Zune Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

Steven Hughes via Techronical attempts to answer a question that most Zuners encounter at one point or another; how to get high-quality videos in a compact filesize and that don't take a long time to convert. Based on a tip from Long Zheng, Hughes recommends the free (donationware) program MediaCoder, which allows users to import custom encoder presets to help smooth the process and achieve consistent results.

Though Zheng's settings file is MediaCoder-specific, his suggested bitrate, framerate, and resolution should be universal for your favorite encoder.

He recommends:

• Video:
  Format: Windows Media
  Codec: Windows Media Video 9
  Mode: Bitrate-based
  Bitrate: 768 Kbps
  Resolution: 320×240
  Frame rate: 25 fps
• Audio:
  Encoder: Windows Media Audio
  Codec: Windows Media Audio 9.2
  Resample: 44100 Hz
  Mode: CBR
  Bitrate: 192 Kbps

Keep in mind that you most likely don't have to use such a high bitrate for audio (typically I use 128 Kbps). If you have a Zune80 and want to display your videos on the TV, you should set your resolution to 640x480 (Zune4, 8, and 30 just leave it as-is). As pointed out by Civisi last week, if you're converting videos manually, you should make sure the Zune software isn't fighting your progress by re-encoding your videos at sync time. Check the Settings page of the software under Device, Conversion Settings to best fit your needs.

"Ok - I know this might seem backwards, but here me out. You can use *coughs* iTunes *coughs* to get more FREE podcast content on your Zune... Let's face it. Zune doesn't have a ton of choices (yet) while iTunes, which has been at this for quite some time now, has a huge selection ready for download! They're in the same format (mp4) and once you get them to the Zune Software, you can manage them from there - all you need is the initial download from iTunes! So If you can bear using that 'other' media software, click to find out how...."

I can't bring myself to say more about this. Those needing a larger podcast database should by all means find themselves satisfied with iTunes' more mature collection. Just don't come back wondering what that funky odor coming from your keyboard is.

Check ZuneBoards for an excellent and picture-filled step-by-step. Just keep in mind that only the new Zune models (the 4/8 and 80) can natively read mp4 files. If you have a 30, the software'll automatically transcode to a lower-quality file.