Zune Home A/V Pack Reviews

• Zune Home A/V Pack is Awesome!

  
  By AGAXT9V4BAXTH on 2006-11-30
  I purchased the Black Zune and just received my AV Packs today. I hooked it up to my home A/V system in less than 5 minutes. Yellow, Red, and White hookups just like any other device.
  
  The dock is very sleak and clean looking with a frosted plastic base and shiny gun smoke/titanium colored black plastic top where the Zune rests. It is actually matches the metal on the front of the Zune surrounding the screen and control dial.
  
  After reading the manuals I was happy to learn that the top panel can be changed when future Zune players come out. So, instead of having to buy an entirely new A/V kit I will only have to replace the top to fit the next Zune.
  
  The remote works well. The controls match those on the Zune with the addition of a skip forward and back button and individual volume control buttons. It is black with a frosted plastic coating similiar to the black zune without the blue contrast. It is magnetized like the earphones so you can stick it to anything made of metal. I thought that was a nice feature depending on where you use your Zune. It will stick to the fridge!
  
  Once I had everything hooked up to my stereo receiver and TV, I was really happy with the ability to pull up my Zune menu and control the device on my TV screen with the Zune remote. It is literally like a "Supersized" Zune. The album art does not take up the entire screen like it does on the Zune but it does still appear on the screen the entire time you are listening to a song.
  
  The pack ships with the Zune Dock, Wireless remote with battery installed, an A/V cable, a power adapter which is made of shiny black plastic(IPOD like), and an additional Sync Cable. The sync cable plugs into the power adapter via a USB port on the power adapter.
  
  CAR STEREO INSTALLATION TIP: I purchased a second A/V pack that I am using with my car. I put the Zune dock in my car, plugged the Zune car charger into the dock and plugged the Zune a/v cable into the aux audio in(red/white RCA) cable coming off the back of my Alpine headunit. Bottom line, I am now able to charge via the dock and control my Zune via the wireless remote in my car without having to plug anything into the Zune. I just put the Zune in the dock and it is ready to go! If my car stereo were setup for video and I had LCDs I could then also hook the Zune A/V cable Video connection (yellow) up and the Zune video would play through the LCDs as well.
  
  I am also using the Zune dock as a docking station for my computer. All you have to do is hook your sync cable into the back of the dock and you have a docking station that syncs with your PC and the Zune software. Pretty cool!
  About the only negatives I have found with the A/V pack is that you are not able to turn the Zune off with the wireless remote. You have to walk up to the dock to turn it off or remove the Zune from the Dock. This isn't a major deal since it is always charging in the dock but it would be nice to be able to turn it off via the remote. Also, the resolution isn't perfect or HD quality. I have a 4/3 43" projection TV so that may play a part. This issue doesn't have much to do with the A/V Pack though. This has more to do with these type of devices not being able to store information in large resolution formats.
  
  
  
  

• Definitely a must-have for Zune owners

  
  By A14QOECFRVPD37 on 2007-01-09
  Solid design delivers as one would expect. Easy to set up and logically laid out.
  
  Hopefully the first of many "coordinated" toys for the Zune.
  
  To date, the only negative I have (which is somewhat counterintuitive) is that the docking station is such a perfect fit, you must remove any cover from the Zune prior to docking. This is only a problem if you have purchased a hard shell that is not made to be put on/taken off frequently.
  
  

• Excellent

  
  By AU1RE9X2LJNYM on 2007-07-29
  This is the one accessory you must have if you own a Zune, very sleek works exactly like it should, easy to plug in to existing stereo equipment and the magnetic remote is a very clever idea. Very happy with it
  
  

• WARNING! Dock is NOT compatible with 80GB Zune!

  
  By A276OPEM7G7ZEI on 2008-05-05
  The dock is compatible with the first generation 30GB Zune, *not* with the new 80GB Zune.
  
  

• Great value! Remove dock's silver faceplate to use with 80GB Zune

  
  By A2Q543TN0328O1 on 2008-07-08
  This is a super value. The big-box stores in my area sell the wall plug adapter alone for $30, but with this package it's included with lots of other goodies. The local big-box stores in my area sell a similar boxed set for $80, but it's not as good because their remote has fewer controls. This one on Amazon is definately a best buy. The remote control is useful for skipping a song in a playlist during dance classes, and I love the volume control & pause features on the remote. I doubt I'll use the video output cables, but this could be useful while staying in a hotel if you wanted to watch a movie from your Zune on a TV while traveling. There is a small instruction booklet which comes with the set, but it doesn't explain that you do need to remove the silver faceplate from the dock in order to plug in the 80GB version of the Zune. It took me a while to figure that out, and I used a screwdriver to gently press in the little button to release the silver faceplate from the dock (it's a narrow button).
  
  
• Zune Home A/V Pack
  By A39U9FH91NZUWT on 2007-12-24
  I received the Zune Home A/V Pack about two weeks ago and was so excited to connect my television up to my Zune. The first problem was I own a Zune 2 80gb and nowhere in the two pamphlets that came with the Home A/V Pack state that it will not fit. I had to remove the insert just to connect the Zune. This leave the only support for the Zune is the connector. This is not very durable in my opinion.
  
  However, the Home A/V stand did connect easily to my television. Excellent picture quality as long as the video source is good to begin with. The remote has good range and is easy to use. The only way the remote could be better would be if it had the same touch button on the Zune. The footprint of the base is very small and has a holder for the remote.
  
  Since the A/V Pack does not seem to be made for the Zune 2 80gb I had to return it. I am planning on purchasing the Home A/V Pack 2 hopefully that will fit my Zune.
  
  Pros:
  Easy Setup
  Remote is small and simple to use with excellent range
  Base has small footprint
  Great picture depending on source
  
  Cons:
  Limited support documents or manuals
  Short A/V cables with large connectors that can stress television inputs
  Does not auto detect being connected and send display to television
  No extra inserts to support Zune 2 80gb
  
  I would recommend the Zune Home A/V Pask to anyone as long as the did not have a Zune 2 80gb.
  
  
  
• Works with 80gb Zune
  By A14AE1FJYHJSQV on 2008-07-04
  I just bought two of these to go with my new 80gb Zune (which is wonderful). I was hesitant about buying them as I kept reading the docking station isn't compatible with the 80gb Zune. It is.
  
  When you get the docking station, you will notice a small slit on the inside wall of the remote slot. Slip a knife or screwdriver into the slot slightly and pull up. The mirror cover pops off. Underneath it is solid black so it doesn't look like you took it apart. Without the cover, the Zune slot is big enough to fit the 80gb Zune perfectly.
  
  The only thing that is different than using the Docking Station v2 is that the video connection is composite rather than component. If that doesn't matter, you'll get more bang for the buck by buying this version.
  
  My second docking station and remote will be used in the car with a car charger and hookup to the stereo - just pop in the Zune and go.
  
  
• Zune Home Pak Review
  By A3JFGCJ8VSWIZM on 2007-01-18
  Everything in this package serves it's purpose. I suggest this pak to anyone who already has a home stereo system. Instead of buying a separate boom box (like the $300 Bose system for Zune)take advantage of the speakers you already have. This is a stylish way to display and use your zune in your home. It's great for when guests are over your house. I also let it play on my home stereo (that's also linked to my dvd player and tv) turn down the volume on my tv and listen to music while I play a game on the PS2. The product itself is sturdy and stylish. The remote control is magnetic so you can toss it onto your fridge so it won't get lost.The audio/video cable is good quality. I bought a home surround sound stereo system w/built in DVD player Phillips $120. This home Pak for under $100. And I feel i've got the best of all worlds.
  
  
• This thing is a little spendy but worth every penny.
  By A1JGGZADHMATMO on 2007-08-26
  I was a little nervous about spending this much when i could really just get by with a $5 3.5mm A/V cord that i already own. Having said that, now that i have had the home kit for a few weeks, i am so glad i decided to buy it. I should have ordered it with my zune!
  
  It is a solid dock and doesn't feel cheap. Everything that comes with it seems to be of superior quality when compared to cheaper no name zune accessories. I thought about just getting the dock but when you add in the price of a good AC adapter (the cheap one i bought broke in two days), an extra sync cable, a good set of A/V cables, and the remote - it just makes more sense to buy the kit.
  
  The main reason i wanted this was to be able to control the zune from the couch with a logitech harmony remote I also bought from Amazon. If you don't own a harmony i suggest you get one NOW. The remote that comes with the home kit is great but it is rather small and using separate remotes for every device in your media center is a crap substitute for having something like a Harmony.
  
  Overall i am very happy with the home kit. It lets me listen to music over my home stereo while the zune display is on my TV and control it all from the comfort of the couch.
  
  A+
  
  
  
• Great idea - critical flaw for my intended use
  By A2WGO3GXNSYM6E on 2008-03-09
  First the good. This AV kit is great quality. I like it better than the new version. It is of substantial enough weight that I could dock and undock the Zune without the dock skittering all over the place. If you have wireless syncing set up, the powered dock allows you to drop your Zune in and it will automatically sync over your home WiFi network periodically, or on demand. This made it super to drop it in at night and pick it up on the way out to work in the morning and have all of my podcasts up to date with no intervention on my part. (Other than the initial setup.) HOWEVER... One of the things I wanted to do was to watch video podcasts on my TV. For some reason which I cannot fathom, when you turn the TV output on, the wireless ceases to connect. If, while you have the TV out enabled, you navigate the menus and tell it to turn on wireless and do a manual sync, it will say it is trying to connect, but will eventually time out unsuccessfully. Add to that the fact that you have to manually enable the TV out by navigating the menus EVERY SINGLE TIME you put the Zune in the dock and it is a very frustrating experience. There is no option to tell it to default to TV out whenever it is placed in the dock. In short, I thought this could give me the same convenience/functionality I wanted from the Apple TV, but they have made some blunders either in the firmware configuration or in the hardware design of the Zune that keep it from doing the things I want, that seem to be well within reason and the hardware's capability.
  
  
• Important to know!
  By A2QRIAGC06TE7J on 2008-04-08
  Not all Zune models work the same with this Home A/V Pack. Here are three key facts one should know:
  
  1. Only the Zune 8GB and Zune 80 GB are 2nd Generations models. The 4GB and 30GB models are 1st generation, but still quite good. All models support the audio features of the Home A/V Pack.
  
  2. The Zune Home A/V Pack is an outstanding accessory that makes your Zune more useful - especially with the remote control. It's essentially a powered dock that charges your Zune and provides audio and video output cables to your TV and/or stereo system. The cables are standard composite a.k.a. "RCA jacks", the same red/white/yellow kind that come from a traditional VCR or video game. If you connect the Home A/V Pack to your sound system, you'll probably have to plug into the "VCR In" jacks to get the video feature. All the "CD In" connections I've seen on receivers don't include a jack for video because CD players are typically audio only.
  
  3. When using the Home A/V dock, only the large capacity Zune models (30GB and 80GB) support the video output feature letting you view your Zune screen on your TV. Therefore, only the 80GB model has both the video output feature and the 2nd generation technology. Compared to the 30GB model, the 80GB Zune has significantly increased resolution which helps considerably when viewing digital pictures or videos.
  
  All things considered, I recommend the 80GB Zune over the 8GB model. With 10 times the capacity plus the video output feature, it's well worth the price jump from $150 to $250. It really is cool to browse through hundreds of CDs with your remote and then play songs (or playlists) with the album art displayed on a big-screen TV with surround sound.
  
  P.S. The only complaint I have with using the Zune Home A/V Pack is minor. Every time you place the Zune in the dock, you have to navigate the Zune's small screen for a while to reach the menu option switching it to video output ("TV output: On"). You can do this with the remote control if you can still read the small screen from that distance. The Zune can synch wirelessly to pull from your PC any new songs you have ripped from CD or downloaded from the Internet. Therefore, you don't need to remove and re-dock the Zune much if you just use it as a large CD jukebox. If you take it with you as a portable device, docking again is more of a nuisance if you want to see the video output on your TV.
  
  
  
• Home AV Kit--Replace docking station
  By A26LI2QS0LHKOT on 2007-01-30
  I loved this home kit. It works great with the stereo and it is nice ot have the plug charge for traveling. The only down side is that the dock was a waste for me. I wanted a durable zune case that would look good and protect the zune screen at the same time. The Toughskin case does all three and is EXACTLY what I was looking for protection. The only down side to the Toughskin case is that the zune will not fit in this docking station while it is in the case. I believe that is an engineering problem of the docking station. This is NOT a bulky case, it fits the zune perfectly, however, even with removing the insert of the docking station, the zune does not fit the dock while in the case. Why they didn't make a docking station that would accommodate a zune in a fitted case, makes no sense. No one is going to want to take the trouble of removing a case each time they dock their zune. They should take these docking stations back from customers who feel as I do and replace them at THEIR expense with something that works! As for the Home AV Kit and the Toughskin case, I highly recommend both; the other cases just didn't seem to offer this quality of protection while also having a nice professional appearance. The rest of the Home AV kit is worth it. I am giving the Home AV kit only three stars because they need to get back to the drawing board on this docking station.
  
  
  
  
• Buyer Beware Zune 30 GB and Home A/V
  By A1P0WX85DUGNI2 on 2008-01-04
  Zune Home A/V Pack Amazon did not make clear that the Home A/V pack was an older version. I also bought the 30GB Zune at the same time. This also was the 2006 version. The promotional code for a free trial of the Zune Marketplace (included with the Zune) was no longer valid. Amazon did not respond to my request for a valid code. A former Amazon customer.
  
  
• Zune Home A/V Pack Review
  By A2UWJVMALY56GR on 2007-01-11
  I'm very happy with this product. Installation and setup are easy and the device plays flawlessly on a Bose Lifestyle system. The only reason I did not give it a 5 out of 5 is that the remote operation is not always intuitive (like which button to hit to go forward, back, pause, etc.). It's easy to figure out through trial and error, but it could be easier and the documentation is very minimal.
  
  
• Very happy with product
  By A3H8IE09O1EUWP on 2007-01-22
  I was actually very happy with the product sound was great. The remote took a little gettting use to, but that wasn't any real issue. The Product acctually came before the delivery date by 6 days. Good going Amazon. I also enjoyed the free shipping. Over all I really did like the product. It was everything they said it was in the description.
  
  
• Nothing great about the bundle
  By A1SW8RSOKSU51U on 2007-02-22
  
  Dock: I bought the AV pack mainly for the Dock and wall charger. The dock's A/V output does not work without power.
  
  Wall charger: Does what it is supposed to do. supports 100-240v. So the same wall charger will work in US as well as Europe. I feel it is a bit bulky.
  
  AV Cable: This is the best part of the pack. I connected my Zune dock to my AV receiver and it sounds great. Havent tried the video part of it.
  
  Remote: The Volume controls works only with the center controls and not with the volume control buttons at the bottom. Is this just my remote or all the ones? So there is atleast 1 defective item in this pack.
  
  Sync cable: Just a back up. I don't really need this.
  
  
• Works with the Zune 80!
  By A15TXL3N450X39 on 2008-05-18
  It also works with the Zune 80. You just remove the plastic cover. The remote controls all the functions of the zune perfectly. For $20, this is definitely a great deal for any zune user. All the accessories in this pack can be used with the new zunes.
  
  
• Home A/V pack
  By A3IA7JT4YXPI0Y on 2007-01-16
  Works as intended. Was brand new in a selaed box. Shipping time was very prompt. would recommend to anyone who is in the arket for this product.
  
  
• Very pleased so far
  By AA2CV2Z7XZQWG on 2007-05-16
  I just got my Zune dock at Circuit City and it works great except for a few problumes that I've had with the remote. My first A/V pack had a dead remote, it would not work even after a battery change, so I took it back. On my second remote the volume controls do not work, I tried plugging the cables directly into the zune dock and then tried plugging into the top of the zune but they still do not work but I can live with it.
  
  Part of the video runs off the side of the tv screen, so any video that has subtitles might be a problem when viewing on the tv.
  
  All and all I'm happy with it so far, It dose what I wanted to do with it, I put crazy video's that I find on the internet on my zune and I can easily show them to people on the TV. The best part is I can take the dock with me to my friends houses and easily show them the video's instead of waiting for downloading or lugging around my laptop.
  
  On a final note, I do see a lot of people are having troubles with tv to zune resolution but the problem isn't with the Zune to tv conversion, its probably the compressed videos/ images you are using. Most of the videos that come with the zune are compressed so much that you can even see pixelation on the zune screen, I would guess (haven't looked at it yet) that the size of the video's are 320 pixels x 280 pixels and standard TV broadcast is almost twice that size, so any video that you put on your zune that is smaller that 620px x 480px is going to look like crap. If you have an HD TV, the resolution is even larger, above 1,000px. The movies on the Zune are compressed too keep file sizes low, if you want quality videos your going to have to buy a DVD and rip a copy for yourself and then you'll have quality. Most likely you won't find any videos on a website that look good, because they are compressed for web, under 400mb for a tv episode. A quality movie can be 2-4gb so keep that in mind when you view videos from your zune on the TV
  
  
• Nice product, a tad pricey
  By A1BKLUI7WF1FLC on 2008-02-24
  We bought this item (although not through Amazon) to go with the Zune 80 that we got for Christmas. Except for the slightly high price, I am very pleased with it.
  
  True, as others have mentioned, you don't need this to connect your Zune to a home entertainment system - any audio cables will do. What this does allow, however, is the ability to charge the unit without being plugged into the computer. With the wireless sync capability of the Zune 80, Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player Black (2nd Generation)which is an awesome feature, I never take the Zune into our office where our main computer is. I just dock it in the living room with the entertainment system, and it is always ready for playing our collection.
  
  The remote is adequate. Its best feature is the magnet. The remote is so small and sleek that I fear we would easily misplace it, but since it has a magnet, we just put it on the side of our refridgerator (any metal surface would do), and always know where to find it.
  
  The other redeemeing feature of this is the video output, so that you can use the TV screen for selecting your music. This, paired with the remote, should make it very handy. We haven't tried this out yet, so I can't comment on it, but it seems like it should be useful and straight forward.
  
  We bought our Zune as a replacement for our famliy CD carousel, which went on the fritz. Rather than spend the money on a new CD player, we put it towards a Zune. We are please with the decision, but the Zune would not get as much use with our stereo if it wasn't so easy to do thanks to this product.
  
  My only compaint is that we initially found it very difficult to insert the Zune into the case, to the point that we wondered if we had the wrong product or needed a different plastic insert. Eventually we learned the trick, however, and after multiple insertion/removal sequences it is getting easier. I guess it was designed to be a bit tight so that the Zune wouldn't easily fall out, but they went a tad overboard!
  
  
• Pretty nice for the price.
  By A3O4Y72NAK214J on 2008-05-02
  Pros: This product is well made and has some really nice features. You get an extra sync cable as well as the ability to charge it from a wall socket instead of a computer which is surprisingly useful. Being able to see your music selection on your TV also boosts the usability of it a great deal as you can see the track even from across the room. The remote has a very powerful magnet in the back of it which is really handy for keeping it in arms reach and out of harms way.
  
  Cons: The remote has to be pointed DIRECTLY at the dock to get the signal to do anything. It's a little annoying, but if you keep the dock up high enough then you shouldn't have too many problems. Only other complaint I have is that the docks hole for the zune to rest in is too small for my silicone case so I have to take it off every time I want to hook it up, which is honestly my own fault and a minor inconvenience.
  
  Other Thoughts: I would buy this again in a heartbeat, if you like listening to music while playing cards with friends or like listening to music while cleaning your apartment, this thing is fantastic. Oh, and it's also pretty handy if you're on a trip and need a way to charge your zune because you don't have to drag your computer around with you. Well worth the little amount it costs
  
  
• Exactly what it says it is...
  By ASDWUYRRV5710 on 2008-06-04
  This is a must-have accessory if you own a Zune. Set-up is a snap, and you'll be listening to your music in no time, while charging your Zune at the same time. You can also connect it to your computer to use as a sync station, but I just use the wi-fi option. The remote is such a convenient feature! *NOTE* - video output is only supported for the 30 gig and 80 gig players, not the small ones.
  
  
• New Zune 80 and AV dock
  By A3A5PHEQ6UX78C on 2008-07-28
  I have the new Zune 80 and ordered this kit after reading the reviews.
  
  When I received the kit it was quick to set up (about 2 minutes). However something wasn't right. The remote/dock station didn't work. My Zune fitted the dock station. but it seemed to be facing backwards. The screen was facing away from the remote sensor and leaning towards the remote control slot and cable in sockets. Is that right?
  
  I attached the AV cables directly to the zune (headphone socket) and got music/video on the TV. I attached the Zune directly to my PC using the sync cable supplied, it worked.
  
  If I placd the Zune in the docking station, nothing. I used the power adaptor and sync cable to the dock, nothing. The AV cables from the dock to TV, nothing. Sync cable from PC to dock, nothing. Changed the battery in the remote, nothing.
  
  Either the dock was kaput or the new Zune 80 wasn't compatible. I'm guessing the later despite other comments on here.
  
  Returning the kit day after getting it.
  
  
• Not compatible with 2nd generation 80 GB Zune
  By A1GUJV2MY87Q9 on 2008-08-14
  This dock is not compatible with the newer 80 GB Zune models. The docking interface is backwards and the Zune does not attach properly to the unit.
  Unit itself is nicely built, solid feel, so it gets 2 stars for that.
  
  
• Faster than expected!
  By A3SPLRRD8SXT9F on 2007-01-10
  Second order - and it arrived sooner than expected in time for our early Christmas celebration! Very dependable! Don't need all the cords but the price on this combo is more than worth it - it's like getting the AC adapter for free!
  
  
• Good accessory pack for the Zune
  By AEYSTKWN2F1GN on 2007-05-13
  I found this accessory pack very helpful with my Zune. It is great for charging the Zune (from a computer or power outlet) and for connecting the Zune to TVs.
  
  There are some negatives, however: First of all, it doesn't come with a carrying case, which is annoying considering the steep price and the number of components in the pack. Also, the remote control is VERY weak--I had trouble getting it to work from much more than five feet away (so don't plan on using the remote from across a room). Lastly, I think a mini-to-mini cord would've been very helpful. The connecting cord is great for hooking the Zune up to a TV using RCA jacks, but you cannot use this cord for hooking the Zune up to many speakers or audio systems.
  
  
• Zune, Zune, Zune
  By A2V90L6S80TSVG on 2007-05-14
  The Zune Home A/V Pack is nice! The small remote control that comes with is handy and functions well. It's also magnetic which I just discovered by accident. It's a nice way to charge your Zune if you don't want to synchronize your player each time with your computer. The only thing that I didn't care for is each time you turn your system off and bring it back on again, you have to reset the display setting to TV out. It's a small annoyance though. If you like to view photos with it, it's great for sharing them on your TV.
  
  
• Must have for home use
  By AOQUPS5WSINVL on 2007-05-14
  I've had my Zune since its release in November and I love it. I just bought a expensive home audio system from Brookstone and needed something to plug the Zune into. With this nice equipment from them it's a lot easier, I can sit anywhere in the room with the remote and control my Zune. I love my Zune a lot and now with this pack i love it and utilize it even more. Thanks Microsoft.
  
  
• Zune Home Pack
  By AW7OQ4NMOF7PU on 2007-05-20
  I like this, it has all you need and it is portable.
  
  
• Works As Advertized
  By A3LEX3DGDPY4TM on 2007-10-20
  I got 2 of these A/V Kits from local BestBuy (Potomac Mills, VA)@$21.00 each. I got 3 more at Manassas store on a price match at $21.00 each. Picked up 4 30GB Zune's from Woot.com for $99.00 each. Good deal for gifts.
  
  

• Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (Black)
• Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (White)
• Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (Brown)

• Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player, Red (2nd Generation)
• Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (Black)
• Microsoft Zune 30gb Travel Combo Set - Ac Wall Charger + Auto Car Charger + USB Data Cable (3 Pcs)
• Zune Car Pack
• Zune Travel Pack