Subscribing to Podcasts with the Zune (Work in Progress)

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:56:07 GMT

UPDATE: This technique uses the fact that the Zune software can monitor any directory for changes. I found that this didn't work consistently if you use a directory not under the Zune directory in the tree. So, I recommend creating your target directory under the Zune directory. Also, theoretically, this technique will work with any podcast software that can retrieve podcasts to a specific directory on the local PC. I'm most familiar with Doppler, so that's what I used.

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I kept reading about how the Zune doesn't support podcasts. Well, since the main reason I want a Zune is to listen to podcasts/video podcasts on the way into work, I felt motivated to tackle this issue.

NOTE: This sort of works but there's still some holes in it. For example, in Doppler, I can't designate a playlist per feed without getting an error and I can't seem to get the default feed name to create a playlist automatically.

NOTE 2: Feel free to try it but your results may differ. Also note, I don't have a Zune to try the final step of playing it on the player. However, I do have the software installed on my Vista PC. I'm making an assumption that if I can get these podcasts to show up in the Zune software, then it should sync it to the player and play there. I would love for someone to test this.

Ok, I'm a big fan of DopplerRadio as a free(!) Podcast client so this solution uses Doppler. Procedure as below.

Install the Zune client software.
Open up Windows Explorer and go to the following folder C:\Users\[YourUserName]\Music\Zune\
Create a Podcast folder under the Zune folder. So you should wind up with this: C:\Users\[YourUserName]\Music\Zune\Podcasts
- The Zune software automatically monitors changes in this folder for new files.
- So, the Zune software will automatically add these files to the library, which I hope means it will automatically sync to the player.
Go to http://www.dopplerradio.net and downloaded the Ver 3.0 CTP and install
When you go through the Doppler setup process, set the download folder to C:\Users\[YourUserName]\Music\Zune\Podcasts You can leave all of the other settings as the default. I did check the Force retrieve on Startup, but it's not necessary.
Add your subscriptions to Doppler and then select Retrieve
Once everything is downloaded, open the Zune software. All of your new files should be in the view.

For those of you with a Zune player, let me know if this procedure allows you to automatically sync and play these files on the Zune.

Technorati tags: Microsoft, Zune, Podcasts, Doppler Radio, Zune Podcast,

Evil Doctor PorkChop: Zune

Subscribing to Podcasts with the Zune (Work in Progress)