Microsoft Confirms 64GB Zune HD, Price
The Zune HD 64GB version will cost just under $350.
In a short and sweet statement, Microsoft officially confirmed that a 64GB version of its Zune HD device is indeed hitting the market. Revealed via Zune Insider, the device costs $349.99 and will be available exclusively on the Zune Originals online shop starting April 12, 2010. Consumers will also have access to all colors (platinum, black, blue, red, green, purple, and magenta) and custom etching "to create the ultimate Zune HD to your liking."
Microsoft added that the new 64GB model allows consumers to carry up to 16,000 songs, or 20 hours of high definition video from Zune Marketplace, or 25,000 pictures.
The Zune Insider also confirmed $20 price drops of the two previous models: the Zune HD 16GB for $199.99 and the Zune HD 32GB to $269.99.
Additionally there was also mention of the upcoming 4.5 firmware update. Although no specific date has been set, project manager Nate Muller is scheduled to discuss the update during Friday's Zune Insider podcast.
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Nice... if I was in the market for an upscale MP3 player, I'd give this a serious look. I've always liked the Zune and would buy this hands down over an iPod. Just to be different of course
I got my iPid 32gb, and I'm quite happy with it.
Don't get me wrong, I actually hate everything else apple makes, including the ipad...
But I don't think me or my friends would even want anything else now.... They're just too late.
So this will be the same exact device, just more memory? I owned the 32 GB version for one day. I was debating Ipod Touch or Zune HD endlessly and I ended up going for it considering the OLED screen. But after actually using it, I decided it just wasn't for me. I decided on getting the Touch after all, but then I got a DROID...which kinda made it a moot point. A major overhaul of the Zune HD probably won't happen until next Fall. If they correct a few issues I might pick one up.
20-hours of HD-video into 64GB? Is that scaled for the Zune screen? If so, it won't be so high-def when I display it on my TV, which sorta makes it non-HD-video, doesn't it? I mean, thats 2GB/hour, which isn't even DVD-quality video. And if they compress it, at what point does the compression cancel out the HD-ness of it?
I just never thought of it before, but I don't like the way those numbers add up. HD means HD, not up-converted HD.
20-hours of HD-video into 64GB? Is that scaled for the Zune screen? If so, it won't be so high-def when I display it on my TV, which sorta makes it non-HD-video, doesn't it? I mean, thats 2GB/hour, which isn't even DVD-quality video. And if they compress it, at what point does the compression cancel out the HD-ness of it? I just never thought of it before, but I don't like the way those numbers add up. HD means HD, not up-converted HD.
Ok, so apparently you can edit comments posted on Tom's Hardware, but not Tom's Guide? Strange. Anyway, its 3GB/hour, which is better than DVD, but no where near Blu-Ray, so I'm not sure how HD this really is.
quake 3 is the best online wise.
hellwig - i have gladiator and a few other films at 720p (which is what the zune outputs i believe) and they are 6gig roughly so i suppose they're working it out at 3gig/hr like you said which is still in hd, just not 1080p....and they can reduce the quality of sound as i doubt you can hook it up to a decent dolby dts/hd receiver. i would like to try a zune but as microsoft wont sell them over here i can only guess and look at the pretty pics
Owning a Zune HD (16 GB) i can account that the HD video is 720p when outputted to a TV, it's compressed obiously, and just FYI, good compression does not decrease picture quality (at least not noticeably), crappy compression on the other hand, well, that's another story.
I have an ipod touch, and im sorry but Microsoft needs to just give up this battle and focus on Xbox. They will never get have the broad freeware platform to become as powerful a tool... unless it runs windows.
Bought a Zune HD 32GB a couple weeks ago and I love it
I'm keeping my wallet shut - ZuneHD needs bluetooth and a proper equalizer for me to get interested.
Ugh. Please drop the price more! I really want one with a decent capacity, but as a college student I can barely afford anything.
Are these ever coming out in Canada? I'm getting sick of waiting. Probably just gonna end up buying something else.
Need worldwide sales... I've been keeping myself happy with a 16gb card for my phone waiting on a 64gb one of these babies. Very tempted to just import one.
20-hours of HD-video into 64GB? Is that scaled for the Zune screen? If so, it won't be so high-def when I display it on my TV, which sorta makes it non-HD-video, doesn't it? I mean, thats 2GB/hour, which isn't even DVD-quality video. And if they compress it, at what point does the compression cancel out the HD-ness of it? I just never thought of it before, but I don't like the way those numbers add up. HD means HD, not up-converted HD.
It's not upconverted when you plug it into the dock. I mean I guess it is comparatively upscaled from 480x272 to 1280x720, but the 720p video resolution doesn't change, only the "monitor." It's the same concept of watching a 1080p video on a 1280x1024 monitor: it's still HD video, but it is downscaled to fit the resolution.
I think I may have found my new mp3 to replace my current 32GB ipod tuoch...
Personally, I'd only be interested in an MP3 player sporting Creative's X-Fi Crystalizer effect. That pretty much means Creative Zen only for me at the moment... (You should notice I care little for its video functions - I'd be happier without them as it'd cost less.)
The high prices are killing me!
My wife got me a Zune HD 32GB for my birthday back in February, and I've been extremely happy with it. The sound quality is great. Controls work well and are easy to get used to. HD radio is awesome! Internet access is pretty slick, and it's nice to have a wifi enabled device that fits in my pocket. Apps are still wanting, but that will come in time. Battery life is fantastic! About the only thing I would change is that I would allow for a user defined equalizer instead of just presets. But I can live with that.
They don't sell it here in Australia which is a pity as well... iPod pretty much has the monopoly in the rest of the world - no competition = even higher prices for those not in the US