CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 04/11/2007
DLO, a company quite well-known for its plethora of iPod accessories, has really stepped up to the plate of choice by offering an array of add-ons for other MP3 players as well. You can find cases for the Zen Vision:M, an FM transmitter for the Microsoft Zune, and even an AV dock for the Zune. That's right: DLO makes a HomeDock for the Zune ($99) and--dare I say--it's even better than the one for the iPod. This mainly has to do with the fact that the Zune appears not to have any restrictions about passing through its onscreen menus, which makes for a slightly better user experience. Still, the HomeDock for Zune is not without an issue here and there--namely that videos formatted for the small screen don't translate so well to the larger screen. But if you're looking for a way to integrate the Zune into your home entertainment setup, the HomeDock is a highly suitable option.
The HomeDock for Zune is nearly identical to the HomeDock Deluxe for iPod. The only real difference is that the dock connection is made for the Zune rather than for the iPod. You get the same small footprint (5.5 inches by 3.7 inches by 0.8 inch) and the glowing blue DLO symbol to indicate the unit is powered on. As with the iPod version, the docking cradle isn't cut out of the base, but juts out of it, requiring a separate backing piece to be screwed in for a secure fit. This isn't the most ideal solution, but it gets the job done. The remote slot, however, is etched out of the base.
As has been the case in preceding versions, the HomeDock's IR remote is quite lovely and has a nice, high-quality feel to it. A smorgasbord of buttons ensures that you never have to drag your heinie off the couch. The highlights include power and back keys, various directional buttons, volume adjustors, and playback controls (including dedicated Shuffle and Repeat buttons). The remote works well from about 20 or so feet away, which is plenty for most at-home applications. In addition to the remote, DLO includes a power adapter, a nice black AV cable for connecting the unit to your TV, and a nice black RCA-to-minijack cord for hooking up to powered speakers. Unfortunately, although you can sync the Zune while it's docked into the HomeDock, the necessary USB cable is not included. (It's the one used by most compact printers.)
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