Zune

Zune is a small screen PMP from Microsoft.

Overview

The Zune features a 240x320 pixel screen. The larger devices have a 3.2" screen while the smaller devices have 1.8". It is a music player with video capability.

For eBook use the book would have to be converted to a set of images using a program like: Zune ebook creator. It can also be used for audio books. Zune is compatible with Audible and Overdrive audio books.

Format support

Audio Support

Windows Media® Audio Standard (with or without DRM) (WMA) (.wma): Up to 320 Kbps; constant bit rate (CBR) and variable bit rate (VBR) up to 48-kHz sample rate. WMA Pro 2-channel up to 384 Kbps; CBR and VBR up to 48-kHz

WMA Lossless

Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) (.mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov) - .m4a and .m4b files without FairPlay DRM up to 320 Kbps; CBR and VBR up to 48-kHz

MP3 (.mp3) – Up to 320 Kbps; CBR and VBR up to 48-kHz

Picture Support

JPEG – (.jpg)

Video Support

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

DVR-MS – Zune software will transcode at time of sync

Zune HD

Microsoft has announced the Zune HD media player. It is powered by Nvidia's Tegra computing platform.

Microsoft hasn't disclosed detailed specifications for the Zune HD. In a statement last month, the company said it will have Wi-Fi for Internet access, an OLED screen with resolution of 480 pixels by 272 pixels, support for HD radio and the ability to play high-definition video files. The Zune HD will also be integrated with Xbox Live and will have access to the Xbox Live Video Marketplace, where users can download television shows and movies.