Zune 101: Getting More Music Onto Your Zune

[94babyyvee]

i tried downloading a youtube video and just convert the it to mp3 and shows on desktop but when i click to play it, it dont have no sound and wont show up on my zune to add songs . how to i get it to work?

[dannyhav]

Sorry if yo already answered this a million times... I convert a Youtube video to an MP3. I see the icon on my desktop and I can play the song on my PC through Zune.

BUT, what I cannot seem to do is drag the converted MP3 onto the actual zune device... is this because it's protected by DRM?

Thanks in advance.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@dannyhav I don't think there would be an DRM. Is it an MP3 audio file, or a video file, like an M4V or something similar? If it shows up in the Zune software under videos, you should be able to drag and drop it onto your Zune from within the software.

- Jason

[dannyhav]

@ThoughtsMedia Thanks for the follow up... I had a friend who's smarter then me help me out. It had to do with me getting into "my files" on my PC and find out where these converted MP3s were going. Once we did that, I made some kind of adjustment in the settings and I am now able to drag and drop them onto the Zune.... thanks again though!

[ghost6392]

thnx for this info, help me out a bit. can you answer this for me? i want to upconvert the music ive downloaded with the zune subcription (which downloads at 192 kbps), but i want to convert thm to 256, is there any way i can do tht? thnx man

[ThoughtsMedia]

@ghost6392 You can't up-convert; there's no point. You can't add data (bits) to a file (signal) that's at a certain bit rate. Music that's at 192kbps can have as much data in the signal as music at 256kbps. The good news is that 192kbps WMA files sound about the same as 256kbps MP3 files...which, for most people, sound as good as CD quality. So don't sweat the sound quality - 192kbps is quite good.

- Jason

[ghost6392]

@ThoughtsMedia hey thnx man for getting bak to me so soon. yea im not tht technical when it come to this stuff but i kno the basics. yea and r right about the quality of the music. thnx again man

[koreanboy4ever14]

What music file does the Zune capable of reading?

i heard that it has to have a Zune logo.

i thought that the Zune uses a .mp3.

[ThoughtsMedia]

@koreanboy4ever14 The Zune can use music files in AAC, MP3, or WMA format - as long as the AAC files aren't protected by DRM.

- Jason

[loser0punk]

if i have a friend who has an ipod and i have a zune will we still be able to put music on each others MP3players or will we each need to get the other program (itunes or the zune software)?

cuz i share music with friends a fair bit and i just dont wanna be the odd one out with a zune : P

[littlecar1231]

Plz Answer! How do you get miscoft points for free ? Plz answer

[ThoughtsMedia]

@littlecar1231 You don't. You pay for them.

- Jason

[littlecar1231]

@ThoughtsMedia Oh Ok thanks For the reply =D

[nwallace72]

I had an ipod but it busted and im now left with my library. Im getting a zune hd in a couple of days, is there anyway for my itunes to get on my zune. Is it possible ?

[ThoughtsMedia]

If your iTunes library is full of non-DRM'd AAC files (or MP3s), then yes, you can play them all on your Zune. If they're protected by Apple's DRM, then no, they won't play on your Zune. You can upgrade your tracks to be DRM-free if you pay a per-track fee...

- Jason

[grn68rt]

thanks. I was too stupid to figure this out on my own. honest.

[GothicRunes]

I notice that this setting is set to 96kbps source, and 192kbps device quality by default. If I don't want to do anything, should I leave it at that setting, or choose the "only convert formats not supported option"?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Just leave it at the default and it won't convert anything.

- Jason

[kmack4427]

how do i set it up on the internet i cant figure it out and i suck with computers?

[JonnyBoy723]

u can use any free song downloading software eg Limewire. just save the songs downloaded and then make a music profile then copy past then add the song to your zune. PS though the zune is good but the ipod is WAAYY better in my opinion

[ThoughtsMedia]

Yes, it's similar to iTunes - only much easier and more flexible in my opinion.

- Jason

[brickmaster1234]

why cant u just use limewire for zune? u have to use the zune software?

[ThoughtsMedia]

You need to use the Zune software to load the Zune. You can get your music any way you want.

- Jason

[gryffindorgardian]

how do i get rid of the "reserved space" all i did was put the reserved space in 0 % but when i click on to device it says " reserved space and content from other computers (if any) 1.02gb " and i still had putthe reserved space in 0 % and i want tht reserved space off and idk how to get rid of it i just acummulating the space and i want to put more songs but the space is not letting me even if i put 0 % PLSS HELP! ASAP

[WVS818LS]

how come when i download a song and open it with zune and i Click" sync with zune "it says "added 1 song" at the bottom but when i check my zune the song isnt there??????????????????????

[SUPERSS90]

I'm about the brake this dumb 120g zune. how can i transfer my windowds player music to my zune and why can the zune play videos it tells me is missing.. please ty.

[ThoughtsMedia]

The Zune isn't the dumb part of this scenario - it's not compatible with Windows Media Player. You need to install the Zune software just like that little sticker on it told you to do...

- Jason

[vmlee]

how do u put videos in zune for free without buying it at all. please help me i wanna know and get in it. i know there is a way of doing that just like the ipod. the ipod i know ppl put youtube videos into it to get videos.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Do a Google search for Zune YouTube videos and you'll find your answer.

- Jason

[jenizjammin]

Say your zune is connected as a guest. I know you can change it.. so I'm not sure what it's called..but it's the opposite of guest.. then there's sync groups. Is there a way for you to change it back to a guest? Cause I'm not sure if I like sync groups so much.

[ThoughtsMedia]

You'd have to delete the Zune partnership ("Forget this Zune") in the settings on the desktop software.

- Jason

[ilovedeathnote1234]

ok can u answer my question please ok all of a sudden mu zune started to say "missing or cant be played " ok and i dont knoe what to do because i cant put any of my music in it and then i though y dont u take a song form my zune and take it out and then put it back in ok i did that and it still saids missing or can be played do u think u can help me get some music in it do u have an idea becuase cds i dont have a burner so i cant do that and the only thing i can put in it is pics can anyone help

[UselessInformation19]

Sigh... What are the audio settings? Also how do you add music to this?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Audio settings? What audio settings? You add music to it by installing the Zune desktop software, connecting the Zune, then dragging and dropping the music to it.

- Jason

[bananabread119]

What are the Audio settings for a Zune 30gb??

[ThoughtsMedia]

The audio settings are controlled by the desktop software, so if you're using the newest version, they'll be in the same place as in this video.

- Jason

[Atheismrulez]

128 kbps MP3 blows. I'd much rather have better sound quality with no artifacts while giving up some space. For the best sound quality and space, just use AAC @ 192 kbps VBR.

[ThoughtsMedia]

I concur that 128 kbps isn't great, but for some people, fitting more music on their device is better than having high-fidelity audio quality. Myself, I rip to 256 kbps VBR MP3s.

- Jason

[lvlagic93]

hi im debating if i shud buy a zune 8gb or an ipod nano and i was wondering if i can drop songs from frostwire to the zune just lik i can wit an ipod

[ThoughtsMedia]

No, the Zune does not show up as a mass storage device. You need to install the Zune software.

- Jason

[Dracokhi]

i love zune 3.0 but how did you change the text and background color?

[ThoughtsMedia]

You can't change the text, but you can change the background image by simply selecting an image and clicking on "Set as Background".

- Jason

[Dracokhi]

yeah i know that but i ment the software :P

[Bcapone3333]

question./ do you need zune software to put music on your zune? or is it like a regular mp3 whereas you can click and drag the song off limewire into your mp3?

[ThoughtsMedia]

You need the Zune software. You can't do drag and drop with the Zune (without a registry hack - you can Google it), and it doesn't show up as a mass storage device.

- Jason

[ledskynrydsmith]

Great tip for new Zune users! Keep up the great work! Thanx!!

[NONPOINT420]

I had a question about my zune's playlist, but inorder for me to send you a youtube mail I have to add you to my friends? I guess. Thank you

[ThoughtsMedia]

I can't provide private one one one tech support - please go to Zune Thoughts (link is in the sidebar) and post your question in our forums - that's why we have them. :-)

- Jason

[NONPOINT420]

Oh ok thank you

[hello346754]

can u use media player?

[ThoughtsMedia]

No, you need to use the Zune software to sync with your Zune.

- Jason

[gryffindorgardian]

i have a problem i downloaded a song tht the artist name is "utada Hikaru" and i downloaded just one song from the program "Ares" and the format said "MP3" but when i put it in my zune...the zune software doesn't recognize the song in other words when i put it in the zune device i don't see where it is and i put it on the playlist tht i made and i knew exactly where the son was but it doesn't show....and its the first time tht is reacting like tht

[ThoughtsMedia]

If it's only happening with that one song, but otherwise your Zune software is working fine, it must be something strange with the way that song was encoded. If you can, try downloading it again from the source - possibly the download is corrupt. If that doesn't work, I suggest grabbing the free program MediaMonkey and transcode the file to another format, or even a different bit rate - that should do the trick.

- Jason

[naldo1212]

hey ,i got a big question.if my music are 128kbps and if i convert them to 320 with zune software will the song sound better? thanyou

[ThoughtsMedia]

No, the software only DOWN samples, not UP samples.Your music at 128kbps will never sound better than 128kbps.

- Jason

[035577]

Thanks a ton Jason, I have a 8GB Red Zune coming in the mail and I will be using your method to get (hopefully) around 2500 songs on it! I will tell you how it goes :)

[ThoughtsMedia]

Cool, glad it was helpful!

- Jason

[EminetCarnage]

wy not just get a 120 gb zune

[ThoughtsMedia]

This video is primarily for Zune 4/8/16 users. The flash-based Zunes are dramatically smaller than the Zune 80/120, so that's your answer right there: not everyone wants a big Zune.

- Jason

[naldo1212]

hi i have a question if i put the music quality to 320kps does my zune battery drane faster?

[trevpimp]

No it doesnt.

But theres one thing about converting music to different qualities. YOU DONT WANT TO UPGRADE A SONG THATS LIKE 192Kbps TO A 320Kbps.

You only NEED to convert songs if you wanna save room for memory.

[ThoughtsMedia]

trevpimp: this setting only down-samples music, it doesn't up-sample it. So it wouldn't take a 192kbps and up-sample it to 320kbps.

- Jason

[trevpimp]

Oh, idk but in itunes you can up-sample it, I think its a waste of time and memory.

[ThoughtsMedia]

I think technically, yes, higher-bit rates take more resources to decode in the case of WMA files, but in day to day use I doubt it will make any noticeable difference. The real question is whether you can hear a difference between 256kbps and 320kbps. If you can't (most can't), then you're just wasting space having music in 320kbps.

- Jason

[Sillent86499]

Hey man how do u get that at?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Get that at what? I don't understand what you're asking me.

- Jason

[Sillent86499]

What program is that to conver Vid? or where do i get it at?

[ThoughtsMedia]

There are many programs out there to convert videos - just do a search for "video conversion" and you'll find plenty.

- Jason

[skittlesinsane123]

i need help so bad with this im missing something too, i have a 8 gb and it said added 1 song , but everytime i try to sync it on my zune it says connect to pc network

[ThoughtsMedia]

Phone Zune tech support: 1-877-438-9863. That's what they're there for. :-)

- Jason

[loser1770]

if you could help that would be so great

i cannot get music from itunes or limewire or anything on my zune is it drag or drop or can you make a vid i have to see it rather then read it thanks

[ThoughtsMedia]

Click on SETTINGS in the upper right corner, then click ADD FOLDER and point it at your music folder.

- Jason

[loser1770]

thanks man

[deathsquad0]

life savor. and not the candy. =]

[Weowndayou]

Awesome Man You Helped Me Out A Lot:D

[skat8girl]

ugh.... does anyone know how to put pictures on your Zune ?????

if you do plz tell me....

[ThoughtsMedia]

Point the Zune software at your pictures via the Settings area, then flip to the Pictures tab and drag and drop....it's exactly like music and videos.

- Jason

[2643031]

do you think you can help me? I have music onto my windows media player and i want to add it to my zune but it says it wont play protected media and i already tried converting and all this stuff but it doesnt work any suggestions?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Unfortunately that DRM'd content you have won't be compatible with the Zune. It's a sad truth that DRM is poison and limits what you can do with the music. Your only real option is to burn your DRM'd tracks to a CD, then re-rip them to regular MP3s.

- Jason

[fuzsom]

Hey I have a few downloaded mp3's on my laptop is it possible to import it and then put it onto my zune

[ThoughtsMedia]

Sure, just put the music into the same folder that the Zune software is monitoring. Or tell the Zune software to monitor that folder with your MP3s.

- Jason

[JZMCRproductions]

i have the latest update for my 4g zune but for some wierd reason it wont connect to my device.

i put it in my zune and it charges but it does not say that its connected

plz help

[ThoughtsMedia]

Sounds like you need to call Zune tech support at 1-877-438-9863.

- Jason

[rsranger7]

I just got a Zune 16gb Black *hi-fives Jason* Yez!!

[Parkman832]

Man Your Lucky You Have A 80G I Have A 30g But Ya Know, Im Only 11! lol

[ThoughtsMedia]

Enjoy your Zune 30!

- Jason

[applefan2411]

What capture software do you use?

[ThoughtsMedia]

This video was created using the awesome Camtasia 5 from TechSmith. :-)

- Jason

[Grunge2009]

how u convert avi to ur zune i have a 80 gb i have a peer to peer file called shareaza i'm downloading nirvana concerts and it wont let me put it on there how the heck i'm suppose to listen to my concerts? please request back ty

[ThoughtsMedia]

You need to transcode the videos from AVI into WMA or MPEG4. There are lots of free video transcoders out there, just search for them.

- Jason

[paintballlpplayer45]

how do i get my 30gb zune to sync? i have a base for it that has a usb caple that i can plug into my computer. i downloaded the 3.0 off the website last night..

[ThoughtsMedia]

You install the 3.1 software, you follow the directions, then you connect your Zune to your PC using the cable. It sounds like you're having some sort of problem, so I suggest calling Zune tech support at 1-877-438-9863.

- Jason

[mossy1792]

wait do u get the cd software when u buy the zune or download it from the internet cause im buyin one off my friend and just gettin the zune?o and can u buy the usb cablt seperate also?i think thats wats it called.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Go to the Zune Web site (Google it) and you can download the 3.0 software for free. You can buy the USB cable separately, but your friend shouldn't sell you a Zune without the sync and charge cable...it's pretty useless without it.

- Jason

[neutrons07]

That's the one thing I'm waiting for iTunes to have. I'm happy for all you Zune users for having this sleek software! :D

[HistoryMajor7]

I have a bunch of old cds, but I backed them on my pc converted them to wma (I did this way before the mp3 player boom). I won't have any problems playing them on a zune right? And not all the songs have to be purchased online with drm because there is no way I am buying all my cds again and I have a lot. Thanks

[ThoughtsMedia]

As long as you didn't have the "Copy Protect Music" box checked off in Windows Media Player when you ripped the WMAs, you'll have no trouble playing the files on the Zune. The Zune will play any MP3, WMA, or AAC as long as they're not DRM-protected. You won't have to re-buy your CDs, but I suggest switching to ripping to 256 kbps MP3 for future rips. MP3 has maximum compatibility, and at 256 kbps, MP3 sounds just as good as WMA.

- Jason

[HistoryMajor7]

Thanks for the quick reply. I believe I didn't do it with the copy protection on, I was new to all this back then. Thanks again.

[modseen]

hey when i connect my zune the connect dont show on my zune....it will not connect...i put song on it from my frined computer..but when he connect his zune on my computer...it said connect...but it dont work on my zune...what should i do?????

[ThoughtsMedia]

If your friend has a Zune and it connects to your computer, and your Zune doesn't, then I'd say you have a defective Zune. You're using the same cable and same USB port, right? If everything is the same, it must be your Zune. You can try rebooting the Zune, that sometimes helps.

- Jason

[mason210]

So if someone had pirated music on their computer would you be able to use it on their zune? or does have to all be legally ripped or purchased? becuase with the ipod and itunes you can use pirtaed music and videos.

[UndyingRoadkill]

yes, you can.

[mason210]

so it works just like the iPod only with a different media browser? itunes-> ipod = (w/e the zune one is called -> Zune. ?

[cranny07]

yes you can use download music on a zune you don't have to buy nothing if you don't want to.

[jmontano07]

i have thousands of songs on windows media player i just bought the zune and I want to transfer my music it says there are no items on device what should i do

[ThoughtsMedia]

You need to install the Zune software from the Zune Web site - the Zune will not work with Windows Media Player.

- Jason

[subzero912]

How Do I put songs In my Collection? Please Respond Fast.

[ThoughtsMedia]

SETTINGS > MONITORED FOLDERS. You have to tell the Zune software where to look for your music.

- Jason

[subzero912]

Are the Songs Free or do I have to buy them? Cause I can Afford it but I can't go shopping online.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Why would the songs be free? You have to buy them from the Zune Marketplace, or rip your own CDs, or buy music from Amazon, etc.

- Jason

[subzero912]

Oh thats good then Cause I Have all the songs I want on a CD,so I rip it on Windows Media Player and then What?

[ThoughtsMedia]

No, rip them with the Zune software. Install the Zune software, put in the CD, and rip them to 256 kbps MP3.

- Jason

[subzero912]

Ok I put in the CD then What?

[ThoughtsMedia]

Put in the CD, then click on the big black CD icon in the lower right hand corner. And please, try to figure out the rest yourself - it's really not that hard, and you're not even trying.

- Jason

[subzero912]

OK Got it thanks for all your Help.

[zucini]

Jason can you please tell me how to cancel songs from syncing. After I updated my zune software my it's been trying to sync almost all my songs on the software onto my Zune device again. Also it shows a yellow (!) next to all the songs even though they're already on the device. Please help I can't sync an other songs because of this problem and it happens everytime I connect my zune.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Sorry, no idea - things sound very screwed up; I've never seen that issue. I'd uninstall the Zune software and re-install it.

- Jason

[tcvaldez]

Nice video. Good explanation. My question is: What is the process of getting music off of your zune to store in your PC. My wife got zome music on her zune that I want to save to my PC.

All help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

TC

[ThoughtsMedia]

Basically you want to connect your Zune, browse to the content you want to move, and drag and drop it down to the lower-left hand corner, on top of the computer icon. That's it. :-)

- Jason

[adro105]

can you help me get the software on my computer because it does not connect to microsoft update

[HAM0002]

in the zune software ,hook up your zune and click on settings device and sync change to manual sync , u still need to keep the songs in your software on your pc.

[anykinechannel]

just wondering,

how do you get songs into the collection?

i just got my zune today and im really confused,

for example, its like downloading song from limewire then transfering the song into the iTunes library,

same concept,

but like, downloading music and then transfering it into my zune is my real problem,

[ThoughtsMedia]

Connect your Zune. Find the music you want to transfer in the Zune software. Drag and drop that music onto your Zune. Or right-click and click "Sync with [Devicename]".

- Jason

[mugzy8400]

I bought this zune and program the software that was given on the cd and old version of the zune came up, u know the black version.. then i updated and this new version came up. i liked but then when i uploaded music to my zune and at the same time music was getting deleted becuase the music wasnt on my computer. The old software did not do that. I wanna know if i can change the settings. bkuz ive tried and dont work just keep deleting what i dont have on my computer.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Yeah, this is the way they designed the software to work. I don't mind it, because I don't delete my media from my PC if it's something I want to keep, but you're not alone - I've seen quite a few people complain about this issue. The only "solution" is to connect your Zune as a guest and don't let it sync automatically.

- Jason

[coolguy561]

so what is needed to put on the zune sign up im planing to buy 1 but need to know how to get music on it

[EnterSandman96]

Will the higher quality sound use more battery?

[ThoughtsMedia]

That's an interesting question - theoretically, there might be some difference in battery life between a 128 kbps MP3 and a 256 kbps WMA, but I doubt it would amount to much. I wouldn't worry about it - although if you want to do your own tests, I'm interested to hear the results. :-)

- Jason

[MrMatt92]

wait so if you buy an 8 gb version which hold 2,000 songs. If you do this tip you can have more then 2,000? so they lied?

[ThoughtsMedia]

It's not a matter of lying - people want to know roughly how many songs they can fit onto their device, so Microsoft, Apple, and everyone else picks an average bit-rate (128 kbps usually), and an average song length (usually 3 minutes), and gives you a rough estimate. But yes, if you were to set the quality level low (96 kbps), you might be able to get more than 2000 songs on there.

- Jason

[elmejormexicano1]

question, i had to reformat my hard drive cause of a problem, but now i am left with no media at all on my pc, i do though have everything on my zune, is there a way to sync up my zune back up with my pc (and no i havent connected my zune to my pc again yet since i am afraid that it will automatically format my zune) thanks in advance

[ThoughtsMedia]

Ouch - sorry to hear that happened! What you want to do is install the Zune software, then when you connect your Zune, connect it as a guest - don't set up a partnership just yet. Then, drag and drop the content from the Zune onto your desktop PC. That's it! Once it's all over, set up the partnership with your Zune. That should do the trick!

- Jason

- Jason

[ShadowUnit303]

Hey Jason, great video. I did not even notice that new feature.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Most people didn't, including me for a while. ;-)

- Jason

[ZUNECARDSTV]

Hey Jason you have to use up some of that space man, I haven't seen that much free space since I got my zune 80. :) I also have a red zune, pure hotness. great vid.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Hey, I just got my red Zune 80 yesterday, give me some time. ;-)

- Jason

[ZUNECARDSTV]

Did you get any artwork on the back, I got mine blank, so their is no zune icon on it, just a clean surface, I plan on putting my zunecards icon on there.

[ThoughtsMedia]

Yeah man, check out Zune Thoughts and you'll see exactly what I got on the back. :-)

- Jason

[ZUNECARDSTV]

THAT'S SWEET!

[masterOFpuppets06]

Question?-can i sync 2 zunes without copying everything to my computer...iam planing on getting the new zune and syncing all my content over from the last one

[jmontague]

yeah u can do it