Zune: Synchronizing Your Device (USB and Wireless Sync)

Synchronize your Zune Device by USB and/or by Wireless Sync

So you got this brand new ZUNE and you’re eager to be able to sync all your music, pictures, videos, and other data. You have two options. You either sync via USB (the good old, battle-tested, mostly trouble-free option), or you go for fancy and opt for Wireless Sync.

Set up USB Sync

This has no “setup” in and of itself, quite frankly. Unless you’re pretty unlucky, this will not cause any problems. Among other features, your Zune Software allows you to manage your music, videos and TV episodes, rip and burn CDs, create playlists, and sync them effortlessly to your device. Zune software automatically imports the media that’s already on your computer, including music ripped in iTunes and Microsoft Windows Media Player, video files, pictures —even DVR recordings made with Windows Media Center. It’ll even transfer your existing song ratings. All you have to do is plug in your Zune.

Set up Wireless Sync

Wireless Sync allows you to keep in step with the latest music, podcasts, and more on your computer by setting your Zune to update automatically and wirelessly with your PC. This is done via your home wireless network when your Zune is docked or charging with an AC adaptor. Any new music or podcasts will be sent to your Zune automatically every time you charge. You also have the option of manually starting the sync from your device when you are in range of your wireless network.

Here’s the step-by-step guide to setup this option:

1. Attach the device to your PC and open the Zune Software.

2. Go to the upper right corner and select Settings.

3. In the upper left corner, under settings, select device.

4. In the left column, click WIRELESS SYNC.

5. Click the SET UP WIRELESS SYNC button.

6. The software will search for available networks. If it doesn’t find your network, click the SHOW ADVANCED SETTINGS button. Input the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and use the radio buttons to select the Network Type. Input your Network Key/Passphrase. Click the SAVE SETTINGS button.

7. Once the confirmation message appears, click the Finish button. Your Zune can now sync to your computer through your wireless network. By dragging and dropping the media from your collection to your device icon in the lower left corner, you can build your sync group.

You can then sync your Zune to download the media at any time.

To perform a wireless sync:

1. Turn on your Zune device.

2. Select Settings.

3. Select wireless.

4. Select sync now. The device will search for the network, connect to the PC and begin the sync. When the sync has completed, select ok. The media will now be on the device.

Wireless sync means just that, wireless, so there’s no need to connect your Zune to your USB port. Once you have your wireless router and your Zune software set up for wireless it will sync for anywhere up to 30 feet away form your wireless router.

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