A couple of weeks ago the Zune software was updated to include support for a vast array of new video formats. I for one completely missed it, so I figured it was worthwhile pointing it out.

Don’t get too excited quite yet, it’s not the Zune HD’s hardware itself which is supporting the files – just the software. When you add your video library folders to the software, all the files show up, and if you then choose to sync one it converts it on the fly. There are also rumours of a purported update for the Zune HD itself, later this spring to natively support these files… we can only hope!

The conversion speed itself is about as fast as the methods I’ve used before the update and the quality is at least as good. Obviously this solution is much nicer than converting the files yourself, eliminating the need to have two versions of everything on your computer. That, and the fact that simply clicking ‘sync’ is a lot easier than messing around with format changers.

Personally I think this is a fantastic update, only made better if the Zune HD does indeed start supporting these files natively, eliminating time wasting conversion completely. It certainly adds a plus point for Microsoft’s player when trying to decide whether to get a Zune or an iPod.

What do you think? Impressed like I am, or do you think it’s not actually all that fantastic? Let us know in the comments below.