Zune to listen to later, even if out of wifi range. Lots of people present subscription services as something you do INSTEAD of owning music, but at this cheap a price there's no reason you can't use this as a supplement to whatever purchases you make. It's not either/or, it's a wonderful "AND", especially if you're the type who likes to explore and enjoy a broad range of music.
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.
- Wireless sync
In addition to wireless net access, you can sync your Zune to your PC wirelessly, which can be quite convenient on occasion. The new Zune HD seems to have better wireless reception than my prior Zunes.
- Smart DJ
Rhapsody first popularized a playlist construction service with its 'Channels' feature, and Apple followed with its 'Genius' feature. The idea is that you specify a song or artist, and the service will construct a playlist of similar music of both familiar and new artists for you to enjoy. The prior Zunes had a 'Channel' feature too, but I found it lacking in sophistication and accuracy. The 4.0 Zune Marketplace upgrade (the Zune equivalent of iTunes) now has a 'Smart DJ' feature that is a much improved version of the old Channels. I actually find it very useful now, and what's even better is that if you have Zune Pass you can specify whether it should pull music exclusive from your collection, from the Zune Pass selection, or from a combination of both. It's wonderfully flexible and lots of fun.
- Web Browsing
The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod's. It works well, but isn't as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that's not an issue, but if you're planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod's larger screen and better browser may be important.
- App Store
Hands down, Apple's app store wins by a mile. It's a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I'm not sure I'd want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.
- Zune Marketplace and iTunes
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
- UI
The HD's UI was a bold move that paid off. It may look cluttered and overly busy in screenshots, but to see it in action is to appreciate the design. It isn't always obvious, and the provided documentation is sparse, but a little experimentation will show you a UI with lots of flexibility, like a menu of favorites, newly added music, and a user-definable set of shortcuts to your favorite playlists, artists, HD Radio stations, etc. One quibble: it takes one too many clicks and touches to bring up the now playing screen after the display has 'gone to sleep' while you're listening to it. Other than that, the UI is delightful.
- Summary
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it'll do even better in those areas, but for now it's a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod's strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.
If you're still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you'll know which is right for you.
- Current Zune Owners
(See, I didn't forget you!) I think owners of any of the older flash players will be delighted at the upgrade, as long as money isn't an issue. Don't hesitate. Those who value the higher capacity of the 80gb or a 120gb will have a tougher choice. If you can't afford both, then you'll have to weigh the ability to be able to have all (or at least most) of your music stored on the device vs the HD radio, better display, and sleeker than a seal UI. As I said before, this new Zune is surprisingly small and light, and you should find one to get a feel for in person too, because then you can really evaluate how compelling those new features are to you. Oh, and don't forget it has an Equalizer if that matters!
Keep in mind: Microsoft has made it clear that the HD line is the future. They were great about giving new features to the older models in the past, but we're seeing a clear signal with the 4.0 Marketplace. Most of the cool new stuff is only going to the new kid on the block, and I think that will continue to be the case. They won't cut you out entirely, but if they're going to concentrate on making the HD succeed, then I suspect that is where most if not all of their future focus and effort will go.
Sorry for the huge review, but I'm really loving the new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews some other people have written, will help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zune HD 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

Zune is the premium digital experience that gives you access to the latest in entertainment and technology, allowing you to enjoy, connect, and discover content in a whole new way--the way you like it. Browse, stream, buy, and play all you want, including music, HD video, podcasts, games, and much more. Gain the freedom to enjoy your entertainment. Zune brings your content up front, so you're always in control.




Instant Entertainment that You Control
HD Radio Technology: More Stations, better sound, no fees
HD-compatible Video: High-quality video on the go or on your HDTV
Internet Browsing: News, email, traffic? It's all in your pocket.
OLED Touchscreen: Wide view with a special touch
Games: More games, more fun



Zune HD
Portable perfection The new Zune HD wireless media player takes you closer and connects you to a whole new world of entertainment. With a built-in HD Radio receiver, HD-compatible video, multi-touch navigation, OLED screen, and games, Zune HD delivers the next level in music and video experiences.

Zune HD 16 GB: holds up to 5 hours of high-definition video; 24 hours of standard definition video; 4,000 songs; or 25,000 pictures. Available in black.

HD Radio Technology

The new Zune HD gives you access to many local HD Radio stations with crystal-clear digital sound at no extra cost. Receive additional channels from your local stations and get more of the content you love, including sports, news, and music, in various genres and formats.
Like something you hear on HD Radio? Song tagging technology allows you to buy the song if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network or to tag it for later purchase.
Click here for more information about HD Radio.

HD-compatible Video

Watch HD movies, TV shows, and more on your HDTV directly from your Zune HD. Just connect via the Zune HD & AV Dock to your HDTV (both sold separately) to watch 720p HD video. The Zune HD also will play your videos on the go in its sharp, brilliant OLED screen. Videos on the player are downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272--not HD resolution.

Quickplay

Get instant access to your stuff with shortcuts to favorites, recently downloaded or played music, videos, and more. Quickplay cuts through the clutter and brings up front the content that you care about most.

Games

Loaded with multi-touch and accelerometer, the Zune HD player makes portable gaming even more exciting. Download from Zune's catalog of free games and popular titles--play them all to the sound of your favorite music.

OLED Touchscreen

Get instant access to your content with multi-touch navigation. With a 3.3-inch size and vivid 16:9 display (480 x 272 resolution), truer and brighter entertainment is at your fingertips.

Wireless

Zune HD allows you to buy, stream, and update your music--and download free games--wirelessly via a Wi-Fi connection. Feeling entangled? Wirelessly sync your Zune HD to your home PC via your home network. You also can stream millions of songs over Wi-Fi directly to your Zune HD and turn it into a portable digital jukebox.

Internet Browsing

Surf the web anytime, anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection. Enjoy your favorite websites with a well-featured web browser, including tap-to-zoom technology, built-in accelerometer, and touchscreen QWERTY keyboard.

Zune Marketplace

Download free Zune software to access Zune Marketplace from your PC. Download or stream new music, rent the latest movies, buy TV shows, and watch free trailers and previews--plus thousands of audio and video podcasts. You also can download from our catalog of free games including classic and other popular titles.

Expand Your Entertainment with Xbox 360

Zune features movies, TV shows, and more in both high and standard definition. Browse and watch from thousands of titles for rent, or purchase available instantly through Microsoft's Smooth Streaming technology. Buy videos once and watch on multiple screens: on your Xbox 360, Zune player, and PC. See www.xbox.com/live for system requirements. The convenience of on-demand, only on Xbox 360.



Accessories (Sold Separately)
Zune HD AV Dock This all-in-one package enables Zune HD players to charge, sync, and play supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Send music to your home audio systems and control it all via a wireless remote.

Zune Premium Car Pack Charge and play music, podcasts, and HD Radio stations from your Zune HD while you drive. The FM transmitter/car charger auto-seeks the best available frequency on your car stereo. A USB port located on the transmitter/car charger allows you to charge a second Zune player simultaneously.

Zune Sync Cable Charge your Zune player and sync with your collection on your PC.

Zune Charge Pack The Zune AC Adapter fast-charges your Zune player up to 70% within an hour. Folding blades make it easy to travel with. Use the included USB cable to sync with a PC.

Zune Power Pack Connect your AV cable to your docked Zune HD to play music, HD Radio broadcasts, and audio podcasts through your home audio system. The HDMI cable connects your docked Zune HD to HDTVs to view movies and videos. Also includes Zune AC Adapter; Zune HD player and Zune HD AV Dock sold separately.

Zune Sync Dock Connect to your PC and sync your collection while you charge your Zune in style. Control from a distance with the included wireless remote, which gives you full access to your Zune player from anywhere in the room.

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iHome ZN90 Dual Clock Radio and Speaker Systems for Zune and Zune HD (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After using this alarm for two weeks I really like it.
Pros: It has two alarms that can be set for either 5 days a week or 7 days and be set for Zune, radio or beep.
-The speakers sound really good for a smallish clock. Not enough power for a party but plenty loud enough for a bedroom.
-Good base/treble/3d effect controls.
- Large easy to read display that had lots of brightness settings from Nightlite bright down to basicaly off.
- Easy to hit snooz button that you can adjust the length of snooze.
- It comes with adapters for all of the Zune models ( I am using it with a HD) The Zune fits snugly and makes a good connection all of the time.
-The Sleep function slowly lowers the volume as shutdown aproaches.
Cons: No remote control.
-The Zune HD has locked up twice after inserting into the base

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The ZN90 is an innovative clock radio for Zune and Zune HD that allows you to wake to your Zune at different times on different days with our 7-5-2 feature. The ZN90 also includes AM/FM presets, EQ controls and 3D sound and Reson8 sound technology, for an exceptional audio experience.

Wake up on the Right Side of Bed The ZN90 lets you wake or sleep to Zune, Zune HD, or AM/FM radio, so you can start or end your day just the way you want it to sound. While it's docked, your Zune device will receive a charge, so it's ready to go when you are.

Alarm Features Set two independent alarms, one for you and one for your companion, with any combination of iPhone, iPod, AM/FM radio or buzzer. "7-5-2" alarm settings allow you to schecule alarms for the full week, the work week, or the weekend with separate wake times.

The ZN90 gently increases alarm volumes to make things a little less painful, and a programmable snooze time lets you sleep in a little or a lot with snooze time between 1 and 29 minutes, so there's less groaning and reaching for the alarm clock.

Sleep Function The ZN90's sleep function also does things gently, lowering the volume after the selected time of 120, 90, 60, 30 or 15 minutes. It also features an independent volume from the alarm, so you can keep things quiet without worrying about waking up on time.

Quality Audio The ZN90 sounds great, thanks to iHome's specially designed Reson8 speaker chambers and specially designed drivers. Reson8 is iHome's through-body ported speaker chamber technology. Porting speakers gives better bass response characteristics, and helps the ZN90 deliver sound beyond its size.

For further sound adjustment, bass/treble EQ controls are included, along with balance, and a 3D sound setting for a wider sound stage.

AM/FM Radio Listen to your favorite radio programming or catch up on the news and traffic, with 6 AM / 6 FM preset stations.

Auxiliary Input The ZN90 features a standard 3.5mm "mini" jack, so you can connect MP3 players, CD players, iPods, or most any other audio device.

What's in the Box iHome ZN90, AC Adapter, User Manual

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Zune HD 64 GB Video MP3 Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well, I've own my Zune HD for a year now and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!!
ITS A GREAT AND CHEAP ALTERNATIVE FROM THE IPOD PROS
Great Video, Audio Quality
Great user-friendly design
Attractive exterior design
Smaller than past Zune Generations
CHEAPER THAN iPod Touch and comes in 2ND when compared to iPod Touch
Zune Marketplace is a MILLION TIMES easier to use than iTunes Software
Zune Unlimited Monthly Music Pass (1 month of Unlimited Downloads) 14.99 a month - If you get this I advise to renew your Zune Pass every 2 months because once your Zune Pass Expires the first 30/31 days, it allows you a additional 30/31 days to listen to your "rented" music.
YOU CAN LISTEN TO AUDIO BOOKS ON IT
FM RADIOCONS
If your into apps, then you will be disappointed because Zune HD had less than 30 apps in its market and it DOES NOT allow 3rd Party app developers as of YET
Zune Marketplace itself still lacks tons of music that iTunes has (but YOU CAN BUY MUSIC FROM ITUNES AND PUT ON YOUR ZUNE IF NEEDED).
Zune Marketplace takes its time to update when new songs/movies, tv shows, music videos arrive
You can NOT play videos from iTunes or other sources without removing the DRM
Lacks new features that the new ipod has such as the camera

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zune HD 64 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

Zune is the premium digital experience that gives you access to the latest in entertainment and technology, allowing you to enjoy, connect, and discover content in a whole new way--the way you like it. Browse, stream, buy, and play all you want, including music, HD video, podcasts, games, and much more. Gain the freedom to enjoy your entertainment. Zune brings your content up front, so you're always in control.




Instant Entertainment that You Control
HD Radio Technology: More Stations, better sound, no fees
HD-compatible Video: High-quality video on the go or on your HDTV
Internet Browsing: News, email, traffic? It's all in your pocket.
OLED Touchscreen: Wide view with a special touch
Games: More games, more fun



Zune HD
Portable perfection The new Zune HD wireless media player takes you closer and connects you to a whole new world of entertainment. With a built-in HD Radio receiver, HD-compatible video,1 multi-touch navigation, OLED screen, and games, Zune HD delivers the next level in music and video experiences.

Zune HD 64 GB: holds up to 20 hours of high-definition video; 96 hours of standard definition video; 16,000 songs; or 25,000 pictures.2 Available in black.

4.5 Firmware Release

Your Zune HD can now create custom Smart DJ playlists based on your favorite music. Just choose one artist or song in our collection, and Smart DJ will generate a pool of songs from other artists or albums alike. With Smart DJ, you'll discoverold favorites you might have forgotton about, or if you're a new Zune Pass subscriber, you can connect via Wi-Fi and stream new songs from Zune Marketplace.5
Plus, when you connect your Zune HD to your TV, you'll now be able to navigate the Zune Marketplace remotely and buy or stream3 songs and play directly into your big screen. (Zune HD AV Dock required; sold separately.)

Massive Capacity

The 64 GB Zune HD player can hold your HD movies and TV shows and still leave enough space for an immense music collection to carry in your pocket. Take with you a full season of your favorite TV show and plug into your HDTV.1 Or listen to its integrated HD Radio tuner and tag songs for later purchase. With this much space, you always have room for more!

HD Radio Technology

The new Zune HD gives you access to many local HD Radio stations with crystal-clear digital sound at no extra cost. Receive additional channels from your local stations and get more of the content you love, including sports, news, and music, in various genres and formats.
Like something you hear on HD Radio? Song tagging technology allows you to buy the song if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network or to tag it for later purchase.
Click here for more information about HD Radio.

HD-Compatible Video

Watch HD movies, TV shows, and more on your HDTV directly from your Zune HD. Just connect via the Zune HD & AV Dock to your HDTV (both sold separately)1 to watch 720p HD video. The Zune HD also will play your videos on the go in its sharp, brilliant OLED screen. Videos on the player are downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272--not HD resolution.

Quickplay

Get instant access to your stuff with shortcuts to favorites, recently downloaded or played music, videos, and more. Quickplay cuts through the clutter and brings up front the content that you care about most.

Smart DJ

Smart DJ creates custom playlists based on your favorite music. Simply choose an artist or track, and Smart DJ will generate a pool of songs from your own collection or--when connected to a Wi-Fi network--from Zune Marketplace.

Games

Loaded with multi-touch and accelerometer, the Zune HD player makes portable gaming even more exciting--and you can play them to the sound of your favorite music. Download from Zune's catalog of free games, including 3D, classic, and other popular titles like PGR: Ferrari Edition and Autiosurf Tilt.

OLED Touchscreen

Get instant access to your content with multi-touch navigation. With a 3.3-inch size and vivid 16:9 display (480 x 272 resolution), truer and brighter entertainment is at your fingertips.

Wireless

Zune HD allows you to buy, stream, and update your music--and download free games--wirelessly via a Wi-Fi connection. Feeling entangled? Wirelessly sync your Zune HD to your home PC via your home network. You also can stream millions of songs over Wi-Fi directly to your Zune HD and turn it into a portable digital jukebox.3

Internet Browsing

Surf the web anytime, anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection. Enjoy your favorite websites with a well-featured web browser, including tap-to-zoom technology, built-in accelerometer, and touchscreen QWERTY keyboard.

Zune Marketplace

Download free Zune software to access Zune Marketplace from your PC. Download or stream new music, rent the latest movies, buy TV shows, and watch free trailers and previews--plus thousands of audio and video podcasts. You also can download from our catalog of free games including classic and other popular titles.

Zune Marketplace enables powerful music discovery:

Create custom playlists based on the artist, album, or song you choose with Smart DJ. You'll rediscover old favorites in your collection, and if you're a Zune Pass subscriber, you'll find new ones from Zune Marketplace.5
Pick an artist or band, or a song you like, then launch Mixview to find related artists and albums--even like-minded listeners in the Zune community.
Zune Channels are custom programmed playlists that deliver music from a variety of expert sources. As a Zune Pass subscriber, Channels automatically updates whenever you're connected to the Internet.5

Rent or purchase from a great selection of video in both high and standard definition. Watch on demand right on your PC, or take them to go on your Zune HD player.

And starting now, the moviews and TV shows that you buy from Zune, you can watch on all of your screens--your monitor, TV, or Zune player.6 Your purchase history goes with you, so you can download to you Xbox 360, PC, or Zune HD and enjoy everywhere you want at no extra cost.

Zune Pass

Enjoy unlimited music for one low monthly fee. a $14.99 monthly Zune Pass gives you unlimited access to millions of songs in Zune Marketplace. Download or stream your favorites and experiment with as much new music as you like. Listen whenever you want on up to three PCs and three Zune players while you keep your Zune Pass active. In addition, each month you'll receive 10 free song credits to redeem for MP3s that are yours to keep forever.5

Expand Your Entertainment with Xbox 360

Zune features movies, TV shows, and more in both high and standard definition. Browse and watch from thousands of titles for rent, or purchase available instantly through Microsoft's Smooth Streaming technology. Buy videos once and watch on multiple screens: on your Xbox 360, Zune player, and PC. See www.xbox.com/live for system requirements. The convenience of on-demand, only on Xbox 360.



Accessories (Sold Separately)
Zune HD AV Dock This all-in-one package enables Zune HD players to charge, sync, and play supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Send music to your home audio systems and control it all via a wireless remote.

Zune Premium Car Pack Charge and play music, podcasts, and HD Radio stations from your Zune HD while you drive. The FM transmitter/car charger auto-seeks the best available frequency on your car stereo. A USB port located on the transmitter/car charger allows you to charge a second Zune player simultaneously.

Zune Sync Cable Charge your Zune player and sync with your collection on your PC.

Zune Charge Pack The Zune AC Adapter fast-charges your Zune player up to 70% within an hour. Folding blades make it easy to travel with. Use the included USB cable to sync with a PC.

Zune Power Pack Connect your AV cable to your docked Zune HD to play music, HD Radio broadcasts, and audio podcasts through your home audio system. The HDMI cable connects your docked Zune HD to HDTVs to view movies and videos. Also includes Zune AC Adapter; Zune HD player and Zune HD AV Dock sold separately.

Zune Sync Dock Connect to your PC and sync your collection while you charge your Zune in style. Control from a distance with the included wireless remote, which gives you full access to your Zune player from anywhere in the room.

1. Zune HD player screen shows supported 720p HD videos at 480x272 – not HD. HDTV and Zune HD AV Dock (both sold separately) are required to view video at 720p HD resolution.
2. Music estimates based on 128 Kbps WMA files with length of 4 minutes each. Pictures transferred to Zune will be optimized for Zune screen size; video estimates based on 500 Kbps WMV files with 128 Kbps WMA audio tracks.
3. Wireless sync feature requires access to a home wireless network. Full song streaming feature requires a Zune Pass subscription.
4. Zune player sold separately. An HDTV (sold separately) required to view video at 720p HD resolution. See zune.net.
5. Zune Pass is a monthly music subscription service; some Marketplace songs are not available via Zune Pass. Available content may vary over time.
6. Content available for download on multiple devices may vary over time. Availability of content and video resolution will vary by device.

Get 29% OFF

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Zune HD AV Dock Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)So obviously I bought a Zune HD a short time ago, and like you I heard that you could attached the Zune HD to a HD TV and watch 720p output from the Zune HD to the HDTV. I will state up front that I was not only skeptical, I flat out expected this not to be able to keep up without skipping. I am happy to report that this whole system actually works and works perfectly.
Couple things threw me.
This needs a power source. You either power it from the USB power of a PC, or you use the USB to AC adapter which is included. You can't just throw the Zune HD in the doc with nothing for a power source.
If you use it with your PC's USB port for power, it duos as a sync dock. That means, Marketplace will auto start and want to sync with your Zune. And it's up to you to quit that software so that the Zune HD will display it's menu on your LCD or Plasma TV. It help s to read the manual, but who's kidding who here. Manuals? I thought those were just extra box padding, right?
I actually believe it's best to place this right next to your TV and use AC power. Leave the remote right next to the dock by your TV. Then all you ever have to do is place it in the dock when you want to use it with your TV. I'd rather keep using the sync cable that came with the Zune HD as the sync method, and leave this exclusively for the TV.
So enough of that hardware and on to the good stuff.
You won't get all of the menu items on your Zune HD on your LCD TV with this. I was actually hoping you would. I was hoping you'd get to browse the internet on it or something. Wouldn't that be cool. Here is what you do get:
- Music
- Videos
- Pictures
- Radio
- Podcasts
I truly wanted this to watch video podcasts and movies on my 32" LCD TV. Many podcasts will not look too good, but at least I can watch Jim Cramer's Mad Money on CNBC on my TV via the podcast. That's pretty great in my opinion. So on to the movies:
I bought an HD movie on Zune Marketplace called "Battle for Terra". If you do look for this title, cause it's great for kids, you mostly see TERRA in the title. "Battle for" is written smaller. So just look for something like TERRA in big letters. The movie is very good and worth watching. So how did it look?
I am in utter awe of this now. You will be too. Right at the start when the intro starts, you see how crisp and clean the video is on your wide screen HD TV. And just that quickly you see where your money went, and oh boy is it worth it. WOW! I still cannot believe this little tiny Zune HD drove my 32" HD TV without any compromise. It's perfect, five stars wow. You get a remote too, so sit back and enjoy the movie. In fact, I like this so much, I am now trying to figure out who to write a letter to so as to convince them to make a much smaller portable version of this dock for travel. They should make an app for PowerPoint viewing as well. I'd love to have a single small cable that just went from Zune to HDMI so I could walk into a hotel and plug this right into their TV and watch MY Movies, not what the hotel offers. This is the world's smallest video library as far as I can tell.
The Zune HD's Tegra video chip works! It really works. I have small laptops that can't produce video output this well. We are entering into a new age. I can see so much more opportunity for technology like this. But to keep this review on point, I'll just state that the movie, which I watched from start to finish, was crisp, clear and perfect. No skips of any kind. It's in fact better than DVD or Blu-ray for one simple reason... You can't have any disc issues. You're playing the video off NAND memory. No moving parts! And that means stability. I'd rather have this than a DVD or Blu-ray player. Why not just buy or rent our movies and get them right over the internet. You know why that has always sounded like a bad idea? Because never before could you really take that movie with you somewhere. Not truly anyway. Portable means you can go to your friends house and watch the movie you rented there. And with this, you can do just that. Of course they have to have a dock too, or you have to take yours with you. Which is why I state that a portable cord would be the killer app for this. We're so close to making digital purchase and rental truly perfect. I know that's what I want. I want to rent or buy a movie, and I want to be able to watch it on my friend's TV or mine. For now, I am watching on mine and I can watch it on the device itself. Which is by the way so much better than an iPod Touch. Why? One huge reason...
OLED vs LED based LCD
All Zune HDs use OLED, not LCD. And the difference isn't rocket science. I'm sure your friends have an iPod Touch or iPhone. Watch the screen and tilt it in your hands. Because the light source is behind the screen you will notice that the picture gets horrible the more your angle changes. Okay, this is why many devices tell you what the viewing angle is.
OLED doesn't have a light source behind the panels. It's all just one technology. The results are far better image quality and from virtually any angle. See for yourself. The Zune HD's video performance is the best screen you likely own. I know it sounds like I'm a nut, but it's true. See for yourself. The Zune HD has a OLED screen and an nVidia Tegra video processor. This little Zune is state of the art for video. It will rival many laptops for video performance.
Anyway, the Zune AV blew me away. Watch Podcasts on your TV. I love that, though the picture quality of your average podcast is not great. But buy or rent movies on the Zune HD and you will be so very impressed.
Now, the AV dock comes with EVERYTHING you need. I know the first two reviewer said things like, buy the other dock, and buy your own HDMI cable. Neither of them actually state that the $50 dock as an HDMI or not. So I still don't know, but I am guessing that's what they mean. But before you do that, consider this.
In the AV dock for the Zune HD, you get the following:
The dock itself
A USB power adapter
HDMI cable
The regular RCA type cables in case you don't have an HDMI based TV
And a remote
The dock even has TOSLINK which is that fiber type connector.
In other words, you buy this kit and you're covered. Everything you need is here. The Doc has a built in cable that is USB on the other end and that goes into the PC for sync or attaches to a power block with AC prongs for AC power in any standard power strip. There is a built in FM HD antenna as well.
There is one thing I wish it had. I wish it had the Zune Marketplace right on the menu when you are docked into your HD TV. It would be even better if you could dock it, and then go to the marketplace and watch previews and then buy or rent right from your HD TV. Microsoft is perhaps one generation away from the next big leap forward. Perhaps the next generation Zune will finally put the nails in the coffins of DVD and Blu-ray. We're very close to having a system that just replaces both of those silly old technologies.
This thing is $89 but it's so worth it. Call me crazy, but I'm seriously considering buying another one of these docks and giving it my friend for his TV so I can plug my zune in over there when I visit. Maybe one for the HD TV in the office AV room as well. Microsoft should really create the next zune to easily attach to any TV with just a single cable.

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Turn your home entertainment system and Zune HD player into a full HD experience!

This all-in-one package enables your Zune HD to charge sync and play HD videos on your HDTV. Send music and HD Radio reception to your home audio system and control it all via a wireless remote. (Zune HD player sold separately.)
Display HD video and photos on your TV.
For 720p HD video, plug the included HDMI cable to your HDTV. Zune HD player required.
For 480i standard resolution, plug in the AV output cable to your TV. Zune HD, Zune 120, or Zune 80 players required.

Listen to your music collection or HD Radio stations. Connect to your home audio system using the provided cables. (Zune HD player required for HD Radio reception.)
Wireless remote control. The wireless remote allows you to control your Zune player from anywhere in the room.
Small and convenient AC adapter. This small AC adapter easily fits into crowded power strips.
Included: dock, three inserts (one for each Zune model), wireless remote, AC adapter, HDMI cable, and AV output cable.

Disclaimer: Zune players sold separately. Zune HD player and HDTV are required to view supported video files at 720p HD resolution and listen to HD Radio reception. HD Radio is not currently available in Canada. Click here for more information about HD Radio.

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