DLO HomeDock for Zune

(Review) - DLO is at it again with a new iteration of its HomeDock series. This time, it's for Microsoft's Zune, and it's better than ever. Even better than its iPod counterpart. There isn't a substantial difference between the iPod and Zune versions, but the Zune wins hands down with a smooth interface, which was a pleasure to work with.

The device is black in color that matches well with most Zune players, but as is the norm with mono-colored units, it's not going to be the most attractive looking unit in your home entertainment setup. We are feeling generous today, so we'll let it slide. Not that it's going to make a huge difference to many of you, but there are a few of us who prefer to match the overall decor. The base, along with the included remote control, both feel strong, sturdy and durable. We dropped the base from a few feet above the floor and it worked flawlessly after the tortuous experience. Swinging the remote like a frisbee was also an interesting experience, but to DLO's credit, it, too, worked well. The base is a simple unit with a power button in the front center that shines blue when Zune is connected and powered on. The rest of the functionality is integrated on the remote control. Skip forward/backward, volume buttons and a total of 18 buttons are all there.  That's one overloaded remote.

DLO HomeDock Deluxe for iPod

You can effortlessly secure the Zune in the base and recharge it while it's docked. The only unfortunate thing is the lack of a USB cable to make it happen. All the other cables (RCA, mini-to-RCA), however, are included in the package.

The setup process was a breeze to work with, and we had an absolute blast navigating through the onscreen menu. Unlike HomeDock for iPod, which requires an application to process video output, the Zune edition works directly. That allowed for a customized display and snappy access from one menu to another.

During performance tests, the remote control operated perfectly within a 25ft. radius, and the HomeDock itself was mindblowing, given it's connected to quality components. As much as enjoyed its audio performance, video was a disappointment, but bearable, nonetheless. There was a lot of pixelation, but we suspect this to be Microsoft's fault with Zune.     

For $75.84, DLO's HomeDock has come down 25 percent in price recently. That makes it a rather affordable solution for Zune users who are itching to connect their music player to their entertainment setup. DLO's HomeDock for Zune is a near perfect product that's worthy of a solid recommendation. Be sure to check it out.

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