Product review - Microsoft Zune AV kit
In my final installment of "convince people the Microsoft Zune rocks", I'm going to give you a quick look at the Zune AV kit. I've featured this pack of accessories before when I showed how to hook your own equipment up to the hotel TV.
As a refresher, here are the reasons I think the Zune is the best option out there are the moment for an MP3 player - the price is right, the interface is fantastic and the desktop software and Zune service are brilliant.
As I mentioned in my original review, there are not that many accessories for the device, certainly not as many as for the iPod, but the accessories that are available, are actually very good.
The Zune AV kit consists of the following parts:
- docking base
- composite video/audio cable
- remote control
- AC adapter
- Various docking base adapters
When you plug the AC adapter into the Zune dock or your computer, you power the built in remote control receiver, which means you can now control the Zune using the included pocket remote.
Unlike other players, the Zune actually displays everything from its screen onto the TV - this means you can sit back and use the remote to pick music, photos or movies, without having to pick your content on the device first.
When you use the Zune AV kit with an 80GB Zune, you can also use the Component connectors, hidden behind a removable panel on the rear or the dock. When you use these outputs on a TV with component inputs, you'll get a clearer picture, and while it won't be in HD, it will look pretty damn good.
The best part of the Zune AV kit? The price. The kit has an MSRP of just $59.99. To make that even better, you can pick the kit up from Amazon for under $44! This is insanely low when you compare it with "that other' brand of player, where the dock alone costs more than the entire Zune kit.
In an ideal world, the Zune AV kit would come with a carrying pouch, but the product isn't really designed to be taken on your trips, even though it functions perfectly "on the road".
All in all a solid and easy to use product with the kind of price that makes clicking "buy now" so much easier.
Filed under: Gadling Gear Review
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Barkin Apr 13th 2009 3:51PM
Your claim that, "This is insanely low when you compare it with 'that other' brand of player, where the dock alone costs more than the entire Zune kit," is patently false.
The iPod Universal Dock comes with a dock that charges the iPod and lets you plug the iPod into any video or audio source. It also comes with a remote. The complete AV Connection Kit (which also comes with lots of cables) used to retail for $99, but now it can be had for $30. See here:
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Connection-iPod-Connector-White/dp/B000E5XHGK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239651351&sr=1-3
Yes, Apple's iPod dock doesn't provide for on-screen menus, so you can only move forwards and back (and play and pause) with the remote. But there are a number of third-party solutions out there that do in fact offer this functionality (see docks from Onkyo, Griffin, and DLO).
Scott Carmichael Apr 13th 2009 4:58PM
Patently false? Sadly not :(
The AV kit you linked to ONLY works on the oldest of iPods. It will not work on the Classic, iPod nano gen 3 or 4, iPod Touch or iPhone (in other words, it won't work on any iPod that was purchased in the last 2 years).
Apple switched to a video cable system that requires an authentication chip. So, based off the Amazon prices, a kit with the same components as the Zune kit will cost:
Composite Cable - $46.99
iPod Dock+remote - $49
If you want component video connectors, that'll be an additional $49.
That said, if you do happen to have an older player, then you are correct in saying that the AV kit is indeed cheaper. Then again, the AV kit for the Gen 1 Zune can be found for about $14.
Robert Teague Apr 14th 2009 1:04PM
I love my Zune 120, I wouldn't trade it for anything in Apple's line. With the new Zune HD coming soon, I guess I'll be getting another (my third).
Carlos De Vincenzo Apr 23rd 2009 3:39PM
I agree with almost everything, except for you saying that the desktop software is brilliant. iTunes is much better, and I think Microsoft should invest a bit more there... On the other hand, the on-board software on my 120GB Zune is much better than the iPod Nano's last gen's. That said, since I don't spend a lot of time on the desktop organizing my media, I wouldn't trade my Zune for an iPod, even if it was free. I am looking forward to buying the docking station, but nowadays I connect my Zune to my xBox 360 and it works pretty well too.