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127 of 128 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Zune home a/v pack v2 works with 120 gb, great component output video, December 3, 2008
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. ;)
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44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A pricey but essential Zune accessory, April 3, 2008
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.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome!!, February 10, 2008
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!!".
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