Where To Download Zune Compatible Content
By Max on Jan 16, 2008 in MP3 Players
Microsoft’s newest incarnation of the Zune portable media device is now available for your listening pleasure. The Zune2 features more storage space than previous models, allowing you to watch longer videos and fit even more songs into your library. The new release has an updated button layout, sleeker design, and a larger screen.
While the new Zune may not be the “iPod Killer” it was hyped to be, the dynamic music player still has plenty of features and downloadable goodies to help you stay organized and entertained. Unlike other music and media players, the Zune uses Microsoft’s own proprietary encoding for formatting files, which can make it tricky to fill with media you have in different formats. But fear not - there are several sites you can utilize to bring all of your favorite tunes into your Zune.
Snagging new music, podcasts, and videos for your Zune
If you have a new Zune, and you are looking to load it with great music, movies, or videos, the first place to look is Zune.net. Microsoft’s official Zune Marketplace has a catalogue of albums, including big name artists, popular podcasts, and video from your favorite television shows. All of this great media content is available for download with a subscription to the service, which is $14.99 per month or $.98 per download.
While collecting content from Zune Marketplace is convenient, Microsoft may not always offer the tunes that are music to your ears. Naturally, there are many competing music download sites available to help you find music that you enjoy. Some of the biggest pay-per download and subscription music sites are Napster.com ($14.95 per month), Rhapsody.com ($.89 per song), and Emusic.com ($9.99 per month).
Filling up your Zune without depleting your pocket
The drawback of using these services is that they all cost money. Thankfully, there are some thrifty alternatives for beefing up your content collection and unlocking the power of your Zune that do not require any credit card transactions.
Would you like to load all the other music you have downloaded before from different services to your Zune? Wouldn’t it be fantastic to watch your favorite movies that you have bought in other formats on your Zune?
Using Windows Media Encoder is the great way to convert all of your existing media onto your new Zune. Because Zune uses a different filing system than most other portable media devices, it is necessary to convert the files you want to load. Although it may sound complicated, Zunethoughts.com has an easy-to-follow tutorial on how to use Windows Media Encoder. Simply follow the easy conversion instructions, and you will soon be watching your favorite DVD on your Zune’s three inch LCD screen.
If you like music, but you are tired of paying for featured artists, check out completely free Creative Commons licensed songs and albums. Visit Jamendo.com and discover a growing, international community of artists and fans. Simply click a tag to launch the music genre browser, and when you hear something your ears enjoy, click the artist’s name. The album and artist details will appear on a separate page, where you have the option to download the song or album you just discovered totally free.
Once the music is on your hard drive, simply transfer the files to your Zune, and you can hit the street with your new-found favorite band playing in your ears.
Now that your Zune is crammed full of content, it is time to personalize your mobile media player. Turn your Zune from nondescript digital gizmo into a unique extension of your own style and personality. Click on over to Zunewallpaper.com and have review great backgrounds for your Zune desktop. Browse the category links on the left and select from hundreds of free wallpaper designs, themes, and photos to customize your Zune before you head out the door enjoying great music playing in your ears.
