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Originally Posted by placebo
the advantages of Microsoft's Zune Marketplace (Zune Pass) [from now on: MZMP] in comparison with NAPS/RHDY are:
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+ the downloads are fully tagged. if NAPS tracks are tagged in 5 fields, MZMP tracks are tagged in 10(!) fields, including the important "Disc#"-tag field!
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The Zune's tagging system is not without its flaws. Once a song is marked as a podcast, it is extremely hard to get it back into the music section. Changes made to metadata within the Zune software do not immediately take effect. The 5-star rating system is replaced with the "hearts" system, which is set by default to be a per user setting, so this is never written to the file. If set to use global ratings, the ratings are written to the file, but not in any way that any other media player can deciper. MS claims that the ratings are not written to the file even in global mode, but I can say from experience that this is not true.
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+ the downloads are named such that the file name includes and is preceded by the track number (similar to RHDY downloads but unlike NAPS!)
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By default, these downloads are stored in [UserMusicDirectory]\Zune\[Artist]\[Album]\ if purchased, [UserMusicDirectory]\Zune\Subscription\[Artist]\[Album] if downloaded via Zune Pass, and [UserMusicDirectory]\Zune\Zune Temporary Music\[Artist]\[Album] if downloaded through a subscribed channel. This can be changed, but the "Zune Temporary Music" and "Subscription" folders will still be inside whichever folder you select as your download location. Sometimes, the Zune software will ignore the User-defined download location and save to the default one anyway. What causes this is unknown.
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+ restricted tracks (e.g. "Album Only" tracks) (or any other streaming audio track!) can be downloaded in full-length with our default method (see www.stream-recorder.com). MZMP streams audio tracks in Windows Media Audio format, ~126kbps (i.e. not exactly 128kbps), with integrated DRM-protection. Use the default method to un'DRM these LQ-WMA tracks.
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I was not aware of this, thanks for shaing!
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+ the software is super modern, fast and efficient. and looks great. you can watch all dvd's, tv shows, movies online (but not download!), connect to Zune devices, XBOX, XBOX360, and other (future) Microsoft products and services, see wiki.
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The current Zune software can also connect to Kin phones and Windows 7 Phones. Most bugs in previous versions of the software have been worked out. (It used to SUCK) Now playing mode is still a bit heavy on the memory and graphics, but it can be disabled.
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the disadvantages of MZMP are:
+ the software 
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Yes, the software IS required to use the Zune services and to sync a Zune, and it has no version for any OS other than Windows.
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+ the subscription price 
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I've heard rumors that they will be lowering the price . . .
