Zen Vision M FM recording

Dammer

Can anyone confirm if the FM recording function is only available on the 30GB Zen Vision M.

It does not work on the 60GB version I have. Seems a bit ridiculous to have less functions on the more expensive model!

Basq

Yep.. my 30G Zen Vision:M can record from radio. Not that i'd ever use it!

Christ, are we back in 1989 already? To paraphrase Tommy Tiernan: "got your finger hovering over Play and Record buttons waiting for the DJ to shut the fuck up!"

hshortt

Just check the firmware versions, there was one recently that removed FM recording and then a newer one that added it back in - this was for the 30GB model, so I'm sure the 60GB model will be similar.

Cheers
Howard

Dammer

I upgraded my 60GB firmware a few days ago and when I tried to play around with the FM Recording function I noticed it was not there.
It says that function is available in the manual I downloaded and it states on the box "FM Radio and Voice Recording" as one of the features.

If I "upgrade" my 60GB version with the 30GB firmware would it feck up my ZVM



30GB Firmware
Note: If your current firmware version is 1.50.02, this new firmware may require you to retransfer any existing DRM-enabled tracks back to your player. For more information, see "Notes" below.

Added Features or Enhancements:

Adds language support for Greek.
Adds FM recording (for players with current firmware version 1.50.02 or 1.51.02).
Optimizes photo thumbnail capability with Windows Media® Player 10 and 11.
Enables transfer of audio files with duration of more than 18 hours.
Fixes:

Ensures that tracks are displayed properly when the "Yet To Be Rated" option is selected under your player's DJ.
Ensures that album art is displayed properly.
Requirements:

Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows XP (Service Pack 1 or later), Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 or later
Windows Media Player 10 or later
AudibleManager® version 5.00 or later for Audible® audio content playback
USB 1.1 port (USB 2.0 recommended for faster transfers)
Creative ZEN Vision:M 30GB


60GB Firmware Link
Note: If your current firmware version is 1.10.04, this new firmware may require you to retransfer any existing DRM-enabled tracks back to your player. For more information, see "Notes" below.

Added Features or Enhancements:

Adds language support for Greek.
Optimizes photo thumbnail capability with Windows Media® Player 10 and 11.
Enables the transfer of audio files with duration of more than 18 hours.
Fixes:

Ensures that tracks are displayed properly when the "Yet To Be Rated" option is selected under your player's DJ mode.
Requirements:

Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows XP (Service Pack 1 or later), Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 or later
Windows Media Player 10 or later
AudibleManager® version 5.00 or later for Audible® audio content playback
USB 1.1 port (USB 2.0 recommended for faster transfers)
Creative ZEN Vision:M 60GB

muckwarrior

I definitely wouldn't chance loading the 30G firmware on a 60G zvm. I dunno what the reason was for temporarily removing the functionality from teh 30G firmware but maybe they had to remove it from the 60G for the same reason, but are planning on bringing it back in a future release?

Bard

Did you try googling "Creative remove radio recording"?

This feature was removed in a firmware "upgrade" back in October '06:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/16/creative-removing-fm-recording-from-players/

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/creative-strips-fm-from-zen-visionm-adam-carolla-fans-devastated-208293.php

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061017-8006.html

I doubt they're planning to bring it back, considering they removed it because of copyright laws and the RIAA.

Basq

Odd!

I bought my Zen Vision:M less than a month ago and it's got FM recording. Will check firmware version now...

...ahhh, it's v1.40.02e.

Upgrading to v1.50.02 apparently kills it.. torn on whether to do it or not but don't think i'd ever use FM recording to be honest.

dave oc

Theres a newer firmware out, 1.6 or something similar. Anyway it retores fm recording, just google 'vison m firmware' should be around the forth result down( from www.epizenter.net)

muckwarrior

Bard wrote:

I doubt they're planning to bring it back, considering they removed it because of copyright laws and the RIAA.

They brought it back for the 30G model though. Wouldn't make any sense to withhold it from the 60G.

Soundman

Strange. The only firmware version available on the creative site irrespective of the country you claim to originate from is 1.20.02

Seems weird that they release v1.40 on the models they are selling but don't have the site updated with the latest version...

Dammer

60GB Firmware
Creative ZEN Vision:M 60GB PlaysForSure Firmware 1.20.02e (for Europe only) (15.38 MB) 8 Dec 06

30GB Firmware
Creative ZEN Vision:M 30GB Firmware 1.61.01e (for Europe only) (15.12 MB) 8 Dec 06

The 30GB version includes the option of being able to record an FM Broadcast, the same option is not available on the 60GB Firmware

Looks like it this function is only available on the 30GB version

I have emailed Creative cust. support see what they say