Defect rate on Zen Mi

Creative,
What is the current rate of defecti've Zen Micros to solid working ZMs? If you don't know, you should because you might want to cut the fat and get rid of your Quality Assurance managers. I'm so sick of hearing all these people posting that they are "lucky" that they haven't had any problems with their ZMs. It would help if you could quantify "lucky". I wished I were one of the "lucky" ones...

SSR wrote:
Equally a support board will always look bad, because people come here typically looking for support with a problem.
Even though "These forums are not intended for Support." [link]
I don't get it, Creative :|

Similar Messages

What are supported sampling frequency and digitization rates for Zen Micropho

Some MP3's are playing back slowly. It is inconsistent, though, since files with the same digitization rate and sampling frequency will behave differently - some right speed, some slow.
The bulletin board says:
"My tracks don't play at the correct speed e.g. they play too slowly, why?
Chances are they are encoded in an unsupported sampling frequency..."
How do I find out what the supported sampling fequencies and digitization rates are?

Thanks for the info. I guess I was looking for something more specific - the exact bitrates and sample rates that Creative claims to support. Would you know where official and comprehensi've data can be had? There must be a tech spec somewhere.
It is common these days in business to see a recording of, say, a conference call or seminar presentation at 32k bitrate/025Hz, or even 24k bitrate/8000Hz, posted to a company's website for download by those who could not be there, and MP3 players are increasingly used for their replay. Companies use low digitization rates because there is no need for hifi and the files are much smaller: less storage, faster download.
I'd be surprized to think that Creative don't have compatibility with the standard range of rates offered by ubiquitous programs like Audacity and dBpower, the latter being one they themselves recommend!

What are the defects that occur in the Creative Zen produc

Hi! I am new to all these MP3 players (I am still stuck in the CD player era) but I have been wanting to upgrade to a new, high tech player. After researching for a LONG time (I have considered the Creative Zen micro, Creative Zen Micro photo, Ipod mini, Ipod Nano, 4th gen Ipod, Cowan Iaudio, Olympus M:Robe500i, and Archos Gimini 402) I have concluded with the Creative products, that unlike the Ipods, have more features for the same price or lower. I briefly thought about the IAudio and the Archos since they play movies but decided that they were too expensi've. Plus, it having a removable battery was enticing since do not li've int he United States and I wouldn't have to be sending things in for repair or replacement of battery.
Now, I was very pumped about the Zen Micro but have since learned that there are a few defects.
the Creative Zen micro, from what I gathered, has a problem that the player stops working and only boots up to the Creative logo. I think I understand that this comes from something disconnecting from the HD inside. ANOTHER problem seems to be the earphone jack breaking and being pushed in.
I want to know if this is fixed in any of the versions of the Zen Micros. I think I heard that the 5GB ones are the ones that do this. If anything, i would get the 6 GB version and would like to know if the 6GB Zen Micros do this. It is at Best Buy for $50 plus tax ($60+ total).
I am also considering ordering the Zen Micro Photo (though it costs $40 bucks more just for color) form Best Buy ($202 total). Does the Zen Micro Photo fix the problems of the past players? Does it have any new defects?
Another player I am interested in is the Zen Sleek, which is the same price of the Zen Micro Photo, but has 2 GB more (though I don't really need it). It doesn't have color but whatever. Does this player have any of the previous defects or any defects at all? Can I use it to transfer files, like the the Micros can (I assume the Micro Photo can also) without having to install software on a PC (like the whole partition thing from the Micros). Does it have a removable Battery?
ANY HELP would be appreciated. I am a very cautious buyer and I do not want to hassle with stuff. I li've in the Dominican republic and I do NOT want to go shipping stuff overseas to get it fixed. That is why I am buying a Zen product, since it has removable Batteries and I don't have to send it in to get replaced. I do not want to spend 00 bucks and 3 months of waiting for things.
Also, on any defect, what seems to be the percentage? I know creative has not acknowledged any defects but there obviously are, since things happen to the same product, the same way, the same place.
Thanks for any help, again. Sorry for being so lengthy. I just like to have as much info down. It is that that Best Buy deal is too good.

jimm20 wrote:
the Creative Zen micro, from what I gathered, has a problem that the player stops working and only boots up to the Creative logo. I think I understand that this comes from something disconnecting from the HD inside.
I wouldn't call this a common problem.
ANOTHER problem seems to be the earphone jack breaking and being pushed in.
Not sure about being pushed in, but the solder connection on some Micros was too weak and easily broken.
I want to know if this is fixed in any of the versions of the Zen Micros. I think I heard that the 5GB ones are the ones that do this. If anything, i would get the 6 GB version and would like to know if the 6GB Zen Micros do this. It is at Best Buy for $50 plus tax ($60+ total).
No-one knows for sure if it was fixed. Creative Support didn't confirm or deny it had been fixed on the board here. Others have had emails from Creative saying that it has been fixed in newer players.
I am also considering ordering the Zen Micro Photo (though it costs $40 bucks more just for color) form Best Buy ($202 total). Does the Zen Micro Photo fix the problems of the past players? Does it have any new defects?
People say the sound quality isn't as great as past players, and there is some slight noise when the backlight is turned on. Aside from not being able to view photos and listen to music at the same time. Search back for reviews by other folks.
Another player I am interested in is the Zen Sleek, which is the same price of the Zen Micro Photo, but has 2 GB more (though I don't really need it). It doesn't have color but whatever. Does this player have any of the previous defects or any defects at all?
The Sleek seems to be a great player. I don't recall seeing any common issues with it.
Can I use it to transfer files, like the the Micros can (I assume the Micro Photo can also) without having to install software on a PC (like the whole partition thing from the Micros). Does it have a removable Battery?
It doesn't have a removable battery.
It has the MTP/PFS firmware that means you can only use it to copy audio files with Win XP.
It has the USB mass storage function that means you can copy data files to it with Win 98/Me/2000 and XP.
Also, on any defect, what seems to be the percentage? I know creative has not acknowledged any defects but there obviously are, since things happen to the same product, the same way, the same place.
No-one except Creative knows these figures.

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.
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

Zen Micro PROBL


I bought my Zen Micro after seeing it at Digital Media show. I have had nothing but problems with this player and rudeness of Creative support staff is out of this world. I followed all the suggestions about charging the battery. Charging it for more than 3 hours for the first time; draining the battery and charging it again. Overall the battery looses power with in 5 to 6 hours with NO backlight, 30% contrast with no activity such as forward and reverse or looking up songs. Battery life is nothing compared to 2 hours advertised by Creative.

Every time I called support, there is some college kid who sounds high and says to download the latest firmware. Creative can do a little better job in training their support staff.

I am planning to send mine back to Creative to get it checked out.

If you got this player for XMAS do not open it, return it and look at alternati'ves, or wait for the 2nd generation of this player when creative can deli'ver a clean product.

Creative should make it clear that 2 hour battery life is combined battery life of 2 batteries that they supplying. LOL

I just sent my Micro back for replacement. I decided to give them another chance even though I had a faulty product right out of the box. If you think about it they may have sold somthing like 00,000 Micros and lets say only 00 ( Estimated from the number of people on the forum posting) have been defecti've. A .% defect rate is something that borders on insignificant. If this number is in the thousands then a real problem emerges for Creative, and more importantly for it's customers. I will give them the benefit of the doubt while keeping a watchful eye out for any devoloping trends. I bought a white zen micro on the 8th from Creative's website. The only complaint I had abou the tech support was the fact that you cannot access it through a -800 number. Its a 402 area code which is in friggin' Nebraska! Otherwise they were nothing steller and didn't put me through too much trouble to get it sent back.

ZEN V PLUS - Depleted Batte

I bought a Creative Zen V Plus (pink version)?for my neice for her birthday on 7-2-2007. She only used it a few times and then it stopped working. Recently I was wondering why i haven't seen her using it so i asked her. She told me that it hasn't been working for a while. So i had her bring it o me to see what the problem is. I am a little familiar with the Creative MP3 players because i have the Zen M 30gb and i also purchased 2 more ZEN M 30gb for my brother and sister and also a Zen V Plus (black and green) for my nephew. So as you can tell i love the Creative brand. I am not sure what is wrong with my neice's Zen V Plus. When i try to turn it on it won't turn on. So i plug it into the computer using the USB cable that it came with. Here is what it does when i connect it to the computer.
1. Blue leds lights up under the play button.
2. Then the blue leds turns off and then turns back on.
3. Then the led flashes again and then my computer detects the mp3 player and ask if i want to sync.
4. I click No for syncing.
5. Then the mp3 screen shows the battery on low with the red chunck on the battery. Then the red chunck turns green and then the battery starts to ncrease to /4 full then half full then 3/4 full then it shows the completely full battery icon/symbol ***All this happens within less than minute.***
6. Then the blue leds turns off and the battery image on the screen disappears.
7. The icon on my computer shows that the mp3 player has been disconnected.
8. I push a button on the mp3 player to see if it is still on. When i do that the full battery icon appears along with the blue leds.
9. I goto the side and turn the player on and then the screen turns on then goes to the docked icon.
0. As i wait a little bit the screen turns off and then the blue leds turns on again and flashes (showing me that it's charging).
. Then after a few seconds of blue led flashing, the leds turns off and stops flashing.
2. I push scroll button again to see if it's still on, and it is.
3. I then goto support page to update the firmware. I follow the processes as stated on?Creative site and completed the update successfully.
4. The player restarts after firmware update, and computer lets you know that update is successful, but it still won't turn on.
5. It does exact same thing as it did before. I repeat steps -2. Same things occur.
6. When i unplug the USB from the mp3 player it turns off immediately. i press the play button with the USB connected to make the screen turn on and then unplugg the USB to see what would happen and it also shuts off immediately.
7. I have also tired letting it stay connected to the USB over night and over the weekend with my computer staying on. Hoping that it might charge up?but still nothing.?I contacted Creative and they gave me a few things to try that i have already tried and still no luck. The last option in that list of things to try was to request a RMA (which basically consists of me paying $25.00 for them to diagnose the problem because i only have the 2months hardware manufactures warranty left) in which i am hesitant to pay for because it seems to be a commmon defect in the ZEN V and ZEN V Plus. I have been reading around and it seems like the problem?might be that?the battery might be on the verge of being dead or is completely depleted. I have read alot about people with similar symptoms with their players and it seems to be very common with the battery.?My neice probably only used it less than 5 times. And its been sitting in her room for months because she didn't know what to do with it because it stopped working. My little nephew's ZEN V Plus i acting up also. He says it's not working again. So I will be taking a look at it sometime this week too. I?tried being as detailed as possible so that u guys can better understand the situation. Hopefully someone knows a fix to this and help me fix it without having to cough up another $25.00 PLUS SHIPPING AND TAX to have then take a look. But i can't resolve the problem within the next week or so then i guess i will have to send it in.
Message Edited by jack36 on -08-20072:42 AM

reset it then cleanup>reboot theplayer http://forums.creative.com/creativel...ap&thread.id=3

What to do with a defective NEW iPhone 5c?

Hi Guys
I just recently purchased an iPhone 5C - it was shipped to me October 1. And I immediately knew I was sent a defective unit. First and foremost, the button is not working--the only way I've been able to navigate it is throught the assistive touch and by literally forcing the button 'till my thumb hurts. Second of all, the battery kept dying on me---and is still dying on me for the last 10 days that it's been with me. What I mean by this is, I'll have it charged to 100% and by 70% it shuts down. I repeatedely try to turn it on and it will say that it has no more battery on it. But once I charge it, it says that it's 70% -- but then it dies again. This has been pretty much the situation for the last 10 days. This is supposed to be a new product right? But I don't think I was actually given a new one. I've been researching on how to have this phone replaced. But I can't seem to figure it out. Hope someone here can help!
Thanks!

gfjchssa wrote:
What kind of QA do Apple have?
Some of the best there is. No manufacturer of consumer electronics has a zero-defect rate. It's unfortunate when you're the one who gets the defective device but that's why there are warranties.

Hiss from creative zen 4GB using westone

hi people,
I have an audible hiss with the new creative zen using my WEstone UM2. The hiss starts the moment I play a track and is also present when I pause the track. The hiss is independent of the volume contol. The UM2 are notoriously easy to dri've. Can this problem be fix using a firmware? Do any of you hear this or I have a defecti've Creative Zen, ie I should bring it down for servicing.
My UM2 detects a LOT of his from my nokia N95. A little hiss from Creative zen, ZERO hiss from my sony u8g.Message Edited by wind30 on 0-02-200705:06 AM

Hmm, i dont see why, usually the higher the impedience, the less his you get, and get get a fabulous SNR from the Zen at 97dB 97dB SNR,. It may just not like the Zen. and you said its regardless of the volume level even if its not playing music? very odd, it may be some sort of bug? i get very little Hiss from my ZVM using 6ohm earphones (has the same SNR).
other than that, how does the Zen sound? is the Custom Eq effecti've? did Creative finally fix the bass boost distortion? thanks

Returns No Data Found

Hi i have a query like this
SELECT
pro.project_name "Project Name",
POBJ.NAME "Object Name",
X."Major" "Internal Major",
X."Minor" "Internal Minor",
X."Normalized" "Internal Normalized",
X."IDR" "Internal Defect Rate",
Y."Minor" "External Minor",
Y."Major" "External Major",
Y."Normalized" "External Normalized",
Y."EDR" "External Defect Rate",
NULL "Total Defects"
FROM
PROJECTS PRO,
PROJECT_OBJECTS POBJ,
(SELECT
MN."PRO_ID",
MN."POBJ_ID",
MN."Major",
MN."Minor",
MN."Normalized",
DR."IDR_PRO_ID",
DR."IDR_POBJ_ID",
DR."IDR"
FROM
MAJOR_MINOR_NORMALIZED MN FULL OUTER JOIN IDR DR
ON
MN."PRO_ID" = DR."IDR_PRO_ID" AND
MN."POBJ_ID" = DR."IDR_POBJ_ID" ) X,
(SELECT
EE."PRO_ID" EE_PRO_ID,
EN."PRO_ID" EN_PRO_ID,
EE."POBJ_ID" EE_POBJ_ID,
EN."POBJ_ID" EN_POBJ_ID,
EN."Major" "Major", EN."Minor" "Minor", EN."Normalized" "Normalized",
EN."Normalized" / DECODE(EE."External_Effort",0,NULL,EE."External_Effort") "EDR"
FROM
EXTR_MAJOR_MINOR_NORMALIZED EN FULL OUTER JOIN EXTERNAL_EFFORT EE
ON
EE."PRO_ID" = EN."PRO_ID" AND
EE."POBJ_ID" = EN."POBJ_ID") Y
WHERE
PRO.ID = 2673 AND
2673 = POBJ.PRO_ID AND
2673 = DECODE(X."PRO_ID",NULL,2673,X."PRO_ID") AND
2673 = DECODE(X."IDR_PRO_ID",NULL,2673,X."IDR_PRO_ID") AND
POBJ.ID = DECODE(X."POBJ_ID",NULL,POBJ.ID,X."POBJ_ID") AND
POBJ.ID = DECODE(X."IDR_POBJ_ID",NULL,POBJ.ID,X."IDR_POBJ_ID") AND
2673 = DECODE(Y."EE_PRO_ID",NULL,2673,Y."EE_PRO_ID") AND
2673 = DECODE(Y."EN_PRO_ID",NULL,2673,Y."EN_PRO_ID") AND
POBJ.ID = DECODE(Y."EE_POBJ_ID",NULL,POBJ.ID,Y."EE_POBJ_ID") AND
POBJ.ID = DECODE(Y."EN_POBJ_ID",NULL,POBJ.ID,Y."EN_POBJ_ID")
In the above query all the X Contents have data and Y Contents are not having data but i need to display if X contents are there and make Y contents as Blank if no data exists
The Query will return value ony if the data existing both X and Y
if either one of the X or Y having data it will return no data found how to give the where clause condtion for such cases i tryed many ways was not able to get the result
thanks
Sudhir

I did like this
Create or Replace View IDRS as
SELECT
MN."PRO_ID",
MN."POBJ_ID",
MN."Major",
MN."Minor",
MN."Normalized",
DR."IDR_PRO_ID",
DR."IDR_POBJ_ID",
DR."IDR"
FROM
MAJOR_MINOR_NORMALIZED MN FULL OUTER JOIN IDR DR
ON
MN."PRO_ID" = DR."IDR_PRO_ID" AND
MN."POBJ_ID" = DR."IDR_POBJ_ID
CREATE OR REPLACE FORCE VIEW "EXTERNAL_DEFECT_RATE" ("EE_PRO_ID", "EN_PRO_ID", "EE_POBJ_ID", "EN_POBJ_ID", "Major", "Minor", "Normalized", "External_Effort", "EDR") AS
SELECT
EE."PRO_ID" EE_PRO_ID,
EN."PRO_ID" EN_PRO_ID,
EE."POBJ_ID" EE_POBJ_ID,
EN."POBJ_ID" EN_POBJ_ID,
EN."Major", EN."Minor", EN."Normalized",EE."External_Effort",
EN."Normalized" / DECODE(EE."External_Effort",0,NULL,EE."External_Effort") "EDR"
FROM
EXTR_MAJOR_MINOR_NORMALIZED EN FULL OUTER JOIN EXTERNAL_EFFORT EE
ON
EE."PRO_ID" = EN."PRO_ID" AND
EE."POBJ_ID" = EN."POBJ_ID"
now i am trying to create a full outer join i am getting errors like this
Select *
from
EXTERNAL_DEFECT_RATE edr full outer join on IDRS
on
idrs."pro_id" = edr."EE_PRO_ID" and
simileare other join condtion
but i get Column Ambigiously defined error
tx
Sudhir

How do I get a 0 to display when a count = 0 (zero)? (The cell is blank)...

(Running Business Objects Release 2 (Web-I), No other reporting modules)
How do I get a 0 to display when a count = 0 (zero)? (The cell is blank)...
In my reports, I count the number of tests of one of our products and another count on the number of failures. I then use a simple formula to give me the defect rate percentage (DR%)
The universe objects used in the calculation are:
Assembly Number (dimension)
Human Sn (dimension)
Test Code Description (dimension)
I created a variable (called [Count Assys]) that counts the number of Assemblies Tested:
Formula: =Count([Assembly Number];All)
Another variable (called [Failed Count]) counts the number of failed tests:
Formula: =Count([Test Code Description];All) Where ([Test Code Description] <> "FUNCTIONAL TESTS PASSED")
NOTE: There is a "not equal to sign" between [Test Code Description] and "FUNCTIONAL..." above, but the forum is blanking it when I preview the message. Not a big deal, but it may be important for someone looking to help...
I then have a third variable called [DR%] that divides [Failed Count] into the number of [Count Assys], which yields a number formatted as a percentage.
Formula: =[Failed Count]/[Count Assys]
The above works great!
The problem is: when I have a zero defect count (everything passes), the cell is blank, so the percentage variable remains blank. I want a zero (0) to appear if nothing failed so the percentage appears as 0%
I've searched this forum completely and have tried several Properties changes and different variable strings (like =If([Failed Count]<1,0) and the cell stays blank and cannot come up with an answer.
This one seems simple to me, but everything I've tried has yielded zero <smile> results.
Thanks,
Charles
Edited by: Charles Norman on Dec 9, 2008 12:44 PM
Edited by: Charles Norman on Dec 9, 2008 12:47 PM

Hi Charles,
Use [Dr%] Variable formula as =if(IsNull([Dr%]);0;[DR%])
Here IsNull returns the Boolean value of variable [Dr%] if its true then inserts 0 else the percentage values of failed tests based on the total number of assembly tests performed.
I Hope this is what you want to achieve....
Thanks....
Pratik

Samsung 42-inch Plasma TV just died

My 42-inch HP-T4254 started turning on and off by itself last Saturday and as of Sunday wouldn't stay on at all. I had a certified Samsung repairman check out the TV early this week and for $99, he told me that it would cost $650 to replace the power supply and motherboard. I've had this TV for just over 2 years so it was out of warranty. This is coming at a pretty bad time to have to buy a new TV, which seems like the only option when the repair cost is 75% of the replacement cost. Obviously, I'm not very pleased with both Best Buy and Samsung at the moment. Is there anything that Best Buy can do to help me?

it really sad that everyone of you has the same solution of paying more money for extended protection. When you spend thousands of dollars on a tv, why should you have to pay more money for protection on a tv. The tv should last for longer then 2 years. IT should last at least bare min 8 years. I've have a tube tv that i bought 10 years ago and it works fine to this day. I have video game equipment for example a sega nomad and a ps2 that still work just as good as new "old technology". I have an xbox360 that ive had to have replaced 4 times in 2 years because i would get a red ring of death "hardware failure". their is no excuse for that. the xbox 360 has a terriable defect rate/product failure rate. The bottom line is the manufacture needs to build quality products that will last and they are not doing that. They are not building the same quality products they used to. They rush products to market without making sure they are going to be durable, dependable, live up to Tonsumer expectations, ect.... They are getting away with this! They are conditioning you guys to think hey its the way its supposed to be. They are building crappy products and selling them to you and charging even more for a product to protect plan. Dont get me wrong their are going to be defects in manufacturing but as many complaints as ive seen and studied in school and seen in the business world is unacceptable. Now you guys just think its ok thats the way its supposed to be... you should be every bit as mad as the guy that posted this form with his tv going out. its not his fault he didnt want to spend the extra money on the protection on the tv. its the manufactures fault for rushing a product to market without making sure it works, its the manufactures fault for not standing behind their product, its the manufactures fault for not matching up the four marketing P's, its the manufactures fault for not utilizing the many manufacturing techniques that are avaible today that greatly reduce defects, and most of all its YOUR FAULT for condoning the manufactures behavor and continuing to buy from them and saying its ok i just need to buy the extra protection. It's not ok its not the way its supposed to be! Think if you bought a brand new car and it broke down multiple times, this is the same thing! To the guy thats tv broke sorry to hear about that man. If i were you i would call samsungs exective constumer services department (or whatever it is, they have customer service and then they have a level above that you want to complain to them) and complain it will get you some where. Remind them that the cost of fixing your tv is worth a lot less them complaining to 100's of people about how bad their products are and losing those possible customers. It will work it has worked for me when i got screwed over a couple times with the service industry and HH gregg. Just get by the customer service people on the phone and go above them and you will get somewhere. good luck to you. Do your homework, educate yourself, and dont put up with the bs.
My background: marketing research consultant, opperations management consultant, manfacturing management student, high velocity manufacturing third gen and supply chain execution strategies certified! six sigma ect!

To buy one or not?

I have been thinking of switching from PC to mac... because I feel as if mac is better than PC...
because of less crashes and all types of reasons
but can someone tell me if they are really that good?
and if they are good for recording music *one thing I do all the time*
thanks ahead of time hopefully soon I can get away from PC's for good =D

You should, however, take into effect, that these
forums represent about 2% of the total number of Mac
users. That means only 2 % have a problem, and that
there is a slim to no chance that you get a defective
MB. Besides, if it's defective, just take it back,
and apple will give you a new one under warranty.
First, 2% is not a trival number. Even if only 2% of the shipping units have issues, it still represent a major manufacturing problem. 2% return rate will increase the cost siginificantly. Actually, in manufaturing, the defect rate should be in the range of thousands of DPM (defect per millium) for the system and for components, should be in hundreads. 2% means 20,000 DPM, Apple shuld not have shipped these products if the DPM rate at this rate. The only reason I can think of that Apple still shipped these units is for pumping up the stock price (or prevent it going down for missing the expectations).
Second, not everyone got a defect units comes here to complain, especially for those who bought it in store, they can just got it exchanged and go on with their life. Actually if I got my MacBook replaced/returned at first place, I would not come here to complain. [Sadly, after a visit to Apple store (they asked me to make an appointment to get it looked at) and numerous calls to customer service, Apple still refuses to get the defected MacBook back. So I ended asking my credit card company for help.] So the actual rate should be much higher than 2%, that mean the issue is actually even much more severe.
Again, STAY out of buying a MacBook now You actually will save money for Apple, but definitely will not help the stock price...
Being a PC user almost all my life till now, want to join the Mac club, but Apple is making it supper hard for me. Is it really too much to ask for a working new MacBook upon arrival?!

Why are so many home buttons not working like mine? See web comments

Why are so many home buttons on ipad 2 reported as faulty on the web? Mine is being replaced because of this requiring tedious journeys to Apple Bristol

Webchats, forums, and news reporters basically talk about what doesn't work, not what does. This site is for people who are having trouble so you don't see many people logging in saying: "I have a perfect iPad!" Consumer non-News would be: "Im John Materese and today no-one returned an iPad to the local Apple Store."
Sorry you had a bad experience but with millions and millions made and sold, some one is bound to get a defective device. To put it another way, if Apple's defective rate were an industry unheard of 1%, with 15 million iPads sold, that would be 150,000 iPads that had a defect. 1% is a very small number, 150,000 isn't

Service on IPS Panel

Hi guys, I just wanted to report my experience with the Lenovo service. My x220 has the IPS panel which was replaced do to backlight bleed after two months I received it. It came back with the same exact backlight bleed although I was told the lcd was in fact replaced. After some months I noticed two new defects: ghosting (and since I do graphics in my free time this is really annoying for me) and a white spot 2cmx2cm in the bottom right corner.
So decided to send my x220 for service just before the end of the 1 year warranty period. My X220 is currently in Germany in order to service the above mentioned problems but guess what ? I just called in after receiving an email and they just told me that my lcd is not covered by the warranty because the defects of the lcd were caused by my misuse!
They told me they will send the pictures in order to proove such misuse...I am really curious now to seem them!
My questions is, wasn't Lenovo aware of the high defects rate of their LCD panels??

stoot wrote:
... and a white spot 2cmx2cm in the bottom right corner.
My questions is, wasn't Lenovo aware of the high defects rate of their LCD panels??
Probably they know very well, but just don't acknowledge such problems. This forum is full with various problems with x220 (some design faults), so this looks like x220 is somewhat doomed or cursed design. At least for this price (i have almost 2000€ unit) i expected troublefree laptop. Disappointed a bit, white dots problem seems not very uncommon even with gentle use. My old field workhorse - x61s takes some more rough handling and no problems at all.
Premium display doesn't mean quality as it seems. Sad.

Query takes lots of time to execute how to minizie

Hi ALL,
I have a query like this which takes atleat 3 mins to execute how to optimiized the code from the below query
how to minimize the time
SELECT
PRO.PROJECT_NAME "Project Name",
POBJ.NAME "Object Name",
X."Major" "Internal_Major",
X."Minor" "Internal_Minor",
X."Normalized" "Internal_Normalized",
TRUNC(X."IDR",2) "Internal Defect Rate",
Y."Major" "External_Major",
Y."Minor" "External_Minor",
Y."Normalized" "External_Normalized",
TRUNC(Y."EDR",2) "External_Defect_Rate",
PRO.ID "PRO_ID",
POBJ.ID "POBJ_ID"
FROM
PROJECTS PRO, PROJECT_OBJECTS POBJ,
(SELECT
MN."PRO_ID",
MN."POBJ_ID",
MN."Major",
MN."Minor",
MN."Normalized",
DR."IDR_PRO_ID",
DR."IDR_POBJ_ID",
DR."IDR"
FROM IDR_TEST DR FULL OUTER JOIN MAJOR_MINOR_NORMALIZED MN
ON
MN."PRO_ID" = DR."IDR_PRO_ID" AND
MN."POBJ_ID" = DR."IDR_POBJ_ID") X,
(SELECT
EE."PRO_ID" E_PRO_ID,
EN."PRO_ID" EN_PRO_ID,
EE."POBJ_ID" E_POBJ_ID,
EN."POBJ_ID" EN_POBJ_ID,
EN."Major",
EN."Minor",
EN."Normalized",
EN."Normalized" / DECODE(EE."External_Effort",0,NULL,EE."External_Effort") "EDR"
FROM
EXTR_MAJOR_MINOR_NORMALIZED EN FULL OUTER JOIN EXTERNAL_EFFORT EE
ON
EE."PRO_ID" = EN."PRO_ID" AND
EE."POBJ_ID" = EN."POBJ_ID") Y
WHERE
PRO.ID = :P1_PROJECTS AND
PRO.ID = POBJ.PRO_ID AND
:P1_PROJECTS = DECODE(X.PRO_ID,NULL,:P1_PROJECTS,X.PRO_ID) AND
:P1_PROJECTS = DECODE(X.IDR_PRO_ID,NULL,:P1_PROJECTS,X.IDR_PRO_ID) AND
POBJ.ID = DECODE(X.POBJ_ID,NULL,POBJ.ID,X.POBJ_ID) AND
POBJ.ID = DECODE(X.IDR_POBJ_ID,NULL,POBJ.ID,X.IDR_POBJ_ID)
AND
:P1_PROJECTS = DECODE(Y.E_PRO_ID(+),NULL,:P1_PROJECTS,Y.E_PRO_ID(+)) AND
:P1_PROJECTS = DECODE(Y.EN_PRO_ID(+),NULL,:P1_PROJECTS,Y.EN_PRO_ID(+)) AND
POBJ.ID = DECODE(Y.E_POBJ_ID(+),NULL,POBJ.ID,Y.E_POBJ_ID(+)) AND
POBJ.ID = DECODE(Y.EN_POBJ_ID(+),NULL,POBJ.ID,Y.EN_POBJ_ID(+))
Problem is with the two full outer joins wht i am using
there only i find the query taking too much time
Thanks
Sudhir
Message was edited by:
Sudhir_N
Message was edited by:
Sudhir_N

You'll have to get an exection plan and manually tune the query.
That aside, inline views can really slow queries down because once the data is stored in a temporary table you can't do fast indexed lookups on their result sets. They also make queries be more complicated. Also, outer joins tend to slow queries down a lot in general.

Defect rate on Zen Mi

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