Finally got some time to update my music collection figured I'd see what people are doing after some time in their TL's.

Mainly I'm annoyed by the RANDOM function especially with mp3's stored on USB Flash.

This is what is going into my consideration whether to go with HDD, DVD-R, or USB (don't have iPod sorry still cannot "i-convert"). Unless people convince me the randomization problems do not exist on the i-products.

USB flashdrive:
Pros:
+up to 384kps
+large data storage space, can use mp3 vs wma.
Cons:
-RANDOM function SUCKS, it is not very random and tends to favorite certains songs in certain folders.
-Folder architecture limitations is very annoying when trying to search via folders.
-Tiggering the RANDOM function takes too many steps or you have to use voice command.

HDD:
Pros:
+fairly good music genre/category control and search
+fairly easy to trigger random function (2 moves with the knob)
+good storage space
Cons:
-limited to 128kps bitrate

DVD-R: haven't tried this out yet
+Can potentially leave music in .wav format?
-slower?

 

I have a zune HD and love it...but, the random play is also playing favorites....I keep hearing Halo music.

What is the deal with shuffle/random play that no one can get it right?!

 

DVD-r's still play "random" that arent that random.

 

How are you connecting the Zune HD to your TL? Via the AUX/analog connection instead of the USB? I guess I'd be weary of quality drop over digital transmission from a USB flash drive.

I just tried dividing my songs into more folders and RANDOM functions better. Now I just have to figure out the MAX number of songs I can put in each folder before the algorithm screws up!

Separate question cuz I'm lazy to look it up but does iPod's convert mp3's to aac and downconvert bitrates? If not maybe it is somewhat tempting to use the built-in category/shuffle functions....assuming that it doesn't have the same problem that is!