Zune (desktop software) + .m4a

[destrekor]

I thought Zune was supposed to handle .m4a files? Why is Zune telling me it cannot play the Nine Inch Nails .m4a files? I just downloaded The Slip from NIN's website and downloaded the CD-quality m4a files, expecting both my PC and my ZuneHD to play them. If the Zune software won't play them, I guess that means neither will my ZuneHD.

Anyone have any ideas why this is the case? Microsoft even says there is .m4a compatibility.

[tw1164]

Rename one to an mp4 and see if it plays it.

[destrekor]

Nope, Zune still won't play it.
VLC plays it just fine, but the whole idea is to put it on Zune so that 1, I can play it with Zune, and 2, I can sync it with my zune.

Damn, just strange. Zune is supposed to be compatible with m4a.

[Gooberlx2]

Probably some incompatibility with the encoding method/codec parameters...like high-complexity/low-complexity, etc...

from wiki:

As a media player, the Zune software supports the following formats — for audio: MP3 (.mp3), AAC (Low complexity) (.aac, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov),

edit: Actually, NIN says the following:

the music is available in a variety of formats including high-quality MP3, FLAC or M4A lossless at CD quality and even higher-than-CD quality 24/96 WAVE. your link will include all options - all free. all downloads include a PDF with artwork and credits.

m4a lossless is probably the apple lossless codec (which isn't aac, but apple's codec in a .m4a container), and isn't compatible with Zune.

What I would do is use something like dbPowerAmp to transcode to a high-bitrate standard m4a (AAC low-complexity). Or, if you still want lossless, transcode to WMA lossless.