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Creative Zen

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The Creative Zen is a line of digital audio players produced by Creative Technology and a branch off the earlier Creative NOMAD brand (the other branch being the MuVo series). Some models feature a touch-pad interface similar to that of the Apple iPod, but using a vertical strip rather than a circle. They are capable of playing WMA, MP3 and WAV audio files, and with the exception of the Zen Nano and the Zen Nano Plus, the players are based on miniature hard disk drives rather than flash memory.

The Zen range is very popular in Asia, particularly in Creative's home nation of Singapore. Microsoft supports Zen players by including built-in compatibility with Windows Media Player 10 by utilizing the Media Transfer Protocol and giving it the Microsoft PlaysForSure certification. The device also supports Yahoo Music Engine. Later versions also exclusively support Janus DRM.

The Zens stores files and metadata in an internal database, as opposed to a file system as used by most other MP3 players. For this reason, older models of the Zens used a tailored USB interface and a custom protocol called PDE (Portable Digital Entertainment) to transfer tracks, meaning they required special host software. The more recent devices are gradually supplied with firmware upgrades that convert them from PDE devices to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) devices. The older devices will however only support the PDE protocol. Some newer devices (like the Neeon) will uses the USB mass storage device class, accessible from any operating system.

The Creative Zens sometimes support one or other derivative of Creatives environmental audio extensions (EAX). Some versions does not have much of it, whereas others can have a host of (little-used) effects available.

Hardware

The Zen devices use a single digital signal processor as its CPU with a few peripheral circuits. The DSP/CPU directly takes care of all MP3 and WMA decoding without any specialized accelerator chips, making the design cheaper. All current models are based on the Texas Instruments TMS320 processor. The touchpads on the newer units are controlled by Synaptics touch pad controllers.

Players

Currently, there are nine main models of Zen:Zen Touch, Zen Micro, Creative Zen, Zen Neeon, Zen MicroPhoto, Zen Vsion, Zen Vision M and Zen Sleek. The Zen Nano Plus is a flash memory based player and is in fact a rebranded MuVo Micro N200.

Creative also made a portable video-playing device named the Zen Portable Media Center. Another portable video-playing device called Zen Vision has been introduced and made available to the public in August 2005.

Nomad Jukebox Zen

File:Creative zen.jpg
Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen

The Nomad Jukebox Zen, introduced in 2002, was the first generation of Creative's Zen hard-drive-based digital audioplayers. The Jukebox Zen had an anodized aluminum case and a backlit LCD for file navigation. Early models had a 20 GB internal 2.5" hard drive and used USB 1.1 or FireWire for file transfers. Later models, such as the Zen USB 2.0, featured up to 60 GB of storage and USB 2.0 connectivity. The Zen and Zen USB 2.0 featured up to 12 and 14 hours of continuous playback, respectively, with an irremovable, rechargeable battery. An optional wired remote adds FM radio and recording functions. This model is no longer in production.

===Nomad Jukebox Zen NX=== (This model is no longer in production.) The Nomad Jukebox Zen NX, or simply the Zen NX, was released in 2003 was the second generation of Zen MP3 players. It featured an internal 2.5" 30 GB hard disk and the release of new music management software called Creative MediaSource. The Zen NX also had slightly smaller dimensions than its predecessor. In addition, the rechargeable battery was removable. This model is no longer in production.

===Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra=== (This model is no longer in production.) This player was mostly a revamped Zen NX, but featured a larger screen (160x104 pixels) and had a large hard drive. Three models were made, one holding 30 gigabytes, one holding 40 gigabytes, and the largest holding 60 gigabytes. Presumably, it was named Xtra because of the extra large screen and hard drive.

It has a number of features setting it apart from its competition, including EAX sound and an advanced playlist editor. Until recently, the Zen Xtra could not be used as a portable hard drive: it needed a Zen driver installed to be detected by a computer (software is included for Windows; a gpl program, gnomad2, exists for Linux). Version 2.10.03 of the firmware supports "seamless support with any computer running Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP - no drivers or software needed". Version 2.x of the firmware is not supported by Linux projects such as gnomad2.

The Zen Xtra package includes the player, a leather case with belt-clip, a lithium polymer battery, Windows software for communicating with the player, a USB cable and a pair of low-quality earbuds.

The Xtra is notable since Real Networks cooperated with Creative to provide a tailored firmware for the Xtra that supported their Helix DRM digital rights management scheme, however the Xtra also was the only device ever to support this scheme natively.

===Zen Touch=== (This model is end of life product.)

File:Creative zen touch.jpg
The Creative Zen Touch (2004)

The Zen Touch was released in the summer of 2004. It marked the fourth generation of "Zen" MP3 players, and a substantive change from the "Jukebox" models based on 2.5" hard drives. The model incorporated radical changes in design, functionality and technology to compete with the Apple iPod.

The Zen Touch has a smaller form factor and larger backlit blue display in a curved industrial design. In addition, the device uses a pressure-sensitive vertical strip on the front of the unit for easier file navigation. These changes were enabled by the use of Toshiba's smaller 1.8" hard drive line, also used in the Apple iPod line. Units are currently available with a 20 or 40 GB of storage, and with 60 GB from third-party upgraders.

Unlike the previous two generations, the Zen Touch does not have a removable battery. However, Creative claims its battery provides up to 24 hours of MP3 playback at 128 kbit/s encoding. Users report 21-26 hours of continuous playback.

A new version of the firmware was released after one year, supposedly to fix many problems that existed with the player. A further update was released in October 2005 that fixed all major problems with the Zen and also added PlaysforsureTM compatibility. This allows fully automated synchronization and means that the Zen Touch no longer requires any drivers to work on a Windows 2000 or above system.

Zen Micro

Creative Zen Micro pictured here with the Creative earphones
Creative Zen Micro glowing at night

The Zen Micro was released in November 2004 and is a micro hard drive music player available in 10 colours.

The Zen Micro is much smaller than its Touch counterpart and shares a similar interface for file navigation. The Micro has a removable battery rated to last for up to 12 hours of continuous playback. In addition, the player has an LED-backlit LCD and offers hard disk capacities of 4, 5 and 6 GB.

The Micro also features a built-in FM tuner/recorder, voice recorder and microphone, partitioning for data storage (i.e. acting as a removable hard drive for PCs), and the ability to synchronize contacts, tasks and calendars with Microsoft Outlook. Accessories for the Zen Micro include matching colour speakers, wireless headsets and a wired remote control.


The first 35,000 units shipped worldwide were packaged as a Limited Edition package that came with an additional rechargeable battery. Asian models of the Limited Edition included the extra battery and a wired remote control.

At CES 2005, it was announced that the Zen Micro line would be expanded to include 4 and 6 GB models.

The Zen Micro optionally supports the Microsoft Media Transfer Protocol and the PlaysForSure certification with updated firmware.

Hardware Issues

It has been reported by some that the headphone jack can partly break away from the host circuit (on the 5 GB model) board, which causes loss in one or both channels. If you are under warranty then the issue should be resolved by Creative. If not under warranty you can try disassembling your player and inserting a folded piece of paper under the metal cover of the headphone jack. The jack can also be resoldered by someone with suitable knowledge.


Marketing campaign

In November 2004, Creative Labs announced a $100 million marketing campaign to promote their digital audio products, including the Zen range of MP3 players. In particular, the newer Zen Touch and Zen Micro are being heavily publicized by the company. These two products have been featured in an increasing number of television commercials, print ads and urban billboards.

In March 2005, Paris Hilton became a spokesperson for the Creative Zen Micro. [1]

Zen

The Zen 20 gigabyte player was released in May 2005, and copies the Zen Micro's successful aesthetics. Unlike the Micro Photo, this player was not announced at CES 2005. A few design points set it apart from the Micro line, including a Magnesium case and a larger screen. Also, the battery is not 'user-replaceable'. Initially this model was available only in the Asia-Pacific region but it is now available in the United States through Cambridge SoundWorks, a Creative subsidiary. The player is also available though online retailers in the United Kingdom.

Zen Neeon

The Zen Neeon is a new addition to the Zen family. It is targeted at those that feel that the Zen Micro is too gaudy. It follows a similar design to the Zen Xtra, but in a much smaller size. This 5 Gigabyte DAP has an SNR (sound to noise ratio) of 98 dB and a battery life of 16 hours. The front has a piano black finish, and the back is anodized aluminum that comes in ten colours. The LCD screen has a 7 colour backlight. Also, Creative has marketed what they call Stik-Ons, which are decal stickers that can be placed and removed from the face of the unit.

Like its Micro brother, this unit also has an FM tuner and a microphone, but also has a line record in function. This model does not use Creative specialized USB drivers; it is a standard USB mass storage device.

In November 2005, the HDD-based Zen Neeon line was updated to 6GB and a new Flash range was launched in 512MB, 1GB and 2GB capacity. The device is now equipped with a dual-tone OLED screen. The device is also accompanied by a new marketing campaign, Put a Face to Your Music, with emphasis on a whole new range of customizable "Stik-Ons".

More information on the device can be found on the manufacturer's website [2].

Zen Micro Photo

File:Creative zen micro photo.jpg
A display model of the Zen Micro Photo

The Zen Micro Photo is one of the newest members of the Zen family of digital audio players. It shares the same features of the Zen Micro, and adds an upgraded 262,144 colour OLED screen for displaying photos. The device is available in an 8GB capacitiy and can store thousands of JPEGs or 4,000 songs (according to Creative's estimates). Rather than the 12-hour battery found in the Zen Micro, this version has a 15-hour battery life.

First introduced at CES 2005, the Zen Micro Photo won the coveted 'Best of CES' award. The intended release of the player was spring of 2005, but did not appear until late summer of 2005.

Zen Sleek

A Creative Zen Sleek.

The Zen Sleek is a Zen Touch descendant with 20 GB hard disk storage, FM radio and microphone for live recordings. It is smaller than the Zen Touch, and boasts an aluminum casing. It can synchronize with Outlook to hold the calendar, address book, and tasks list. It also has a USB mass storage mode, which can be used to partition part of the disk for data files only. It supports MP3, WAV and WMA playback, and gives up to 20 hours of battery life (depending on usage).

It uses the same style 'touchpad' as the Zen Touch; but the 'OK' button has been removed. Instead, the user taps the touchpad to make a selection, in the same manner as a laptop touchpad.

A Zen Sleek Photo is now available, with a colour screen.

Zen Nano / Nano Plus

The Zen Nano is essentially a rebranded MuVo N200. However, the battery lasts up to 18 hours on a single AAA, and is available in ten colors (black, pink, red, orange, green, light blue, blue, purple, gray, and white). The Zen Nano Plus is identical to the Zen Nano, except that it has a FM Tuner with recording cababilities, and a voice recorder that accepts input from line in (not mic in) and from a small built-in mic.

Source: Creative official website f***

===Zen Portable Media Center=== (This model is no longer in production.) Creative introduced the Portable Media Center in 2004. It is based on Microsoft's Portable Media Player specification and supports Windows Media Video, WMA and MP3, and can display JPEG images; other video formats are supported through converting the source file to WMV in provided software. This device was the first to exclusively support the Microsoft Media Transfer Protocol. It uses an internal 20GB Toshiba 1.8" hard drive and can currently be upgraded to 40 GB or 60 GB.

Zen Vision

The Zen Vision was introduced in 2005. It is not based on Microsoft's Portable Media Player specification but supports Microsoft's Media Transfer Protocol. It supports audio (WMA-DRM, WMA, MP3, WAV), video (WMV,Motion JPEG, MPEG 1/2/4, DivX 4/5, XviD) and picture (JPEG) playback. It uses a 30 GB hard drive. A unique feature of the zen vision is its ability to make a portion of its hard drive work as a removable disk (up to 16gb) for any operating system. Other features of the Zen Vision have a crippling incompatibility with most operating systems, requiring that the user have access to Microsoft Windows XP (SP1 or higher).

The Zen Vision also has a microphone, an FM Radio, Calendar, and Organizer. The microphone can record until the hard drive is full. FM radio can also be recorded. The calendar and organizer functions are only available when syncing with Microsoft Outlook.

The Zen Vision has a 640 x 480 resolution LCD screen and also has a video output (PAL or NTSC) port. The player includes a CompactFlash slot that is used to move or copy the contents of memory cards to the player. However, only pictures and videos can be imported and viewed. An adapter for other memory card types is also available as an accessory. The Zen Vison also supports an optional Infared remote.

Zen Vision:M

File:Creative zen vision m.JPG
Zen Vision:M

The Zen Vision:M was launched in December 2005. Like the Zen Vision, the Vision:M supports audio (MP3, WMA, WAV), video (DivX, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG4-SP, WMV-9, Motion-JPEG) playback and images (JPEG). Unlike the Zen Vision, it comes with a 2.5", 320x240, 262,144 color LCD display. The Vision:M is also able to display album art and other pictures during playback, unlike its predecessors such as the Zen Micro Photo. Although album art cannot be enlarged, the picture-viewing function is enhanced with zoom and pan.

The Zen Vision:M has a TV Output and comes with built-in FM Radio receiver and voice recording.

Criticisms

Some Zen Xtra and Zen Micro (5 GB version, first model) players have been prone to the headphone socket breaking, although the exact incidence is unknown.

Marketing campaign

In November 2004, Creative Labs announced a $100 million marketing campaign to promote their digital audio products, including the Zen range of MP3 players. In particular, the company is heavily publicizing the newer Zen Touch and Zen Micro. These two products have been featured in an increasing number of television commercials, print ads, and urban billboards.

Many celebrities were seen with the Zen Micro, including Paris Hilton, pop group Maroon 5 and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler.

Along with the launch of the Zen Vison:M, Creative announced that it will "aggressively pursue" respect of its intellectual property. Creative was awarded an U.S. patent on a music management system consisting of several pages (commonly seen on audio players, including the popular Apple iPod). However, no serious results have turned up so far.

Beside Creative Labs' packaged Creative Playcenter and Nomad Explorer software, there are other transfer and track/file management programs:

  • Proprietary software:
    • Notmad Explorer by Red Chair Software (homepage) is a transfer program for Microsoft Windows. This program includes a file streamer and can convert your MP3 player into a file server that you can access over the Internet. Red Chair offers Notmad Explorer in several versions for specific Nomad-family players at several prices; the universally compatible version costs $35.

See also

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