Zune HD scheduled for Sept 15 release (US)

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vrtual

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# 39382 13-Aug-2009 13:00

In case you've missed the growing media storm (in the US at least) on this cool new gadget you can catch up with it here:

http://gizmodo.com/tag/zune-hd/
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/zune-hd-video-hands-on-chock-full-of-media-edition/

and a long video interview with Brian Seitz from the development team:
http://cnettv.cnet.com/9776-12519_53-0.html?tag=contentBottom;cat12519
(episode 156 if that's not a permalink)

and from the rather OTT fan-boy site: http://www.zunited.net/news/index.php/zune-hd

Important features:

16Gb and 32Gb models

720p HDMI playback via dock

OLED screen

One of the first devices powered by nVidia's Tegra processor

Leaked price of 32Gb model suggests US$280

It's not an iPod

It'll probably be a US only release. But there were rumours of Zune going international by end of this year. You'll notice the XBox video marketplace will soon be branded with "Zune" and allow downloads to NZ.

Zune HD

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# 246017 13-Aug-2009 13:50

It's going to be launched in Europe at the same time as well I think. There are 50/50 rumors.

Do whatever you want to do man.

wakarua

16 posts

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# 246174 13-Aug-2009 17:48

My last zune was stolen so I need a new one. I'm really looking forward to this release, and its partnership with the xbox 360.

but when oh when will it be released in New Zealand... and why did they drop the whole cellular phone idea with the zune hd? that wouldve been spectacular

billgates

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# 246233 13-Aug-2009 19:38

Microsoft still has not made it clear that which video and audio formats does the Zune HD supports. hurry up with that info already!

Do whatever you want to do man.

old3eyes

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# 246236 13-Aug-2009 19:41

wakarua: My last zune was stolen so I need a new one. I'm really looking forward to this release, and its partnership with the xbox 360.

but when oh when will it be released in New Zealand... and why did they drop the whole cellular phone idea with the zune hd? that wouldve been spectacular

CES 2010 ??

Regards,

Old3eyes

wakarua

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# 246245 13-Aug-2009 19:59

I emailed zunerama asking about a release date in NZ... they were unsure as well,

but 2010 would be sweet. Just have to wait and see I suppose

wakarua

16 posts

Geek

# 246251 13-Aug-2009 20:05

This is what they posted on Gizmodo. PRE ORDER IS NOW AVAILBABLE

REDMOND, Wash. ? Aug. 13, 2009 ? Zune HD, the next generation of Microsoft Corp.'s portable digital media player, is available now for pre-order and is set to hit store shelves on Sept. 15. The player, available in 16GB and 32GB capacities, is the first touch-screen Zune and includes powerful playback technology to give you a different way to experience media on the go. Combined with unparalleled PC software and online services such as Zune Pass, Zune provides a rich and meaningful connection to music, videos, podcasts and more.

Pre-order Zune HD in 16GB Black and 32GB Platinum through http://www.zune.net/zunehd from Amazon.com, Best Buy,Walmart and Microsoft. Beginning September 15, at http://www.ZuneOriginals.net, both 16GB and 32GB capacities of Zune HD will be available in five different colors with the option to customize your player with one of 10 new engravings designed by guest artists.

WHAT: With a sleek and stylish design, Zune HD is the first to combine these features:

? Built-in HD Radio? receiver. Allows you to listen to higher-quality sound than is available from traditional radio channels, as well as access additional programming through HD2 and HD3 multicast channels from many of your favorite local FM radio stations at no extra cost.

? HD video output capabilities. Supports HD video playback from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station (sold separately) directly to an HD TV in 720p, making it easy to enjoy better-than-DVD-quality video on your own big screen at home.

? OLED touch screen. Allows you to easily flip through music, movies and other content. The 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480x272 resolution) offer a premium viewing experience.

? Built-in Wi-Fi. Allows for browsing, streaming or downloading new music from Zune Marketplace.

? Internet browser. Full-screen Web browsing, optimized for the multi-touch screen with zoom-in and zoom-out gestures.

? Accessories, at home and on the road. Zune HD and AV Dock charges and syncs players while playing supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Play HD Radio, music and podcasts from your Zune HD device through your car stereo using the Zune Premium Car Pack.

WHY: Pre-order now to be one of the first to experience the new Zune HD's advanced design,innovative technology and rich multimedia capabilities powered by the NVIDIA Tegra? chip ultra low-power HD processor.

PRICING: Zune HD 16GB: $219.99 (estimated retail price); Zune HD 32GB: $289.99 (estimated retail price)

WHEN: Pre-order starting Thursday, Aug. 13. Purchase in stores on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

WHERE ONLINE: http://www.zune.net/zunehd

WHERE IN STORE: Place a pre-order in person at Best Buy beginning August 16. If you want to sneak a peek, visit select stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C., areas on August 22 and 23.

garvani

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# 246335 13-Aug-2009 22:55

Just watched a few videos on youtube.. looks really impressive! and extremely responsive.. Cant wait to find out more info about it, and hopefully a NZ launch, although being the only person i know with one would be kinda cool too ;)

wakarua

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# 246348 13-Aug-2009 23:32

haha yea.
I would pre - order the new zune hd right now, but I wouldn't be able to access the marketplace and whatnot on it which I reckon, is one of the best features of the zune

NZtechfreak

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# 246349 13-Aug-2009 23:35

Very cool looking interface, no doubt.

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

wakarua

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# 246436 14-Aug-2009 09:36

BILLGATES!

here you go:

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 video3? 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. DVR-MS4 ? Zune software will transcode at time of sync.

garvani

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# 246441 14-Aug-2009 09:44

It looks like it transcodes basically everything under the sun to its native file format, which isnt wmv or a mp4 derivative by the looks of things.. hmmm.. (that or i read it wrong*)

*Quite possible

vrtual

28 posts

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# 246466 14-Aug-2009 10:23

The existing software (which you can download for free by the way and I rate highly) only transcodes specific file formats. Mainly those from other MS products. But Nero Recode produces compatible mp4s from divx files for instance. (At least for existing products).

New Windows Home Server power-pack provides auto transcoding of windows media centre recordings to Zune formats though, which is a nice touch.

The coolest thing about the Zune is the ZunePass, which isn't (technically*) available here. Unlimited downloads to all music in the MS catalogue for US$15 per month including 10 free tracks you can keep. Subscription is tied to 3 PCs and 3 devices and plays through XBox360. Can't see this happening in NZ soon given how hard it seems to negotiate licenses for these things and the size of our market.

Looks like they're still not shipping outside of US, despite Amazon sending me an email this morning to my NZ region account telling me to pre-order. Am talking to friends in the US to forward one for me.

And a new advert from MS released today:

http://www.zune.net/en-us/mp3players/zunehd/default.htm?campaignID=preorder081309

* Suffice to say "where there's a will there's a way".

billgates

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# 255066 11-Sep-2009 17:24

Sweet. Just Pre-Ordered via best buy store. Mate will ship it to me in NZ.

US$240 including state taxes. Costed me NZ$350 all up. Pretty good conversion rate I'd say.

Do whatever you want to do man.

wakarua

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# 255073 11-Sep-2009 18:45

Wonder If I should wait 1000 years, when the Zune officially arrives in NZ, or did what the above person did.
or maybe I should just get a job, and earn some money first. haha

billgates

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# 255928 15-Sep-2009 18:19

Damn. Backordered. People who pre-ordered in August are feeling the wrath as well. Back ordered for them. This is HUGE.

Zunerama is doing a live feed of unboxing and review of new Zune 4.0 software @ 7pm NZ Time.

and FREE Apps on the Zune Marketplace and MS will adding in more later. Will support 3rd party APPS.

wohoo

Do whatever you want to do man.

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