Custom Equalization, HW or SW?

[jbigelow]

Is a custom EQ feature for the Zune out of the question because it requires hardware support the Zune doesn't have or can the custom EQ feature be implemented in software in a future firmware update? I've read messages that stake out both sides of the issue.

Does anybody have a definitive answer on this?

[mr.handsomeman]

ive heard about this too. but i mean, i don't have a definite answer. I would think that it would be able to support it with just an update....but I don't know.

[Chri(Z)tian]

By custom EQ feature do you want it for the zune 30 or the new gen2. Zunes. Because for the zune 30's this custom EQ is possible, but for the new zune's it won't be possible. Only because the new zune's don't have the right parts inside of them for EQ, unlike the earlier version zunes, the Zune 30.

[bigtex292]

so custom EQ is still a possibility for 30 gig zunes?...but if they are going to spit out updates...im sure they would make the updates capable for ALL zunes, not just the gen 1 or just gen2....so because the gen 2 zunes cant support custom EQ, its higly unlikely that a custom EQ for any generation zune is unlikely....

just the way i say it and the way my mind went...i know it might be kinda hard to understand...sorry...

[HipHopScribe]

EQ's can be hardware based or software based, hardware based is better though, but I don't think the chips in the newer Zune support a hardware based EQ, a software based EQ could be added however, and the Zune 30 can support a hardware based EQ.

[Little Horn]

This is true. The second gen zune can not support a hardware based EQ so the only option would be to add a software base EQ to a future firmware update. However, I have heard rumors that M$ has already said that they will not develop a software based EQ for ANY zunes because of battery issues. I'm assuming that that means that it will have an impact on how long you can go in between charges. As of right now I think the best solution is to invest in a really good set of earphones. I've got some Skullcandy FMJs right now but I'm looking at the bose Triport in-ear set that run about 100 bucks.

I do hope however, the M$ decides to release one or at least make it an option in future releases.

[Omnidragon]

Originally Posted by floorpuncher

This is true. The second gen zune can not support a hardware based EQ so the only option would be to add a software base EQ to a future firmware update. However, I have heard rumors that M$ has already said that they will not develop a software based EQ for ANY zunes because of battery issues. I'm assuming that that means that it will have an impact on how long you can go in between charges. As of right now I think the best solution is to invest in a really good set of earphones. I've got some Skullcandy FMJs right now but I'm looking at the bose Triport in-ear set that run about 100 bucks.

I do hope however, the M$ decides to release one or at least make it an option in future releases.

Its only partly because of a battery issue there are other factors such as CPU usage as you have to split the stream appart alter values and then remix the stream for it to work.
Its also because M$ have said that the sound quality on the 2nd gen zune is so good you shouldnt need an EQ
Personally i aggree i have never seen the point in an EQ unless you have a sub par audio device music should be listened to as it was inteneded by the artist. but thats just a personal opinion

[Lucifer]

Originally Posted by Omnidragon

Its only partly because of a battery issue there are other factors such as CPU usage as you have to split the stream appart alter values and then remix the stream for it to work.
Its also because M$ have said that the sound quality on the 2nd gen zune is so good you shouldnt need an EQ
Personally i aggree i have never seen the point in an EQ unless you have a sub par audio device music should be listened to as it was inteneded by the artist. but thats just a personal opinion

to be honest, IMHO, in order for the zune to be outputting to something big enough for possible benefits of equalization to be worthwhile, you'd have to have your zune connected to a stereo system / amplifier box, in which case, the stereo / amp would most likely have its own EQ, thus eradicating the problem.

[Darth Camel]

A software-based EQ sounds intriguing. I hope Microsoft puts one out for the 2nd-gen Zunes.

[backlash92]

Originally Posted by umisguy

to be honest, IMHO, in order for the zune to be outputting to something big enough for possible benefits of equalization to be worthwhile, you'd have to have your zune connected to a stereo system / amplifier box, in which case, the stereo / amp would most likely have its own EQ, thus eradicating the problem.

I agree ^.

I find no need for an EQ, sound quality is great as is. Besides I find that with an EQ I like how sound is in one setting, but then I switch songs and I have have to change the EQ again, so I usually just use the default one.