Windows Media Player and the Creative Zen

mlwarriner · #1 01-21-2010, 06:24 AM

Hopefully someone here can help me out.

I just picked up a Creative Zen MP3 player, the 32gig version.

I've already synced my library onto the device (pretty much all of my MP3 files).

I've got a handful of playlists that I've created in Windows Media Player.

Is there a way to transfer the playlists onto my Zen? I just need the list, not the files.

Or - alternately, can someone with a Zen tell me the file extension for the Zen-created playlists?

Thanks.

Sonic_Death · #2 01-21-2010, 12:42 PM

The Zen playlists have a file extension of .zpl

I am not sure if you can use WMP playlists, but it is worth a shot. When you connect your Zen to your computer, you can access the playlist folder on the player. From there, try dragging something in I suppose.

Worse comes to worse, you can just remake the same playlists on the player. It is not too hard to do.

Auzzie-Phoenix · #3 01-21-2010, 01:53 PM

The zens are nice players. I have the older Vision:M 30gb. As an aside... I think the zen devices can use winamp playlists with the .pls extension, but I don't really remember. I've never used the playlist feature of the zen since I just have it randomly cycling all music that I put on there (safer for driving). As is, congratulations on the purchase. Features vs. cost you got a device that is IMO better than an iPod. I do know the sound quality is better. You might want to take some time and set up the equalizer to your liking. It's either 5 or 6 band graphic eq. Really brings out the sound after you tweak it.

mlwarriner · #4 01-21-2010, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auzzie-Phoenix

Features vs. cost you got a device that is IMO better than an iPod.

Especially when I got it for half-price, new.

I've tweaked the EQ to my liking already. Maybe I'll just learn to live without playlists...

Or install the Zen software and create them there...

Auzzie-Phoenix · #5 01-21-2010, 02:19 PM

That's always an option. The software isn't bad. Convenient for ripping tracks from your cd's at the very least. But it also has the ability to try swapping formats of videos so that they work on the player.

My zen is the older hard drive type, so I've learned not to let it shake around too much (else I'll have to reset the device due to lockup), but yours sounds like one of the sd models. The battery life on the zen is amazing though. I can pull a 280mi one way drive without giving the thing a break at higher volume and still not go through half the battery.

You really got yourself a killer deal on that unit, and should be really proud of yourself. Also, if you haven't played with all of the functions, the zen can work as a voice recorder, organizer, removeable storage drive, and radio (FM) tuner all in one.

mlwarriner · #6 01-21-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auzzie-Phoenix

That's always an option. The software isn't bad. Convenient for ripping tracks from your cd's at the very least. But it also has the ability to try swapping formats of videos so that they work on the player.

My zen is the older hard drive type, so I've learned not to let it shake around too much (else I'll have to reset the device due to lockup), but yours sounds like one of the sd models. The battery life on the zen is amazing though. I can pull a 280mi one way drive without giving the thing a break at higher volume and still not go through half the battery.

You really got yourself a killer deal on that unit, and should be really proud of yourself. Also, if you haven't played with all of the functions, the zen can work as a voice recorder, organizer, removeable storage drive, and radio (FM) tuner all in one.

yes, it's the flash-based one. 32gb. about the size of a credit card, and far thinner than my wallet.

with an SD card slot for expansion if needed.

DWBass · #7 01-21-2010, 02:35 PM

Is yours the Zen X-Fi with the wireless capability? I have the 16gb model. Very nice. I mainly use mine for watching movies on the road.

mlwarriner · #8 01-21-2010, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBass

Is yours the Zen X-Fi with the wireless capability? I have the 16gb model. Very nice. I mainly use mine for watching movies on the road.

no, it's just the straight zen. i didn't see the need (for me) to spend the extra $$ to get the wifi.

plus, it wasn't on sale at half price

Jimmy Bones · #9 01-21-2010, 02:57 PM

I had the Zen Vision M for a while, bought it directly from the plant in Singapore. Was superior (IMHO) to the iPod in every way except one - the proprietary doohicky needed to charge the beast.

Wish someone hadn't jacked it from me, forcing me to look like a fashionable apple choob.

Auzzie-Phoenix · #10 01-21-2010, 03:03 PM

Jimmy, you can still find the vision: M on amazon. Though the SD models have a few advantages: charging, screen quality, immunity to hd lockup from vibration/shock. More than likely, they can load and transfer faster as well.

Jimmy Bones · #11 01-21-2010, 03:46 PM

It was a purchase wa back when, when I still had disposable income.

My iPod, for the record, is still one of the aluminium cased iPod minis.

DWBass · #12 01-21-2010, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlwarriner

no, it's just the straight zen. i didn't see the need (for me) to spend the extra $$ to get the wifi.

plus, it wasn't on sale at half price

Yeah, in hindsight, I should have sprung for the cheaper model. The WiFi is cool though. I can stream music and video from my laptop. Can also chat through Yahoo IM or Microsoft IM.

mlwarriner · #13 01-21-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auzzie-Phoenix

More than likely, they can load and transfer faster as well.

i was amazed at how quickly this thing synced up. even compared to other flash-based players (recent models) i've got. i synced about 30 gig in about 4 hours, give or take. and that was through a USB hub.

mlwarriner · #14 01-21-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBass

Yeah, in hindsight, I should have sprung for the cheaper model. The WiFi is cool though. I can stream music and video from my laptop. Can also chat through Yahoo IM or Microsoft IM.

more bells and whistles than i need, really. i just wanted a good flash-based player that would hold a ton of tunes. this one fit the bill well.