While there isn’t a huge accessory market like we see for the iPod yet, the Zune HD is a very compelling device and accessories are sure to follow. Microsoft did launch a couple last month and these two premier accessories let you connect to your HD TV and view high definition movies and shows and also enjoy your Zune audio content in the car. The HD AV dock is needed to take advantage of the HD part of the Zune and is a full featured accessory.
Front of the retail box with the name of the accessory in typical Zune colors.
You will find a basic instruction sheet, a plastic shield, and the Zune Premium Car Pack.
You can see the auto adapter and long cable that leads to the Zune attachment dongle.
Each part of the accessory is clearly identified and labeled.
The directions for using the accessory are actually incorrect since you do not press and hold the 1 and 2 buttons to scan for stations.
You don’t always have to use the FM transmitter and can use the 3.5mm jack to connect directly to your car stereo system.
Here you can see the end that plugs into your DC port. There is also a 3.5mm audio out jack and USB port on the accessory.
Check out my review for details on how to use this audio out port on the Zune Premium Car Pack.
The dongle connects to the bottom of the Zune HD. There are two large rubber buttons and then two areas around the display that also press in.
The Zune logo is shown on the back of the dongle.
You will see the optimal station appear on the dongle screen. You then simply dial into this channel on your FM radio.
Zune HD plugged into the dongle with directions to help out.
The back of the Premium Auto Pack assembly lights up to confirm there is power to the unit.
The Zune HD & AV dock are shown assembled and working in this view.
Labeling of the Zune HD & AV dock
The package contains three adapters for the different types of Zune devices.
There are a few different ways to connect your Zune to view content on your monitor or TV.
This is the basic setup method I followed, with the exception of the optical connection.
The Zune dock is pretty solid and stable so you can rest assured it will stay in place when you hook it up.
There is a directional pad layout on the top, with a four button controller and center action button below that.
The Zune logo appears under the four directional buttons.
This small battery fits under the lower back of the Zune dock remote control.
There is a power port, optical port, HDMI port and the USB cable. You will also find a thin long wire that is used as the antenna for FM radio reception.
The USB A/C adapter allows you to plug in the USB cable to keep the power to the Zune dock.
While it is optimized for the Zune HD, you can use older Zune devices with the Zune dock as well.
You will find a HDMI cable and AV out cable to use with the Zune dock.
The HDMI cable simply plugs into the Zune dock and video output source.
The Zune HD rests in the dock at a slight angle.
Much like the Zune Premium Car Pack there is a white backlit Zune logo that lights up when you have the dock powered up.
You need to take a few steps on the Zune HD to initiate the TV out capability.
I selected the auto output, but you can also choose 720P (HDMI) or 480P (AV cable) output. The output depends on the cable you are using and the supported TV or display.
This is what you will see while the video output is being played on your TV.
As you can see you will see a reduced menu compared to the menu of options on your Zune HD. You can view/listen to music, videos, pictures, radio or podcasts using the Zune dock.
Viewing photos you have stored on your Zune HD is a great reason to have the dock and share photos with friends.
FM radio support is provided, but HD FM radio is not supported through the Zune dock.
Here is one of our last church sermons shown in video with the Pastor’s slick text message survey appearing in the podcast.
Album art appears when you play music on your TV as well.
The slick animations scroll across your TV as you enjoy music content.
My daughter’s enjoyed watching family videos stored on my Zune on a larger display.
I am a huge podcast fan and can now enjoy podcasts in my rec room.
Those same now playing animations are supported by podcasts.
HD video content is amazing and looks fantastic on the Zune HD.
I didn’t think much about the HD capability of the Zune HD, until I tried out the Zune HD & AV dock.
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