Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files?

Kamil z Mielca · 02-22-2007, 07:51 PM

I enjoy reading books, but I am quite an going-here-been-there person and always on the go. I would like to know if it is possible to h4x0r the Zune, to allow the uploading of eBooks or TXT files for example. There's nothing better than reading a book without having to carry one around...

PityOnU · 02-22-2007, 07:58 PM

Unfortunately, no. But that's a good idea, though ;D

Actually, that would be downright awesome

Napoleon Iven Quinnly · 02-23-2007, 12:31 PM

We could make a program to turn txts into images and then the zune could read them, with proper sizing it could be made to read like a book

Mammlouk · 02-23-2007, 05:04 PM

I was thinking the same thing. It would be very easy to build something web based with PHP, but imagine all those images to make a whole book....

Serial32 · 02-26-2007, 06:30 PM

what would be even better, the zune being able to read pdf files. I'd read so much more stuff if i was able to carry pdf "ebooks" on my zune. IM not the type of person that will bring a book along where ever i go. But i'd def put some pdf books on my zune if it were capable.

Roschili · 02-26-2007, 06:53 PM

pdf books would be pretty sweet

Mammlouk · 02-27-2007, 07:02 AM

I think the writing would end up too small if you started with a normal ebook. You would probably have to up the font size and redo page numbering... Either that or if the image was zoomed in to the exact width of the widescreen which would allow you to scroll down through the page as you read.

I'll do some more thinking about this idea and let you guys know if I'm going to take action.

wickedd · 02-27-2007, 08:15 AM

try this

Paperless Printer is a data conversion tool that can convert almost any application data to PDF, HTML, DOC, Excel, JPEG or BMP including those created with drawing, page-layout, or image-editing programs. Using the application's Print command, you can create files directly from Microsoft Office applications, database applications, word processing applications or common authoring applications.

http://www.rarefind.com/paperlessprinter/index.html

Mammlouk · 02-27-2007, 08:34 AM

I saw a couple tools that will do that offline. I've got an idea and concept for doing it via a web app, and storing every converted book as a zip file full of sequential images on the server. I need to check a few things with my host as far as installing some apps. If you guys are interested in this let me know and I will work on it, otherwise I won't waste my time if no one cares.

Serial32 · 02-27-2007, 07:21 PM

I'm def interested. ;D

Mammlouk · 02-27-2007, 11:28 PM

It's going to take a few days to get everything set with my host, but I will start testing on my local PC until then. Give me some time because I have a big essay due this week

Mammlouk · 03-14-2007, 07:47 PM

Sorry about the lack of updates. I just want to let you all know I'm still working on this, but it's much more work than I was thinking. I'm trying to actually read through the files and render the text based on custom settings/line lengths and everything so that it is actually readable. I will keep you posted when I have something more solid.

Multi-P · 11-10-2007, 09:01 AM

sounds like a great idea

Gregory · 11-10-2007, 09:15 AM

We now use the zBooker tool for converting to JPG.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Multi-P

sounds like a great idea

Pierce28 · 11-10-2007, 09:29 AM

Also, it has yet to be released yet due to me being VERY busy lately, but I have a program in the works that can convert text to images that are 320x240. The only thing it can't do yet is when opening a large file, it can't yet automatically switch to the next image file.

Hmm.. I have some free time this weekend. Maybe I'll finish it up.

Gregory · 11-10-2007, 09:46 AM

It has already been done.
http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/dow...p?do=file&id=6

cdh · 11-11-2007, 01:23 PM

sounds good

oleg.shastitko · 12-24-2007, 08:51 AM

This tool allows you to "convert" text such way, that you receive suite graphic files like suite of scanned pages of book or magazine. It is often necessary when you want to read favorite book on MobilePC, which does not have ability to show text files, but only graphical i.e. Zune. This tool has many opportunities for settings output files: type of graphical file, size of file ("resolution"), pagination, margins, font, color of text, line spacing etc. Also you have ability to save favorite settings and load saved earlier.

Product url - roversoft.dp.ua/Default.aspx?ProductID=5

download url - arenda.dp.ua/TextAsImage/publish.htm

02-22-2007, 07:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kamil z Mielca Zewbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1 Reputation: 10	Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? I enjoy reading books, but I am quite an going-here-been-there person and always on the go. I would like to know if it is possible to h4x0r the Zune, to allow the uploading of eBooks or TXT files for example. There's nothing better than reading a book without having to carry one around...

02-22-2007, 07:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
PityOnU Super Zuner Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In the real world Posts: 1,987 Reputation: 134	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? Unfortunately, no. But that's a good idea, though ;D Actually, that would be downright awesome

02-23-2007, 12:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
Napoleon Iven Quinnly zB Programmer Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 630 Reputation: 20	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? We could make a program to turn txts into images and then the zune could read them, with proper sizing it could be made to read like a book __________________ With all due respect, Napoleon IQ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-23-2007, 05:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mammlouk Experienced Zuner Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 175 Reputation: 12	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? I was thinking the same thing. It would be very easy to build something web based with PHP, but imagine all those images to make a whole book.... __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-26-2007, 06:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
Serial32 Jr. Zuner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New York Posts: 44 Reputation: 7	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? what would be even better, the zune being able to read pdf files. I'd read so much more stuff if i was able to carry pdf "ebooks" on my zune. IM not the type of person that will bring a book along where ever i go. But i'd def put some pdf books on my zune if it were capable. __________________ ~Serial~ Zune: Black 30Gig 1st Gen. PSP: 3.52 M33-4 cfw

02-26-2007, 06:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
Roschili Squirt Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 20 Reputation: 10	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? pdf books would be pretty sweet __________________ first gen zune- yes its brown, and yes its awesome. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ^ do me a favor and go to that page ^

02-27-2007, 07:02 AM	#7 (permalink)
Mammlouk Experienced Zuner Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 175 Reputation: 12	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? I think the writing would end up too small if you started with a normal ebook. You would probably have to up the font size and redo page numbering... Either that or if the image was zoomed in to the exact width of the widescreen which would allow you to scroll down through the page as you read. I'll do some more thinking about this idea and let you guys know if I'm going to take action. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-27-2007, 08:15 AM	#8 (permalink)
wickedd Squirt Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 11 Reputation: 10	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? try this Paperless Printer is a data conversion tool that can convert almost any application data to PDF, HTML, DOC, Excel, JPEG or BMP including those created with drawing, page-layout, or image-editing programs. Using the application's Print command, you can create files directly from Microsoft Office applications, database applications, word processing applications or common authoring applications. http://www.rarefind.com/paperlessprinter/index.html

02-27-2007, 08:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mammlouk Experienced Zuner Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 175 Reputation: 12	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? I saw a couple tools that will do that offline. I've got an idea and concept for doing it via a web app, and storing every converted book as a zip file full of sequential images on the server. I need to check a few things with my host as far as installing some apps. If you guys are interested in this let me know and I will work on it, otherwise I won't waste my time if no one cares. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-27-2007, 07:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
Serial32 Jr. Zuner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New York Posts: 44 Reputation: 7	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? I'm def interested. ;D __________________ ~Serial~ Zune: Black 30Gig 1st Gen. PSP: 3.52 M33-4 cfw

02-27-2007, 11:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
Mammlouk Experienced Zuner Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 175 Reputation: 12	Re: Can Zune be mod'd to support TXT files? It's going to take a few days to get everything set with my host, but I will start testing on my local PC until then. Give me some time because I have a big essay due this week __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

03-14-2007, 07:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
Mammlouk Experienced Zuner Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 175 Reputation: 12	Sorry about the lack of updates. I just want to let you all know I'm still working on this, but it's much more work than I was thinking. I'm trying to actually read through the files and render the text based on custom settings/line lengths and everything so that it is actually readable. I will keep you posted when I have something more solid. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-10-2007, 09:01 AM	#13 (permalink)
Multi-P Zewbie Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1 Reputation: 10	sounds like a great idea

11-10-2007, 09:29 AM	#15 (permalink)
Pierce28 zB Programmer Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 592 Reputation: 55	Also, it has yet to be released yet due to me being VERY busy lately, but I have a program in the works that can convert text to images that are 320x240. The only thing it can't do yet is when opening a large file, it can't yet automatically switch to the next image file. Hmm.. I have some free time this weekend. Maybe I'll finish it up. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-10-2007, 09:46 AM	#16 (permalink)
Gregory Support Team Moderator Ultimate Zuner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: What a stalker! Posts: 6,440 Reputation: 265	It has already been done. http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/dow...p?do=file&id=6 __________________ 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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11-11-2007, 01:23 PM	#17 (permalink)
cdh Squirt Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 23 Reputation: 9	sounds good

12-24-2007, 08:51 AM	#18 (permalink)
oleg.shastitko Zewbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2 Reputation: 10	Zune eBook Creator (RTextAsImage) This tool allows you to "convert" text such way, that you receive suite graphic files like suite of scanned pages of book or magazine. It is often necessary when you want to read favorite book on MobilePC, which does not have ability to show text files, but only graphical i.e. Zune. This tool has many opportunities for settings output files: type of graphical file, size of file ("resolution"), pagination, margins, font, color of text, line spacing etc. Also you have ability to save favorite settings and load saved earlier. Product url - roversoft.dp.ua/Default.aspx?ProductID=5 download url - arenda.dp.ua/TextAsImage/publish.htm

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