Customer Reviews

Zune Home AV Pack v2

5 star:		(130)
4 star:		(51)
3 star:		(23)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

The version 2 home a/v pack is definitely the way to go if you have an 80gb or 120 gb zune. (Keep in mind that currently, only the 80 and 120 gb zune can output video via component cabling.) Something none of the other reviews have touched on is the fact that this model is the one that contains component out jacks on the back of the zune dock. You can, therefore, use any component cable (not supplied) for DVD quality output of movies, etc.

I can attest that the output looks absolutely fantastic on a 50 inch HD widescreen set. My wife could not see any difference in it and our high end upscaling DVD player. Of course, a lot depends on how you encode the video and the quality of the source. But assuming you get that right, you will be very pleased with the look of the video. (720 x 576 resolution with component) Also, the menu system itself doesn't look all that hot. But a nicely encoded video will sure treat your eyes once you fire it up. you have lots of choices now on encoding since the Zune 3 firmware supports .wmv, mpeg-4, and h.264 video files.

I have put about 10 movies on so far for our 2 year old to watch on an upcoming trip. Now, the audio output is strictly stereo; but I don't think that's much to complain about since what hotel or guest room is going to have you a surround speaker system set up.

Another reviewer has also stated that this kit does not work with the Zune 120 gb. He is very wrong. It states right on the front of the box that the kit works with all zunes. (and lists it specifically as well) The way they do this is by including various "faceplates" for the different zunes. I was worried about this initially, but they conform very nicely and you can't even really tell they are removable once they're in. It comes with a 4g/8gb labelled plate, a 30 gb labelled plate, and an 80 gb labelled plate. The 80 gb plate is the one to use for the 120. It fits perfectly. I've had no issues docking this thing at all; so don't quite understand the other comments regarding that.

Remote works very well with decent range. If you have an 80 or 120 gb zune and are looking to have an easy way to watch dvd quality movies on a TV while travelling, this kit is perfect for you.

UPDATE 12/10/08: I just got back from a trip where I got to put the kit to use. Everyone thought I was playing the movies from a DVD. The Zune functionality was also great seeing as how I was showing slideshows of a recent trip complete with music. When listening to music, the Zune puts up the album art that it scavenges from the online database; very cool. Couple things to point out.

1. The composite video out can't hold a candle to the component out. Spend a little extra to get a nice set of short, component cables. Also, the Zune sync software includes an option in settings to optimize video for TV output. Make sure this is enabled. It takes a little longer to sync video this way, but well worth the time.

2. If you are having an issue with volume through your tv when watching movies, make sure your actual zune unit volume is turned all the way up. Since the kit uses the headphone jack on the zune, volume is 1st dependent on how high you have the zune volume set. If your zune vol. is turned way down, you can max out your TV's volume and still only get a trickle of sound. So, in essence, you have 2 volumes to deal with: TV volume and Zune volume. May seem obvious to some, but it is easy to overlook when doing all the other connections while your 2 year old is yelling to see "Snow White."

3. If you don't see any picture on the TV after cabling the component jacks, there is a little switch on the back of the Zune dock that must be pushed toward the component jacks. Also, the black plate that hides the component jacks will not go back on the Zune dock until the switch is pushed back into its default composite position.

So overall, the Zune and home kit v2 performed wonderfully. I can re-emphasize the importance of this kit for any Zune owner.

UPDATE 1/10/09: Clarification on video output capability of Zunes. All currently available Zunes have video playback functionality on the Zune screen itself (4,8,16,30,80,120). Only the 30, 80, and 120 Zune can output video to a TV. Note, however, that the Zune30 is no longer manufactured. Also, if you are buying this kit for a Zune30, the Zune30 does NOT support component output; it supports composite only output(yellow plug). You need the Zune80 or Zune120 to use the component (HD) functionality. Just wanted to add this in since when I bought my Zune, I found this information very hard to come by on the interwebs.

UPDATE 9/20/09: Zune HD has launched and has its own dock. It's currently pretty pricey, but will drop just like the old dock did with a little time. For what it's worth, the new dock is backward compatible with the old Zunes. If you have a Zune HD, you'll need the new HD A/V dock. In addition to having a little different form factor, this new HD dock actually has an HDMI port AND a digital fiber optic audio port(toslink). This is a big deal.

Basically, you're going from 480i resolution (stereo sound) with the Zune 80/120 to 720p rez and surround sound, conceivably Dolby 5.1. This is a dream come true for travellers. Also you're getting a true digital connection simplified with the HDMI vs. the 3 component cables which is not truly a digital connection. Now the Zune HD uses the same interface on the bottom of the unit: i.e. connection with docks, car stereo cables, etc. so your existing stereo conversion cable you invested in is still gonna work fine. (mine is a Soundgate)

Also, it's worth noting that Microsoft is discontinuing my Zune, the Zune 120(as well as the previous zune models), in favor of this new lineup of the Zune HD. So if you want an older zune model, now's the time to pick it up. One other neat thing for those of you that took my advice and bought this AV kit for your Zune 2 is the new Zune HD shifts to a new custom UI whenever connected to a TV, instead of just displaying what's on the zune itself. Since I'm not what you'd call an early adopter, I'm not able to publish reviews yet on the Zune HD or new dock. Maybe I'll get one for Christmas. ;)

Like everything these days, this costs way too much. It should, in fact, have been included with the Zune. It adds so much value to it.

It is a very well-made product. The AV cables are nice and thick. They appear sturdy and resistant to kinks. Believe me, there are some really scrawny AV cables out there. These look like Monster cables. The dock fits all models of Zune with removable trays that accomodate the different sizes. My Zune 2 sits in it like a baby in a car seat. Very secure with no connection problems.

The power charger works without getting in your way. Plug the device in and whenever you dock your Zune, it will stay fully juiced up for your next journey.

The remote, while not fancy, is really great. It duplicates all of the Zune's controls minus the touch-sensitivity. You click and hold to scroll instead. It works so well, I don't miss the squircle at all. Most surprising, it works from across my living room without fail. I like the remote so much, I'm going to try using it when my Zune is connected to the car kit.

All materials are high-quality and I suspect they will last as long as the Zune. The AV kit works perfectly and I believe it is an essential part of the Zune. I almost took a star off for the high price, but it's such a great product and enhancement that it really is deserving of all five stars.

I have a Zune HD and I'm shocked by the horribly overpriced docks. I am happy to report that this dock works perfectly with the Zune HD. I use it for charging and sync'ing my Zune HD. Note this is the same as the Zune Dock Pack with two differences: this comes with the remote control and the composite video and audio cable. Naturally it does not have HDMI but it does have component video output so if you use your Zune HD for HDTV, and I don't think anyone seriously does, then you're not going to want this.

Now that the Zune HD is out I'm getting these older Zune docs for pennies on the dollar so I can have a dock at all the places I use my Zune HD.

Note that the Zune HD does wiggle a bit, but you can remedy that by not caring, or putting some felt pads on the dock adapter insert.

The AC adapter is a block with a folding plug and a USB jack. It works with nearly any USB-charged device, including LG cell phones, so this purchase is a real *steal* just to get the excellent AC adapter and the special composite video and audio cable.

This review is only for those who want to buy this for the Zune HD!

First about the remote, it will arrive with the battery depleted, so you will have to buy a new one. The reason for this is because the product boxes have been stored for quite a while, but at the reduced price it should be no big deal. The battery model is CR2032, you can get them on your favorite drug store etc. To replace the battery just turn the remote and you will see the arrow and the word "open". Press and push in the direction of the arrow, it will open just a little bit enough for you to see the battery. Check the manual for further instructions on changing the battery.

After you connect the dock to your TV following the instructions on the manual then connect your Zune HD to the dock.

The unit comes with 3 plates for the different Zune models, one will be on the dock and the other two will be on the package. In my case I did not use any of the plates since they are not designed for the Zune HD.

Be mindful to remove the plate that comes installed on the dock, with no plate installed on the dock insert the Zune HD with the screen facing forward, do this carefully since there is no plate and it will wiggle a bit.

Carefully navigate manually the Zune HD and using the touch screen of the Zune HD select settings, TV out, and from the list of options select the last one on the list. If you did it correctly, the screen of the Zune will display a small message and the video signal will appear on your TV screen.

In my case it appears:

Music
Videos
Pictures (Note to have the slide show feature activate, while viewing a picture press the play/pause button)
Radio (Will not work because the antenna usually is the headphone cables and that is not used when docked)
Marketplace (Will activate the wireless connection, and only music will be available)
Podcasts (Both audio and video podcast can be viewed)

Regarding the video quality, the dock does not support high definition since this dock was not designed for the Zune HD. If you sync the videos for HD play back you will get somewhere near DVD quality.

In my case I use the for device video quality when I sync my videos to save space and they are watchable.

Hope this review helps.

I just received this product the other day and I absolutely fell in love with it w/in 2 minutes!! It's a breeze to set up (getting it out of the packaging took longer than to set it up!!). I only have music on my 30GB Zune so I can't comment on how pictures or videos look, but having the music play through my home theater system is awesome! It sounds incredible and now my whole family can dance to the music instead of just me!!

I know the pricetag might be a little hefty, but I only paid $75.51 w/ Amazon and at Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc., the price was $99.99 for the EXACT same thing!! Amazon has a great deal on this product, and like I said, "it's awesome!!".

This docking station is a usefull addition to the Zune(which is GREAT!), but man is it difficult to drop the zune into to the slot. I've had it for almost 3 months, and I would say that about 5 times has it dropped in with easy. The rest of the time it takes longer then it would to plug an audio cable in the top. I've had other docking stations and the problem with this guy is the shallow hold. Once you do manage to dock the device, the system works great. I always try to use the remote, but feel a little foolish some times when I go searching for the remote rather then just using the input on the Zune. Video playing works well, but I haven't got much advantage out of the wireless syncing.

The Zune Home AV pack v2 unit has literally put my SONY 5 disc carousel CD player, from my home stereo rack system to death. What I mean by death is that I no longer play it. In the past, I would make my own CDs and load my CD player with my favorite music, put it on shuffle and push play. I'm a music lover and the problem I was having is that I could only load 5 CDs at a time. I had though about buying a CD player that holds up to 200 CDs, but I'm glad I waited and purchased the Zune 120GB instead. Now with the Home AV Pack, I'm able to load over 7000 songs onto my Zune (and I still have tons of space for more music), create several playlist, place it on shuffle and press play. The sound quality is just as good as my CD player and I no longer have to change disc or burn disc anymore. Great value for all music lovers who have tons of music!

I love this zune dock. It's easy to hook up and is a quick way to be able to listen to it while I am working around the house. It did take me a little bit to figure out that the dock base slides to accomadate other sizes of the Zune. The remote control is fantastic. Amazon's delivery was also very quick.

Awesome addition to the Zune 80G. Have been able to watch videos from my Zune on my 27" LCD TV as well as listen to music and see the information on the TV screen. Nice stand to charge my Zune rather than hooking it to my USB on the computer, especially when I'm not downloading music, etc. Highly recommended!

Just want to clarify up front that this product does work with the Zune HD. I was a little skeptical after reading some of the reviews, but I figured at under $15 it was worth a shot. When I first received it I plugged it in and it wasn't working, after reading a few more reviews I realized it was probably just a dead battery for the remote. turns out after replacing the battery it works great. Sound quality and video quality are on par with anything else that uses the Same standard AV connection. Overall a great product at a great price.