Second-Gen Zune 30 Can’t do Component

If you were thinking about buying a Zune 30 (now that it has second-generation firmware), Microsoft has put in very tiny print that you won’t be able to use component video-out with it. Only the Zune 80 can use component video… despite both using the same second-generation dock.Here’s the straight talk from Microsoft:

If you use component cables, you also have to use a Zune 80GB device. Only the Zune 80GB device supports component video. If you try to use a Zune 30GB device, a black and white screen will appear.”

4 Responses

  1. Xbox666
    Xbox666 November 15, 2007 at 3:44 am |

    Completelly false!

    mine works nice!

    Reply
  2. Christopher Price
    Christopher Price November 15, 2007 at 4:26 am |

    Are you saying that you have a second-generation Zune 30 GB that is working with component (not composite) video?

    It would be very odd for Microsoft to make such an explicit (albeit, buried) statement if it were not correct.

    Reply
  3. Xbox666
    Xbox666 November 15, 2007 at 5:45 am |

    There is no Second-Gen Zune 30, only 4, 8 and 80.
    And the Zune 30 with the Second Gen Firmware, works perfect!

    Reply
  4. Christopher Price
    Christopher Price November 15, 2007 at 1:51 pm |

    I wasn’t talking about hardware, by second-generation I was referring to firmware (all Zunes share a common firmware). However, Microsoft replaced the dock and hardware to take advantage of the new video processor in the Zune 80, which can do component. I’d be surprised to see the Zune 30 working with it.

    Hopefully someone else will confirm your report… I may myself if I have the time…

    Reply

Leave a Reply