Before we get into how you would download a DVD movie to Zune here is a brief run through of the 2nd generation Zune.
First is the screen....no more plastic, Zune 2 now comes with a glass screen. As I'm sure you will agee this is a vast improvement for image quality.
If you got the 80MG Zune you now have the ability to watch what you have loaded on your Zune on you TV with Zune's video out capability. The resolution has increased to 720x576 vs the original 320x240.
Microsoft listened to its customers and made their second generation Zune small. It actually weighs less than the latest 80gb iPod. Is that a critical thing....naa, but its nice to see Microsoft listening to its customers.
Like to listen to the radio? The new Zune has a built in FM tuner....if you want that with other players it will cost an extra $50 or so.
Those are the highlights of the second generation Zune. So on to watching movies on a Zune.
The Geek stuff first...here are the Supported Video formats...(though dont worry too much about it, we'll guide you through it. Windows Media Video (.wmv): Main Profile, CBR or VBR, up to 1.5 Mbps peak video bitrate, 320 x 240 pixels, 30 frames per sec., with Windows Media Audio up to 192 Kbps, 44.1 kHz, stereo audio; Simple Profile, CBR, up to 736 Kbps video bitrate, 320 x 240 (720x576 80MB) pixels, 30 frames per sec
STEP 1
You need a program that will decrypt your DVD onto your hard drive. There are a number of programs out there to choose from. Some are easy to use while others are costly and require a degree in computer science to use. I use the one that Zune Empire has built into their download site, it's easy to use and you get step by step instructions (with pictures...my favorite kind of instructions).
Once you have the DVD decryption software loaded decrypt the DVD on to your hard drive.
Step 2
Now we are going to convert the DVD you just decrypted to a format call AVI. To do the you need to download a program called Deep Burner. DeepBurner is an advanced and powerful CD and DVD burning package. Wiit it you can burn any data, copy discs, make backups, burn astonishing photo cd albums, make ISO CDs and DVDs with just one easy to handle software- DeepBurner.
Simply choose beginner, locate your file and select the AVI conversion format from the above software.
Step 3
We are almost there so stick with me. The last thing we need to do is convert the file in a Zune format using a MP4Convert PC Version software. Again, I use the one in Zune Empire. Simply select the created AVI file and the software will do the rest.
Once that is done, you simply need to transfer the file to your Zune. That's all there is to it.
ONE STEP Method
If you want a one step process and are willing to spend about $30 then check out the Cucusoft DVD to Zune Converter ( http://www.free-lnfo.com/DVD_TO_ZUNE ). Its the easiest to use DVD to Zune converter software available. It can convert almost any type of DVD to play on Microsoft Zune Video player.
