WMA playback on Zune..

nikhilwason · 08-03-2008, 03:45 PM

Hi

I am planning on buying the zune, but need a little technical help before I finalize my decision.

I have read many reviews of the different versions of Zune and found one common statement in all reviews: "Zune does not have any backward compatibility for WMA-DRM9".

Considering the fact that even today, I download only WMA-DRM9 tracks from my rhapsody account, what exactly does the term "backward compatibility" mean in the above statement? Will my WMA-DRM9 files not play on the zune?

Also, if the zune really cannot play WMA-DRM9 files, then can it play unprotected WMA9.x files? And is it true that WMA files would play better on a zune as compared to other devices? I have definitely noticed a difference when playing WMA files on Windows Media Player and other players on my computer. Does that apply to portable music players too?

Any help shall be appreciated.

Thanks

--
Nikhil Wason

Gregory · 08-03-2008, 04:55 PM

The Zune will not play anything PlaysForSure. It only plays unprotected music and Zune Marketplace DRM'd music.

If you want to play other music, run it through Tunebite. Cnet visitors rated the Zune better sound quality over the iPod.

08-03-2008, 03:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
nikhilwason Zewbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1 Reputation: 10	WMA playback on Zune.. Hi I am planning on buying the zune, but need a little technical help before I finalize my decision. I have read many reviews of the different versions of Zune and found one common statement in all reviews: "Zune does not have any backward compatibility for WMA-DRM9". Considering the fact that even today, I download only WMA-DRM9 tracks from my rhapsody account, what exactly does the term "backward compatibility" mean in the above statement? Will my WMA-DRM9 files not play on the zune? Also, if the zune really cannot play WMA-DRM9 files, then can it play unprotected WMA9.x files? And is it true that WMA files would play better on a zune as compared to other devices? I have definitely noticed a difference when playing WMA files on Windows Media Player and other players on my computer. Does that apply to portable music players too? Any help shall be appreciated. Thanks -- Nikhil Wason

08-03-2008, 04:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
Gregory Support Team Moderator Ultimate Zuner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: What a stalker! Posts: 6,441 Reputation: 265	The Zune will not play anything PlaysForSure. It only plays unprotected music and Zune Marketplace DRM'd music. If you want to play other music, run it through Tunebite. Cnet visitors rated the Zune better sound quality over the iPod. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Do you live outside of the US, have Paypal, and want the Zune Pass? If so PM or visit my To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. .

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