Creative ZEN (8 GB) Fast Forw

All, I listen to PodCasts on my Creative ZEN. I've noticed that MP3 files from one PodCast won't fast-forward correctly. I'll fast-forward 0 min (according to the display) and yet it will only move forward 0 sec or so on the file (and sometimes it will even move backward). At the end of the file (according to the count down in the lower right-hand side of the screen) it continues to play the file but won't fast-forward at all. I have the latest firmware (.20.02). My Creativer Nano didn't have this problem with the same files. I've tried dragging-and-dropping the file directly onto the player as well as using the Creative software. Any ideas on the problem Thanks,- ThePol2

I have the same problem with my Creative Zen. When I open a file that is longer than about 40 mninutes, if? I fast forward it to the end, it stops at -0 seconds, but then when I play it it has only reached about 20 minutes (for example) in a file that is hour 7 minutes. After this, the only way to get to anything past 20 minutes in the file is to play it slowly to the point at which I want. Can't bookmark anywhere past this point either.
I have installed the new firmware, .2.03 with no solution.
Please help! I? am listening to a whole series of lectures now and really need this to work. this makes it nearly impossible to get through these files.
thank you,
Roger

Similar Messages

Zen Neoon cant fast forwa

Hi.
I have a Zen Neeon with the latest firmware (.0).
My problem, beside no firmware update for a year, is that i cant fast forward some track. The time meter goes to the beginning but the music keeps playing.
Does anyone can help me?
Best regards,
Miguel Goyanes

My firmware version is .0 [size="" color="#222222">25 May 06 and the tracks are MP3's.

Creative Zen Style M300. My story.

Hello to all,
The following is a list of features that, in my humble opinion, every decent MP3 reader must have:
1) Must be SMALL. Images and video must be avoided because they increase screen size: MP3 reader is for playing music, I use it during jogging and I need to hold it in a single hand. If I want to see images and videos I use my smartphone.
2) Must have a great capacity even if you play only music. I usually buy 8 GB players and expand it with 16 GB SDHC card. 24 Gb is enough for me.
3) Must have a battery duration of, at least, 15 hours.
4) Must have a processor fast enough to have a good response time.
5) MUST support browsing by folder.
6) Must have FM radio.
7) Buttons must be responsive and placed in right places in order to be easily accessible with a single hand.
8) The output must be sufficiently loud.
9) Must support MP3 and WMA.
10) Must have a good SNR.
One year ago the only player that fits all these requirements was Sansa Clip Plus. A very well designed MP3 reader (in terms of features). BUT, my first Sansa Clip Plus battery dead after 6 months. At the time no other valid alternative exists... so I buy a second Sansa Clip Plus. After some months, it stop to works with apparently no reason. How sad. Look like that battery and/or power system of Sansa Clip Plus is very poor. So I have tried to find a valid alternative. I have tried the Creative Zen Style M300. But it lacks some important features. Referring to the previous list:
1) The size is acceptable.
2) OK
3) OK
4) Not fast and responsive as the Sansa Clip Plus but could be accepted (Sansa Clip Plus is very very fast).
5) This feature is absent and IMHO is a totally wrong decision. I have tons of MP3 organized in folders and now I have to reorganize they differently. In addition the reader come with no software and I don't know how to edit ID3 tag.
6) OK
7) Touch buttons are a really bad choice for a MP3 reader. They are not very responsive and badly located (hard to be handled by a single hand). To be more comfortable the volume buttons should be placed on the left side (usually managed by forefinger and middle finger of the right hand).
8) Volume is poor. Equalizer have no effect if your volume is near the maximum level (31), because the output power is limited. Look like Creative limit power for European models. Sansa Clip Plus also limit power, but you can choose your country in the configuration menu and if you select a country outside Europe, you can overcome that problem.
9) OK
10) OK
I wish to report my experiences hoping that Creative designers can read it.
- A disappointed customer

Hi,
Most music (classical) is from ripped CD's, some albums from eMusic. If needed I use Mp3tag.
The problem is that the pics seem to show up or not at random. It's not a big deal really, just odd.
I don't have this problem with my Zen X-Fi 2. Only problem there is pics for .flac files.
Gilles

Creative Zen Review With the AudioBook Listener In Mi

Here is a copy of my review of the Creative Zen which I just published on the amazon.com mp3 player forum in the thread I started over a year ago entitled "What's the best player for AudioBooks " It is the longest thread in the forum with little indication of slowing down, and it can usually be found as the first thread in the forum.
http://www.amazon.com/tag/mp3%20play...MxM6KCQW5Q9B6C
I wound up getting the Zen 4GB a few weeks ago but delayed posting until I figured out how I liked it.
- I like that it has a big screen with big text that I could get by using without my reading glasses (old eyes) in a pinch. That is a very toughtful touch I have't seen on any other players (not that I've seen them all.)
- The big screen will also show pictures and videos which I don't care much about but is a nice feature if desired.
- The big screen doesn't come with a cover and it will get scratched up fast. It took me a while to figure this out so my screen got a little scratched up before I realized it.
Consider screen covers mandatory. They are sold seperately in a 3 pack for around $8. This is so important the device ought to have come with at least one screen cover in the box, even if it raised the price $2. My screen cover has been on for a few weeks and shows no sign of wear or coming loose. I did combine it with a rubber device cover I got on amazon for $3 which protects the whole device and covers the edges of the screen and screen protector. The unit is now protected. The cover comes with a little strap and D-Ring clip which is good for hanging onto some piece of clothing.
- It has a built in battery which is good. It supposedly takes a long time to recharge but that is not an issue for me. I just plug it in to a USB port with the included 4" long cable and it has plenty of time to charge during the day for my use. A fast AC charger is available at extra cost (~$25 I think.)
- Defect: The unit shuts off after being on pause for a few minutes (good) but it starts up at the beginning of the track when you restart (bad.) If you turn it off, it restarts where you left off as it should. This would not be an issue for music listeners, but it is for audiobook listeners when the track may be an hour to several hours long.
- Defect: Bookmarks are not at the top of the Menu list and although some menus are customizable, the one with Bookmarks is not.
- Defect: You can't get to Bookmarks when in the book. You have to back up to Music Menu, click to get to menu, and scroll 2 spots to get to Bookmarks. Not a deal breaker when you get used to it, but clearly not designed properly with the audiobook user in mind.
- Sound quality: very good. Even with music, very nice.
- Included headphones: Nice sound. They fall out of my ears and get tangled up a lot but I think thats true of most earbud headphones. I'm going to get the Sony Sport headphones I've had before with a foldable over the head strap.
- Bookmarks: 0. Plenty for me. (Who listens to more than 0 books at a time )
- Price: $90 for 4GB. I thought that was quite reasonable.
SUMMARY: With a few menu enhancements and the ability to return to it's place after a pause/shutdown, I'd consider this device close to perfect for the audiobook listener.

Try going into "Control Panel->Administrati've tools" and clicking on "Computer Management". Find "disk management" in the left pane and click it. Your Stone should be in the right somewhere. I think you need to right click, then "choose dri've letter and paths" and give it a dri've letter with the "add" button. Let us know if that works.

Helpful hints for new Creative Zen MP3 2/4/8/16/32 GB (flash) Users On

Summary of helpful hints (from this forum and me) for new Creative Zen MP3 2/4/8/6/32 GB (flash) Users Only!
Rev..
Date: 4/28/2008
Author: ZenAndy
Creative terminology:
MP3 Player Recovery Tool - A program that resolves the majority of player problems quickly.
One click is all it takes to update your player to the latest available firmware, and to give your player a clean bill of health.
Link: http://www.creative.com/products/mp3...me.asp region=
Note: You can also go to "Creative" "Support" "downloads" choose your MP3 Player type to obtain the latest firmware and software releases.
Note: On your Zen you can look under "System" & "Information" and then compare the firmware download
releases OR you can have the "MP3 Player Recovery Tool" (above) do it for you automatically.
Note: Creative Zen 4/8/6 GB "MP3 Recovery Tool" DOES NOT stop on a firmware comparison match.
Note: All firmware releases/revisons for the 4/8/6 GB Zen also works (is the same as) for the 2 GB & 32 GB Zen.
Recovery Mode - If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you boot the player into its unique Recovery Mode, and then clean up, format or reload the firmware.
. The player is not detected in Creative MediaSource or Windows Media Player
2. The battery does not last as expected
3. Your computer stops responding during file transfers
4. There is a power outage during file transfers
5. There is an error about firmware
6. LCD displays a "Firmware Problem" message
7. Your player is not responding.
8. The player is performing erratically.
Getting Started
. Load your Creative Zen software from CD FIRST and BEFORE plugging the Zen MP3 player, using the short cable, into the PC USB port to charge it.
2. Try charging the Zen MP3 player directly from the USB port on the PC. If not, make sure the USB Hub you are using is adequately powered to provide full charging current to the Zen player. Also, try to have the Zen MP3 player as the only USB device, if possible, on the USB hub.
Some/most Creative Zen flash MP3 Music players come "fully discharged" so, in the mean time, just read the manuals.
FULLY charge the Zen MP3 player for several hours (~4.0 hrs max) until the battery symbol is NOT flashing AND the battery symbol/icon has a small plug/key symbol in the middle.
After the first full charge - additional charging is much quicker about 2 /4 hours. (From 0% empty to full)
3. Go to Creative/Support/Downloads and check for the latest software releases for the Creative Zen. Then check on your Zen MP3 player under System/Information for your firmware revision. Make sure you have the latest software downloaded on your PC and firmware on your Zen MP3 player. < Latest revision [.2.0] 28Feb08>
OR
You can run MP3 Player Recovery Tool - see above.
4. In some cases you might have to do the Recovery Mode "paper clip reset" to get the Zen MP3 flash player started.
See the Zen User's Guide FAQ. The paper clip reset hole is on the bottom edge below the music pause/run switch.
(Not the slotted mic hole on the top edge of the player near the earphone jack and SD card slot!!!)
5. My preference is to have the player shutdown/off before inserting and removing the earphone/headphone plug.
Recovery Mode Using The Paper Clip OR
Alternati've Method For Recovery Mode Without The Paper Clip.
Why use it's
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
. The player is not detected in Creative MediaSource or Windows Media Player
2. The battery does not last as expected
3. Your computer stops responding during file transfers
4. There is a power outage during file transfers
5. There is an error about firmware
6. LCD displays a "Firmware Problem" message
7. Your player is not responding.
8. The player is performing erratically.
Save a copy of your player's content, if possible, before cleaning up the memory!
Recovery Mode Using The Paper Clip Reset Method
#. Turn off player if not already turned off
#2. Press/hold play/pause button. If you accidentally release
the button, start this reset procedure over again.
#3. Gently push the end of a metal paper clip into the reset hole on
the botton edge below the play/pause switch.
(Do not use the slotted mic hole at the top edge near the earphone jack)
#4. Slide the on/off/lock switch towards the on position - slide it to the botton hold
until the display lights up and then release.
#5. The recovery mode screen appears and four menu items are shown - see below
<Alternati've Method For Recovery Mode Without The Paper Clip>
#. Turn off player if not already turned off
#2. Press/hold play/pause button. If you accidentally release
the button, start this reset procedure over again.
#3. Slide the on/off/lock switch towards the on position - slide it to the botton hold
until the display lights up and then release. Be patient and wait!
#4. The recovery mode screen appears and four menu items are shown:
< Clean Up> - cleans, rebuilds and reorganizes your player's memory and restores it to optimal efficiency.
When the cleanup is complete, select Reboot. Your player restarts and starts rebuilding its music library.
Note: Your player's firmware is reset to default settings after your player's memory is cleaned up.
Note: This procedure the hide/show password is reset.
<2 Format All>- Warning - Formatting your player erases all content on your player's memory and resets your player's firmware to default settings. If possible, back up all data on your player before proceeding.
Also, you can do this from the PC see Zen User's Guide. FAQ
<3 Reload Firmware> - Caution !!!! Selecting Reload Firmware erases your player's firmware.
DO NOT select Reload Firmware unless you have downloaded a newer firmware version for your player, or have been advised to do so by Creative Customer Support.
Note: My advice when loading/replacing firmware is to connect directly
to the PC USB port without using a USB hub.
<4 Reboot> Restarts the player just like the "on/off/lock switch" when switched ON.
Note: Having NO battery energy/charge/juice this procedure will not work.
Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Hints
Ref:
http://www.omnica.com/omniview_electronics2.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery
. Allow the battery to completely discharge from time-to-time then recharge it fully.
2. Lithium-Ion batteries loses about 5%- 0% capacity per month.
3. Lithium-Ion polymer batteries have about 300-500 discharge/charge cycles.
4. A half full battery indication (50% @ /2 the battery color) used up about 24 hrs worth of battery. Below 50% the indication goes fairly fast to the max of 30 hrs. Note: The battery level indication seems non-linear through out its range.
5. Battery is Empty~0% - warning screen will appear on LCD and player might shutdown.
6. Battery is Full- 00% with battery symbol NOT flashing AND plug/key symbol in the center of the battery.
7. It takes about 2 /4 hours to charge the battery from empty to full.
8. It takes about 4 hours max to charge a "New" Zen player shipped from the factory.
9. There is a battery manufactuer's failure rate, which is normal ~ % or less, in which the Lithium-Ion Polymer battery refuses to charge. Creative, ships the Zen MP3 players with some or no charge so there is very small probability that you could have one. I call it the "Deep Six Discharge Battery" Contact/call Creative for replacement.
Documentation
There are several pieces of documentation you might need to read to fully understand and use your Creative Zen MP3 flash player to its fullest capabilities.
#. Zen Users Guide "English" - For Zen MP3 Player - download from Creative/Support/Product documentation
#2. Zen Quick Users Guide /Front/Back - download from Creative/Support/Product documentation
#3. Sync Manager (Creative Zen) Click on sync symbol on PC task bar then help
#4. Creative Zen Media Explorer - Just look under the main help menu
#5. Windows Media Player <if used>(Microsoft)Use the help files with this program.
General Tips to increase/decrease the playing time on your Creative Zen flash player.
<Creative Battery Spec: 5 Hrs. Video & "UP TO" 30 Hrs. Audio/Songs>
Please do the following:
. Volume control lower/higher - higher volume settings will decrease playing times. This is logical. More output "volume power" decreases the battery juice.
2. Audio Settings: EQ, Smart Vol, & Bass Boost will effect your playing time but I believe they are not critical as the Volume & Bit Rates(28 kbsp and others) / File Format (MP3,WMA) & Lock Switch.
3. Bit Rates & File Formats Do Matter. Bit Rates and File formats will increase/decrease your playing time.
Per Catherina-CL
"WMA files will use up more power than MP3 files, and higher bitrates more so than standard ones (like 28kbps MP3). Best thing to do is rip an album in 28kbps MP3 and leave it playing in a loop on a normal volume level. See how long the battery lasts then."
Please Note: The main difference between MP3 and WMA is the compression. According to Microsoft a 64KBPS WMA file is the same quality 28KBPS MP3. This is of course up to a person's preference but you may find you can get better compression out of WMA.
4. FULLY CHARGE your Zen. This means the battery symbol is NOT flashing AND there is a plug/key symbol embedded within the battery symbol. The battery is 00% FULL under BOTH conditions. Having just the battery symbol all green will not do it.
From the link:
http://www.omnica.com/omniview_electronics2.htm
Regarding lithium-ion shelf life, one of our engineers recently met with a battery-house representati've. It has come to their attention that repeated charging and re-charging of a less than fully discharged Li-ion cell affects the battery "gas gauge" included with many devices. Over a number of cycles there is a resultant loss in accuracy. Frequently, the indicated remaining charge has little relationship to the actual amount of life left in the cell! Fortunately, according to the battery expert, the gauge will reset itself if the battery is allowed to completely discharge from time-to-time.
5. Having different types of earphones/headphones will increase or decrease the playing time by how much "electronic load" the earphones/headphones create on the Zen player. There are some power hungry earphones/headphones out there.
The 6 ohm earbuds conserves battery power more than the 32 ohm earbuds supplied by Creative. (About 0% more)
6. Always, always lock your Zen player while playing music. This cuts off the power drain from the color 2.5" LCD and blank the LCD screen. After all, you can't read the LCD screen if it is in your shirt pocket and playing music!
7. Make sure you have the latest firmware upgrades in order to get the best of your Creative Zen Flash MP3 Player.
Troubleshooting
Your Creative Zen is extremely complex.
Check this link to peek inside player http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archi...isassembly.php
Also, this link:
http://arstechnica.com/journals/hard...ssor-behind-it
There could be a million things that could go wrong with your player so you will not be the FIRST or LAST to have a problem. Keep in mind, there are many, many others that have the Zen with no problems whatsoever. Things happen, but Creative is there to help.
Dropping a Zen or any other player might/will/possibly ruin the player for good!!!
Since this player is solid-state (no moving parts e.g. mini-disk dri've) then the only thing that will keep it from running for years is the non-user replaceable Lithium-Ion battery. I will concentrate on some troubleshooting tips which are battery related but I hope you have already the latest firmware downloaded and installed on your player
Battery - Lithium-Ion Polymer
#. Battery won't charge "out of the box" new player.
A. First, read above "Getting Started"
B. Next, try a different USB mini cable.
C. Next, there is a battery manufactuer's failure rate < %, in which the Lithium-Ion Polymer battery refuses to charge.
Creative, ships the Zen MP3 players with no charge so there is very small probability thatyou could have one.
I call it the "Deep Six Discharge Battery" Call / Contact Creative.
#2. Battery won't charge properly after using the player for some time.
A. When you plug in your player into the USB port via mini USB patch cable, the connection resets the player to the "docked screen" with the battery level gas guage , in the right hand corner.
Sometimes this action does not reset the player properly but there is no indication to you that the player is charging.
Just disconnect/connect the USB cable again.
B. Sometimes, the Zen player gets confused and you have to do a Recovery Mode "paper clip reset" which forces the player into a "special menu screen" to clean-up the player and to reset the player which allows showing the "docked screen" while charging the unit. See Zen User's Guide for explicit instruction und FAQ.
C. Since the Zens came out late in 2007, the maximum of 300-500 charge/discharge should not apply YETbut users beware, as with any other Lithium-Ion Polymer battery it will not charge fully "like new"because of a " fixed shelf life" (2-3 yrs) OR too many charge/discharge cycles. A battery replacement is in order.
Methods of charging the Creative Zen MP3
. The short mini-standard USB cable provided by Creative from the factory. Plugs into a PC USB port.
2. Uni'versal Power Adapter (Creative) plugs into the wall. Works "anywhere in the world"
Note: Different countries have different wall AC voltages and hertz requirements. This has adapters for different countries/locations wall outlets and a uni'versal power supply for all voltage and hertz requirements.
Note: This is a heavy duty high/fast charging wall outlet charging adapter. (2400 ma)
3. Auto/Vehicle 2 VDC charger (Creative) or other compatible vehicle 2 VDC to USB charger.
4. EARHUGGER IPOD POWER POD - MP3-8370 (White compact module)
http://www.earhugger.com/powerPod.html
http://www.amazon.com/Earhugger-MP3-.../dp/B000QTTKSS
This compact module will solve all the following travel modes and conditions:
. Camping, hiking or outdoor travel - no PC or noAC or maybe no auto/car.
2. Airplane travel - no PC or no AC or no auto/car.
3. Train/subway travel - no PC or no auto/car
4. Car travel - no PC or no AC
5. Foot travel - no PC or no AC or no auto/car
It uses 4 ways to charge the Zen:
. Retractable mini-standard USB cord for PC charging. <--- does not communicate with PC! - only for charging
2. Retractable mini USB cord for auto/vehicle charging (Fused)
3. Retractable mini USB cord for wall 0-20 VAC 50/60Hz charging. (non-international use plug style)
4. 9 VDC battery terminal for using standard alkaline 9 VDC or high ma Lithium 9 VDC to charge the Zen via
mini USB cable. Note:You might need several alkaline batteries to charge the internal 550 ma hr Zen battery!
Great for remote destinations.
5. Rechargeable portable battery packs.
Black & Decker has several "Power To Go"models CPI0B-C & CPI20XB (not for international use because of 20 AC 60Hz only charging wall wart)
Note: There are other brands that also do this method of charging.
http://www.blackanddecker.com/Produc...Path=4033.4040
You charge this portable NiMH battery pack from the AC wall outlet so you can carry with you on trips to charge the Zen.
6. Mobile phone chargers. Some have a mini-USB plug for charging the phone but it could be used to charge the Zen BUT BEWARE IT COULD RUIN THE ZEN IF IT IS NOT COMPATIBLE! The output should have a voltage of 5 VDC +- 5% (4.75-5.25 VDC) ON THE PROPER MINI-USB PINS and a charging current at least 200 ma to 2400 ma. See this forum for the recommend phone phone chargers to use with the Zen.
Note: You are charging an internal Lithium-ion polymer 550 mahr battery in the Zen so the lower the charging current the longer it takes to charge.
Note: You will find that charging the Zen from the wall charger is much faster than the "current limited" charging on the standard PC USB port.
Note: For diagnostic purposes and emergency charging of the Zen it is wise to have an external (non-PC) charging device for your Zen.
Note: Only the battery charging symbol shows up on the Zen when using an external charger.
Scratches
All plastic screens will scratch, doesn't matter which type you have.
For minor scratches you could use the Novus three part cleaner, polish and scratch remover system. Do not use the #3 coarse abrasi've in this system! Be extremely careful in using this product !!!! Please check the web.
OR
Low abrasi've toothpase <--- some say this works
OR
CD scratch remover/repair kit <---- have not tried this.
The Zen (Flash) MP3 glass LCD screen is covered by the overlay plastic you see on the front. Worst case, you can have only the outer shell repaired and replaced by Creative.
To prevent scratches in the first place:
Use the Zen cloth bag which comes with the unit (sometimes ) to prevent scratches.
OR
Buy the Zen clear plastic case (Clear Case #70AB2600002). Sold by Creative.< I use this>
OR
Buy an clear plastic overlay. (Screen protector #70AB2600003) which goes over the LCD protector screen for protection. Sold by Creative.
OR
Also, you can cut up a "generic" PDA screen protector to fit the Zen.
OR
Obtain a "digital camera lcd screen protector" from a camera store or internet
OR
"Invisible shield" -The best protection money can buy
http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/...ns-shields.php
How to destroy your Zen - WHAT NOT TO DO
. Leave it in the auto/car/vehicle - the vehicle inside heats up 20-35 F higher than the outside temperature.
2. Leave it outside in freezing temperature 0C 32F. The LCD will freeze/discolor/absorb water.
Note: It is remotely possible it could recover when warm-up at room temperature.
Note: Just keep the Zen near your body heat when outside in freezing temperatures.
3. Dropping it might cause the LCD screen to crack or loosen up the internal connections to the electronics or short out the internal electronics.
Note: Use a protecti've case to cushion the blow from dropping the Zen.
4. Dropping or submerging or getting the Zen wet in water might short out the electronics and battery.
You could prevent destruction by immediately shaking the Zen vigorously in open air to dry it out.
5. Sitting on it could flex the electronics and short or open circuits which would cause a defecti've/faulty Zen.
<A bit of humor ... There is No Santa Claus, Easter Bunny or Tooth fairy and Creative does NOT give away money. If you destroy or damage your Zen you will pay not Creative>
How can you tell if your Zen is defecti've/faulty
. A "white screen" or a "totally blank black screen" shows up on the Zen LCD.
2. You cannot force the Zen into the special "Recovery Mode" menu screen.
3. The Zen refuses to "take a charge"(To charge up the internal Lithium-Ion Polymer battery)
4. The Zen LCD is cracked or distorted due to dropping or handling abuse.
5. The Zen clock does not keep accurate time (within 2 mins max per month)
Contact Creative if any of the above faults occur - the Zen is bad and nothing you can do will fix it!
WSOD "White Screen of Death"
The "White Screen of Death" is really caused by a hardware problem. You see, the internal Freescale/SigmaTel STMP3700 MP3 processor has to write to the LCD. If this operation is prevented by internal electronic opens or shorts, bad STMP3700, locked-up firmware, bad LCD or any other electronic component failure then the CPU might/will halt and refuse to write to the LCD which will be reflected in a "white screen of death" I cannot cover all the causes of the "white screen of death" but rest assured Creative should pick these problems up in their quality control manufacturing process with a 99% success rate. Problems do show up after the manufacturing process but Creative has warranty protection for this other % fault rate. (Which is normal in electronics manufacturing)
Media Content
Listening to the built-in music on the Zen is OK but after a while your question now becomes "What else can I do with my Zen "
Note: The "How to" instructions for adding Media content can be found in the Zen documentation.
Terminology:
Album: Collection of tracks or songs under one "album" title.
Artist: Track or song artist
DRM: Digital rights management - copy protection scheme - Zen cannot use music with this music protection scheme. (itunes) (But "itunes plus" will work)
Genres: Type or kind of music
<The following genres are defined in ID3v>
Blues,Classic Rock,Country,Dance,Disco,Funk,Grunge,Hip-Hop,Jazz,Metal,New Age,Oldies,Other,Pop,
R&B,Rap,Reggae,Rock,Techno,Industrial,Alternati've ,Ska,Death Metal,Pranks,Soundtrack,Euro-Techno,
Ambient,Trip-Hop,Vocal,Jazz+Funk,Fusion,Trance,Classical,Instru mental,Acid,House,Game,Sound Clip,
Gospel,Noise,AlternRock,Bass,Soul,Punk,Space,Medit ati've,Instrumental Pop,Instrumental Rock,
Ethnic,Gothic,Darkwave,Techno-Industrial,Electronic,Pop-Folk,Eurodance,Dream,Southern Rock,
Comedy,Cult,Gangsta,Top 40,Christian Rap,Pop/Funk,Jungle,Nati've American,Cabaret,New Wave,
Psychadelic,Rave,Showtunes,Trailer,Lo-Fi,Tribal,Acid Punk,Acid Jazz,Polka,Retro,Musical,Rock & Roll,
Hard Rock
<The following genres are Winamp extensions>
Folk,Folk-Rock,National Folk,Swing,Fast Fusion,Bebob,Latin,Revival,Celtic,Bluegrass,Avantg arde,
Gothic Rock,Progressi've Rock,Psychedelic Rock,Symphonic Rock,Slow Rock,Big Band,Chorus,
Easy Listening,Acoustic,Humour,Speech,Chanson,Opera,Cha mber Music,Sonata,Symphony,
Booty Bass,Primus,Porn Groove,Satire,Slow Jam,Club,Tango,Samba,Folklore,Ballad,Power Ballad,
Rhythmic Soul,Freestyle,Duet,Punk Rock,Drum Solo,A capella,Euro-House,Dance Hall
<A bit of humor: I think the above Genres lists are missing two - "elevator music" & Crying and Whining e.g. Country Western>
ID3 Tags: Internal file information associated with an Mp3 or wav audio file. This format contains
Track number, Album name/title, Genre, Artist and Song Title which can be sorted and indexed by
the Zen device.
IPTV: Is a system where a digital television service is deli'vered using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include deli'very by a broadband connection. http://zencast.com/
JPEG: Is a commonly used method of compression for photographic images.
This is the only photo format used by the Zen.
MP3 and WMA music tracks: Music format used by the Zen.
Note: Having the wrong bit rates will drain the Zen battery faster. (See above)
MP3: Is a digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression.
Non-protected AAC: Files are regular AAC files without any DRM: they can be converted to other formats (like MP3) and can be played on an unlimited amount of devices and burned an unlimitd amount of times. They have no restrictions.
Podcast: Is a series of digital-media files which are distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and computers. http://zencast.com/
Protected AAC: Files are AAC audio files that contain DRM (Digital Rights Management), most often music purchased from the iTunes store. The Creative Zen cannot use these files.
Note: "Itunes Plus Store" have songs without DRM which the Zen can use.
Ripping CDs: Copying tracks from an audio CD on a PC and downloading tracks to the Zen.
Note: Use the Creative Zen Media Explorer for ripping audio CD is one method.
Song Title: Name of song or track
Track Number: Numerical number of track of CD album.
Track: General name for song or song title.
Unprotected AAC format: Music format used by the Zen
WMA:Is an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft. The name can be used to refer to its audio file format or its audio codecs.
WAV: (or WAVE), short for Waveform audio format, is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing an audio bitstream on PCs.
Note: The Zen's built-in microphone produces this audio file format.
Zen Audio Format:MP3, WMA, WAV, non-protected AAC (.m4a), Audible (2, 3, 4)
Zen Media Content: Video, Music, Audio, Photos/Images transferred/dowloaded into the Zen
Zen Photo Format:JPEG
Note: You can copy/drag/paste JPEG photos from your PC to your Zen for viewing.
Note: You can import photos & view photos from the SD card.
Zencast Organizer: Seamlessly integrates ZENcast media files with Creative portable media players and/or your computer
Zen Video Format:MJPEG, WMV9 and (with transcoding - MPED4-SP, DivX 4/5 and XviD)
Warning - In some countries (including the US) its illegal to do:
Copying audio DVD & DVDs
Defeating DRM MP3 Music (Digital Rights Management)
Intercepting/copying (non purchased) music.
Downloading music/songs from an illegal or "free" rouge website.
General Media Content links:
http://pro-music.org/Content/GetMusi...lineStores.php
Note: Check to see if your music files/tracks contains ID3 tags.
Note: ZEN also supports iTunes Plus tracks from the iTunes store,
Note: The following media content is only a small fraction of means and ways
of collecting/dowloading media content to the Zen.
Media Content from Creative Website(s)
Note: The Media Content can be found under "Fill your Zen" on the bottom of the Creative Zen product page.
http://zencast.com/
ZENcast is the ultimate source for free IPTV channels, video blogs and podcasts on the Internet. It provides quick and easy access to a wide range of interesting and entertaining video and audio content online.
http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/cre...seBVCookie=Yes
Audible.com - Audible.comis the Internet s leading audio provider of bestselling audio books, comedy programs and today s most relevant magazines and newspapers
http://creative.vongo.com/
VONGO is the video download service that gives you instant access to over 2500 hit movie and video selections from Starz .
Watch movies whenever, wherever on your ZEN. A great entertainment venue for watching movies while on the road or on the go.
http://www.napster.com/creative/
Transfer unlimited music to your ZEN without paying per song.
With Napster To Go you can:
Choose from over 5 million songs, plus new releases every week
Play music instantly from any internet-connected computer
Find old favorites and discover new music by exploring playlists, radio, Billboard charts and more
Create a library of your favorite music and build custom playlists.
http://www.emusic.com/ZEN
Choose from over ,500,000 songs
Burn unlimited CDs
Compatible with every MP3 player
No confusing restrictions-Own your music!
http://www.lala.com/frontend/action/...=user:2672@223
Why pay 99per song when you can get the whole album for $At lala.com, you can trade your used CDs for new music.
.8 million titles available for trade. CD quality guaranteed.
Every CD you receive is yours to keep - no restrictions.
Pay only $ per CD received. No monthly fees or commitments. Sign up is FREE.
http://www.amazon.com/b/ &node=62663
Buy or Rent Movies Online
Watch DVD-quality video downloads on your PC or ZEN
Conveniently download from your PC at work to your PC at home
Discover thousands of TV shows & movies available for download
I started this thread in April 08 to help other new Creative Zen MP3 (Flash) users. If there are common threads that are posted from new users then I try to make a section to inform other new users in solving their similar problems. I cannot believe that this thread was viewed over 0,000 times! Thank you for your "viewing" support.
Please note: This thread is constantly changing so check back for any new helpful hints, problem solving, troubleshooting and practical solutions for the Creative Zen.
"The Creative ZenR O C K S"
Zenandy
Message Edited by Zenandy on 08--2008 08:26 AM

Hi,
I'm from germany so no 'best buy' but I think I will lock around sleeve/bag for a different product with same measures. Any tip?
The clear plastic case is not what I want. I would like to use the player without such protections. I just want a sleeve to protect the player while its in my jacket/pants.
Btw, i have bought this version: Creative Zen (maybe european version?). I also doesn't seem to have your mentioned sleeve. I also couldn't find it on the website.
Anyway, thank you,
Chris

How can I delete all my songs from my Creative Zen Micr

Hi,
I have one of the older pink creative zen micro's and I want to delete all of my songs from it as most of them are really old and I want to put some new ones on there. However, I have recently got a new computer so lost my installation of the zen micro and I cannot find the disc for it so I cannot install it.
The only way I can find to delete them all is delete them all indivually but this is going to take ages. Is there a faster way to do so?

reformat all.in the recovery menuremove battery while off, hold power switch in on position, insert battery. continue to hold power switch til the menu with 4 options comes up. one is reformat. do NOT select reload firmware by accident.

How to make best videos/audios for Creative Zen/Zen Vision W/Zen Vision M/Z

4Easysoft Creative Zen Video Converter is an all-in-one Video Converter for Creative Zen software with high output quality and powerful video editing functions, which can help all the zen users to make the best video/audio effect.
First of all, let’s make clear what kinds of videos/audios can get the best effect in the zen players.
Video:
MPEG, WMV, and AVI (MPEG-4 SP, DivX, Xvid), while MPEG-1, and MPEG-2 are supported, but must be transcoded with the included software.
Audio:
MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, and Audible 2, 3, and 4 formats.
Settings:
Video resolution: 320×240; Video Bitrate: 500 kbps; Audio Bitrate: between 96 to 128 kbps.
Then, let me show you how to make a full use of this powerful converter.
Preparation:Download and install 4Easysoft Creative Zen Video Converter
http://www.4easysoft.com/guide/creative-zen-video-converter/main.jpg
Step 1: Run this software and add video/audio files.
Step 2: Select output video format from the profile drop-down list.
Click the “Profile” button to select the output video format from the drop-down list button.
Step 3: Customize output settings.
Click “Settings” button in the output settings area, you are allowed to customize the output parameters, specify output folder and select output format.
Step 4: Start conversion
Click “Start” button on right bottom of the main interface, you can begin the conversion. All the tasks of conversion will be finished at fast speed and high output quality.
http://www.4easysoft.com/guide/creative-zen-video-converter/steps.jpg
Tips on editing videos:
1: Capture your favorite picture.
Just click the “Snapshot” button to save your favorite image.
2: Merge videos into one file.
Just check the “merge into one file” option if you want to merge the selected contents into one file As default the merged file is named after the first selected file (either a title or a chapter)
3: Select preference
Click the “Preference” button and a dialog pops up, you can select the output destination, the Snapshot foler, the format of the snapshot image. You can also choose to shut down your computer or do nothing after your conversion. You can also select the CPU usage.
4: Trim video
You can get any clip of your video and put it on your zen.
5: Crop video
You can crop your video by selecting your video mode, setting crop values, or drag the frame.
http://www.4easysoft.com/guide/creative-zen-video-converter/tips.jpg
Ok, just enjoy movies and music with your Creative Zen player now!
More useful tools:
MP4 Converter is a powerful MP4 Video Converter which is designed to convert almost any video formats to MPEG-4 standard formats; WMV Converter provides perfect solution to convert common video formats to WMV with the best quality of picture and sound; Apple TV Video Converter is the excellent Apple TV converter software to convert all video files such as AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4, MOV, RM, ASF, 3GP, VOB, etc, to Apple TV movies.
Edited by: user11254370 on 2009-6-9 下午11:58

Just wanted to mention - I bought the IR Remote thinking to make the player useful without navigation keys. Now I feel like I wasted more money instead of shifting to some other player by some other company with better customer service.

Creative Mediasource for Creative Zen (2-38

Hey everyone,
I am well aware that the current version of Creative Mediasource is not available for the Creative Zen. Now I figured that eventually they would make a version compatible with the Zen. I'm currently up to my 3rd Generation of Creative Mp3 players (from Zen Touch to Zen Vision: M to Zen 32 gb ), and I constantly used Creative Mediasource to edit the track information, usually the genres which awere so totally confused (Hip Hop should never be associated with Country :S). However, now that the Zen operates through Windows Media Explorer, instead of being able to select whole cds and right clicking them to 'edit genre', I now have to individually select each song and rewrite the details.. this could be a problem in the near future; I just got my mp3 player last tuesday, and though right now i'll manage, my media database is a little off in terms of assortment, and editing 600 tracks manually seems to be a rather tedious task >.< So, my question is(are):
When (if they ever decide to do so) will a Creative mediasource version for the Creative Zen be released?
Is there a faster method that I'm unaware of to edit the tracks?
I did take the time to look through the forums before I wrote this, taking the precautions by searching for Creative Mediasource, Creative Mediasource Zen flash, etc.Thanks in advance!

Well, I usually avoid Windows Media Player because the computer I use is also used by the rest of the family, and every once in a while it chooses to autosync music onto my Zen.. but if you say it's useful to edit multiple ID3 Tags (so that's the official name for them, oh..), i'll give it another try. And I'll try MediaMonkey too, because it sounds like the program was made specifically to make ID3 tag updating easier.
Thanks for all your help!

Creative Zen with keys that don't play well.

,Creative Zen with keys that don't play well.uHello all,
I have had a Creative Zen 6 GB for a couple of years. It is has not been a pretty picture. This product has been the most problematic mp3 player I have ever owned...but it has usually played music and I have been able to navigate the menus. A couple of months ago, the keys started to not respond very well. It almost seems like they are stiff and when I press them (not all, but most), they just don't do what they once did. If i keep on? mashing on the keys, eventually I can get it into working order enough to use, but what a royal pain this has been. I don't know if I should continue messing with it if there is physical damage, which it feels like. However, I have not used it that much and don't know what may have caused this, other than bouncing around in a gym bag.
Anyone have any thoughts before it goes to the scrap heap?

. It is physical damage & they just wear out. They wear out faster when they are pushed very hard. The control pad can be replaced. You can DYI or send to someone to repair. DYI? repair services

Creative Zen - video converter issues

I've been trying to convert AVIs and MKVs to view on my Creative Zen and keep running into a problem.
No matter what settings I seem to use on any video converter, my player refuses to play the resulting WMV.
I am encoding to as close as possible to the required specifications, making sure no bitrate, frame rate, or resolution is too high for the player, but nothing seems to want to play.
Exactly what settings are required to convert a file to work on a Creative Zen?
I know the Creative Video Converter works, but the time taken to convert each file is far too long.

Hi there:
No worries!
Here I would like to offer you my opinions.
First, we should have a basic information of Creative Zen. In terms of its formats supported, it generally supports AVI, WMV, MPG, MPEG-, MPEG-2 and MP4. But there are still some users feeback that it can not perfectly accept AVI. Okay, based on my own experience using video converters, I am sure that Moyea Video Converter got via Google can definitely help solve the problem.
Step one: free download Moyea Video Converter and install it.
Step two: load AVI and MKV files to this program, select output format as "Creative Zen-Zen Player Video (.*WMV)" from pull-down menu of Format, and then locate the destination folder.
Step three:expand "Settings" button to enter the Profile section, in which you can easily modify resolution, Codec, size,sample rate, channels, and audio streams. (If you just want keep the original settings, you can skip this Step and directly continue Step four.)
Step four:click "Convert" button on the main interface to begin with the conversion.
Step four: Once the conversion above is completed, you can drag or put the converted files to ur Creative Zen or other portable devices for playback or entertainment.
By the way, Moyea Video Converter is much easier and faster to operate. Moreover, it applies Dolby TrueHD audio technology, which can enhance the output audio effects.
Code:
my-video-converter.com/video_converter/
Truely urs:
Norman

Creative Zen V Plus - Seeking your help with "Audio format is not supported" error

Hi,
I have a problem with my Creative Zen V Plus and am looking for someone to do a quick test to help me. I listen to a lot of MP3 podcasts, so I often rewind, fast forward or set bookmarks inside tracks. When I do those operations in some tracks, I get the error ?Audio format is not supported? when I ?land on certain places in a track (and I am able to reproduce the problem, which happens always at the same place in a particular track).
Here is what I mean by ?land?. For instance, there is a particular track (see the mp3 link below) that whenever I rewind to exactly 35 min 37 seconds, I get the error ?Audio format is not supported? and playback is stopped. If I fast forward to exactly 35 min 37 seconds, I also get the error. If I set a bookmark to exactly 35 min 37 seconds and I then go to that bookmark, I also get the error. But I don?t get the error if I play the track normally without any rewinding or fast forwarding: the track is played and passes the 35 min 37 seconds mark without any error.
Creative Labs customer support wants me to return my player for repair, but I am not sure if the problem is with my player or if the problem would also be present on other Zen V Plus, thus my asking for your help.
I would appreciate if someone of you could try one of my problematic tracks on their player. Here is what you could do to help me:
1- Download and transfer to your Zen V Plus player the following audio file (it'ss a technology podcast and don?t worry, it'ss virus-free, it comes from CNET):
http://podcast-files.cnet.com/podcas...oud_090808.mp3
2- Go to the 35 min and 37 seconds mark, press PAUSE and set a bookmark there.
3- Go into the Bookmarks menu and go to the bookmark you just set.
4- Do you see the error ?Audio format is not supported?, or the audio plays just fine? If the audio plays just fine, could you tell me what are the first words you hear
when going to that bookmark, just so that I am sure we are indeed doing the same test on each of our side?
5- What firmware version is your player at ?
Thank you very much for any help you could bring me.
Patrick

never mind. figured it out!

My Creative Zen Nano Plus bro

my Creative Zen Nano Plus mp3 player stopped working after i dropped the mechanical part. When I checked it, I didn't see any chip marks or anything, but still it won't work. Can anyone help me? I'll post up pictures if u need me too, and I'll show how it broke.

jumpshot22 wrote:
"I found out the hard way that for it to be able to charge by USB on a computer, the software has to be installed which I think is pretty retarded. You should definitely pick up a charger cause it's a lot faster to charge and more convenient. " -- some guy who reviewed the mp3 player
i cant find where this other guy who said like the same thing
They must have been talking about a different player such as the Zen Micro which does recharge via the USB port.
PB

Creative Zen Stone Plus Returns First Track On Player After Recharge

? Hi Everybody... I didn't see this topic posted on another thread, but I wasn't going to read thousands of posts to get this answer either. My problem is I own two players, one is a Creative Zen Stone and the other is the Zen Stone Plus. My Zen Stone does not return to the first track on the player when I recharge it (it remains on the same track), but the Zen Stone Plus does. This normally wouldn't be a big deal, but my mother-in-law listens to audiobooks. Sometimes those books don't have seperate tracks which means there is a single track that runs for like 6 - 8 hours. Is there a way to allow the player to pick up where it left off? It is a real pain to have to fast forward through most of an audiobook, especially when my player (the less expensi've player) continues where it left off. BTW.... Letting her have my player is not an option since hers has a display screen and mine doesn't.

So, reading the forum, it seems we have seroiusly problems with charging.... I'll try all I've read: disabling "energy conservation mode" on USB root, using an USB powered hub as Battery Charger, updating the Firmware, formatting / resetting the player and then using cml and the led to charge it to the full. I hope it solves, at least for me.... ?

Creative ZEN 4gb video gets out of sync, please h

When i play back relati'vely long videos (around 30 minutes or more) on my new Creative ZEN 4gb? the audio part of the video i'm watching becomes out of sync with the video after 5 minutes or so, hence the words that characters say don't match up w/ their li
ps.
get the picture? it is REALLY annoying and i've tried firmware .20 and it didn't help, i've also reverted to .0, same problem. is it just my player or is this a common occurance and what can i do to fix it's thanks a bunch. and don't get me wrong, i think that despite the bugs the new ZEN is a good player.

hmm... come to think of it, that makes total sense. that could also be why the screens lag a bit when i'm listening to music and browsing my system settings as fast as i can. i'll try encoding my videos at a lower bitrate tomorrow, have any good setup in mind? (i.e. xxxKbps format-.xxx audio xxxKbps format-.xxx) also, i would think that a high bitrate (high enough to slow the player down) would produce visual slowness in the videos, and thus i could tell if that was the problem or not. but i haven't noticed visual slowness so does it work some other way or is it just so subtle that it takes a while to notice the video losing sync with the audio?

Creative Zen 16GB with iPod USB wall charg

I have a wall charger my wife uses for her iPod. Can I use this to charge my Creative Zen 6GB, or will it burn it out?

It shouldn't burn it out unless there is some sort of major diviation in wiring?from the USB standard. I couldn't imagine Creative or Apple doing such a foolish thing. Best thing to probably do is to give it a try. It should either charge or not charge. All USB should be nominally 5V @400-500 mAh, the AC adapters often deli'ver higher current to enable faster charging. More current won't hurt, the player will only use what it needs.

Creative ZEN (8 GB) Fast Forw

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