Zune 80 Video Support Question

hummer017 · 02-15-2008, 11:12 PM

I'm interested in upgrading to an 80 (have a 30 right now) but got some questions about video conversion.

With the 30, I convert all the videos I have to WMV 320x240 at 30fps before starting up the Zune software so it transfers over quickly during sync. Now, I hear the 80 will support 720x480 at 30fps. Does this mean that I will have to convert my videos to 720x480 in order to sync them to the Zune 80? What happens to my videos that are at 320x480? Can they still sync up? Most of the video clips I find on the internet have usually been larger than 320x480 and have thus been shrunk to fit those dimensions. What happens to the video clips that are larger than 320x240 but smaller than 720x480? And one last question. I have the v1 av dock and cable. In order to get the 480i TV Output on the Zune 80, do I need to buy the v2 av dock and cable? Thanks and sorry for the long post.

dirkismoney · 02-16-2008, 02:51 AM

No, even if you use 320x240 you should be fine. The higher resolution settings are mainly for if you want to use the TV out function, because you'll get better pictures on your TV's larger screen.

Sorry, but I don't know the answers to your other questions.

nathanlawliet · 02-16-2008, 03:20 PM

You can sync any size video to the Zune. The videos at 320x240 I THINK will either get stretched, or stay the same with black all around the video for the parts where the video isn't shown(since it doesn't take up the full screen).

If bigger than 320 but smaller than 720, it will still sync, but it might be like I said above with the stretching.

Last, I THINK you can use a regular cable for the Zune 1 or 2, but I'm not sure. The only thing I've heard is that original accessories will work with Zune 2 but might not fit appropriately, but since it's a cable I figure it'd work. Most likely, you can use the regular cable for the v1 on your 80.

Gow616 · 02-16-2008, 04:10 PM

Zune 80 also supports Mpeg-4 and h264 video along with Windows Media Video.

Video can be up to 3mbps in WMV with resolution of 720x480 @ 29.97 frames per second.

2.5 for Mpeg-4 and h264 with same resolution max and same framerate max.

jackluo923 · 02-16-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathanlawliet

You can sync any size video to the Zune. The videos at 320x240 I THINK will either get stretched, or stay the same with black all around the video for the parts where the video isn't shown(since it doesn't take up the full screen).

If bigger than 320 but smaller than 720, it will still sync, but it might be like I said above with the stretching.

Last, I THINK you can use a regular cable for the Zune 1 or 2, but I'm not sure. The only thing I've heard is that original accessories will work with Zune 2 but might not fit appropriately, but since it's a cable I figure it'd work. Most likely, you can use the regular cable for the v1 on your 80.

320x240 -> 720x480 , the video will be stretched unless you manually or automatically crop the video to 16:9. In the future when you convert a widescreen dvd/video to zune format, use 320x180 to avoid problems with upscaling to 720x480 and you'll also save storage space on the zune while having the same quality video.

Gregory · 02-16-2008, 06:10 PM

320*240 will NOT be stretched.

jackluo923 · 02-16-2008, 09:09 PM

320*240 will be streched if conveted to 720x480 unless the convert you use automatically crop the video to 320x180 then convert it to 720x480.

320x240 is 4:3 aspect ratio. 720x480 is 16:9.
They're not interchangable.

Some smart converter automatically crop the video while it's converting.
You can't see this process, but it doesn't mean the converter skipped this step.

hummer017 · 02-17-2008, 12:04 AM

To clarify my questions... For example, I have a video that is 480x360 wmv at 30fps. I know the Zune software will recognize the video, but what happens when I try to sync the video to the Zune? Will the video be able to transfer over to the Zune as is (480x360) or will it have to be converted to 320x240 (or some other dimension) before being transfered over to the Zune during sync?

jackluo923 · 02-17-2008, 11:01 AM

Have you tried syncing that video to your zune and try it out?

My guess is that it might convert the video to 640x480 or 320x240 because it'll use less processing power (more battery life) and will look better on your zune than 480x360. It might be wrong though.

hummer017 · 02-17-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackluo923

Have you tried syncing that video to your zune and try it out?

My guess is that it might convert the video to 640x480 or 320x240 because it'll use less processing power (more battery life) and will look better on your zune than 480x360. It might be wrong though.

I can't do this because I don't own a Zune 80. I have a Zune 30, which converts everything to 320x240 before transferring to the Zune. This process is time consuming, so I was wondering if the Zune 80 can help me bypass this (since the player itself can support up to 720x480). So I'm wondering what will happen to a video sized in between the range of 320x240 and 640x480 (such as 480x360), when you sync it up to the Zune 80. Thanks.

carnealse · 02-17-2008, 01:31 PM

It will automatically convert any off sized video, however, 640X480 will not convert during sync. At least none of the MP4s that I have done ever have.
So if you're putting 320x240 or 640x480 , the size will not be an issue. As far as I know, anything between those two, expect the zune software to make some changes.

jackluo923 · 02-17-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnealse

It will automatically convert any off sized video, however, 640X480 will not converted during sync. At least none of the MP4s that I have done ever have.
So if you're putting 320x240 or 640x480 , the size will not be an issue. As far as I know, anything between those two, expect the zune software to make some changes.

For zune 30, if you drag and drop (from a non-monitored folder) a preconverted video in other resolution into zunesoftware and sync that way.

If it's preconverted into supported formats and drag and dropped into zunesoftware from unmonitored folder, the zune software won't wont' convert anything, but directly sync to zune.

I'm not sure if this applies to zune 80 or not.

carnealse · 02-17-2008, 06:44 PM

Well, for the zune 80 it will do its own conversion if dragged and dropped. If I use a wmv out of accepted format it will convert, no matter if its in a monitored folder or not.
I guess its a tad bit different between the models?
I am just going off my own experience and testing the different settings and formats.

wtfishtisfob · 02-22-2008, 02:00 AM

Yea I have the same issue with my 80gb. Even when my resolution is 320x240 WMV (version 8) and audio at 128kb the software will still want convert the file, however when i dled a movie clip online using mp4 format it just synced right up.

Bionicspyder · 02-23-2008, 09:56 AM

I am running into the same issue. I have a Zune30 and about 140 movies that I encoded for the 30. I just bought a new Zune80 and every movie that I sync has to go through a conversion now. It's REALLY annoying!!!! So can someone tell me what the settings should be for my DVD conversion software now (Cucusoft)? Thanx!!

02-15-2008, 11:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
hummer017 Zewbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3 Reputation: 10 $zB: 1 Donate	Zune 80 Video Support Question I'm interested in upgrading to an 80 (have a 30 right now) but got some questions about video conversion. With the 30, I convert all the videos I have to WMV 320x240 at 30fps before starting up the Zune software so it transfers over quickly during sync. Now, I hear the 80 will support 720x480 at 30fps. Does this mean that I will have to convert my videos to 720x480 in order to sync them to the Zune 80? What happens to my videos that are at 320x480? Can they still sync up? Most of the video clips I find on the internet have usually been larger than 320x480 and have thus been shrunk to fit those dimensions. What happens to the video clips that are larger than 320x240 but smaller than 720x480? And one last question. I have the v1 av dock and cable. In order to get the 480i TV Output on the Zune 80, do I need to buy the v2 av dock and cable? Thanks and sorry for the long post.

02-16-2008, 03:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
nathanlawliet Super Zuner² Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 3,587 Reputation: 65 $zB: 424 Donate	You can sync any size video to the Zune. The videos at 320x240 I THINK will either get stretched, or stay the same with black all around the video for the parts where the video isn't shown(since it doesn't take up the full screen). If bigger than 320 but smaller than 720, it will still sync, but it might be like I said above with the stretching. Last, I THINK you can use a regular cable for the Zune 1 or 2, but I'm not sure. The only thing I've heard is that original accessories will work with Zune 2 but might not fit appropriately, but since it's a cable I figure it'd work. Most likely, you can use the regular cable for the v1 on your 80. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-16-2008, 06:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
Gregory Support Team Moderator Ultimate Zuner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: What a stalker! Posts: 6,433 Reputation: 257 $zB: 3740 Donate	320240 will NOT be stretched. __________________ 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. .

02-17-2008, 01:31 PM	#11 (permalink)
carnealse Jr. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Va Beach Posts: 474 Reputation: 31 $zB: 359 Donate	It will automatically convert any off sized video, however, 640X480 will not convert during sync. At least none of the MP4s that I have done ever have. So if you're putting 320x240 or 640x480 , the size will not be an issue. As far as I know, anything between those two, expect the zune software to make some changes. Last edited by carnealse : 02-17-2008 at 06:45 PM.

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02-16-2008, 02:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
dirkismoney Squirt Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 10 $zB: 14 Donate	No, even if you use 320x240 you should be fine. The higher resolution settings are mainly for if you want to use the TV out function, because you'll get better pictures on your TV's larger screen. Sorry, but I don't know the answers to your other questions.

02-16-2008, 09:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
jackluo923 Senior Zuner Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Greater Vancouver BC Posts: 1,275 Reputation: 122 $zB: 759 Donate	320*240 will be streched if conveted to 720x480 unless the convert you use automatically crop the video to 320x180 then convert it to 720x480. 320x240 is 4:3 aspect ratio. 720x480 is 16:9. They're not interchangable. Some smart converter automatically crop the video while it's converting. You can't see this process, but it doesn't mean the converter skipped this step.

02-17-2008, 12:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
hummer017 Zewbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3 Reputation: 10 $zB: 1 Donate	To clarify my questions... For example, I have a video that is 480x360 wmv at 30fps. I know the Zune software will recognize the video, but what happens when I try to sync the video to the Zune? Will the video be able to transfer over to the Zune as is (480x360) or will it have to be converted to 320x240 (or some other dimension) before being transfered over to the Zune during sync?

02-17-2008, 11:01 AM	#9 (permalink)
jackluo923 Senior Zuner Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Greater Vancouver BC Posts: 1,275 Reputation: 122 $zB: 759 Donate	Have you tried syncing that video to your zune and try it out? My guess is that it might convert the video to 640x480 or 320x240 because it'll use less processing power (more battery life) and will look better on your zune than 480x360. It might be wrong though.

02-17-2008, 06:44 PM	#13 (permalink)
carnealse Jr. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Va Beach Posts: 474 Reputation: 31 $zB: 359 Donate	Well, for the zune 80 it will do its own conversion if dragged and dropped. If I use a wmv out of accepted format it will convert, no matter if its in a monitored folder or not. I guess its a tad bit different between the models? I am just going off my own experience and testing the different settings and formats.

02-22-2008, 02:00 AM	#14 (permalink)
wtfishtisfob Squirt Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 15 Reputation: 10 $zB: 8 Donate	Yea I have the same issue with my 80gb. Even when my resolution is 320x240 WMV (version 8) and audio at 128kb the software will still want convert the file, however when i dled a movie clip online using mp4 format it just synced right up.

02-23-2008, 09:56 AM	#15 (permalink)
Bionicspyder Jr. Zuner Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 38 Reputation: 8 $zB: 34 Donate	I am running into the same issue. I have a Zune30 and about 140 movies that I encoded for the 30. I just bought a new Zune80 and every movie that I sync has to go through a conversion now. It's REALLY annoying!!!! So can someone tell me what the settings should be for my DVD conversion software now (Cucusoft)? Thanx!!

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