Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Samsung YH920 or Creative Zen Touch??

Dec 12, 2004 5:42AM PST

I was wondering if anybody could offer me some advice, I want to buy a HDD based MP3 player and was considering either the Samsung YH920 or the Creative Zen Touch. Which of these is in your opinion the best?? I have read some things about the music transfer on the Samsung not being very good... Is this true.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Richard

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
having problems deleting files? well the tittle on player?
Jun 9, 2005 3:47AM PDT

Well I had this problem and had an even bigger problem of not being able to even transfer songs onto the mp3 player even though the hardware was correctly connected with the right drivers etc etc. Even thought I did NOT have windows SP2 I got desperate and installed the patch which is meant to be for SP2 to fix some driver bug with the yh 920. It installs some recovery unit thing where you can 'repeair' your device, it rebuilt my library and seemed to fixed everything wrong with it, its now working fine. It dont have SP2 but this patch seems very usefull even if u dont have it, so if ur desperate before u send it back just try the patch out, my bets are that it will work Happy gl

- Collapse -
deleting tracks
Jun 9, 2005 4:36AM PDT

i figured it out,i have had no problems with the player and i have sp2,in my eagerness to transfer tracks onto the player when i got it i realize now that you have to have all your library on your computer in order,ie genre,track name and artists,any difference and the player will split them all over the hard drive,when i re-transferred them once i had sorted all the tracks out they went onto the player as they should have done,cheers!

- Collapse -
Sorry that happened...
Feb 1, 2005 7:24AM PST

I have this player and it works fine for me. Much better than IPOD IMO. The thing I don't understand about you and other people though (no offense), is that if you get one defective item, and you bash the product. There are defective items out there and you, unfortunately, got one of them. Just because yours is not fine, it is not logical to assume Samsung is selling millions of defective MP3 players. Better luck with the IPOD, but the YH-920 rocks. Also, you don't have to use WMP10 (although it is really good) to load music, if you view the temporary folders on the new YH hard drive that appars in my computer and go to the system and then music folder, you can copy music into the folder. Then to listen to it, select rebuild library in the napster utility and voila, new music for u.

- Collapse -
Great player, what about accesories????
Jan 25, 2005 3:30AM PST

I love this player! It is so easy to use and a great value. Ok, that said, I want to buy an extra USB cable for my player but it is not a standard type cable? Where can I buy an additional USB cable and an extra power cable? They don't appear to sell accesories yet.....

- Collapse -
another accessories??? question
Apr 13, 2005 11:06PM PDT

can you listen to a Samsung yh920 in your car? do the cassette tape adapters work with it?

can you listen to the samsung on various stereos -- is there a line-in (i know there is a line-out so you can record LPs etc, but can you hook it up to stereos (i.e., as with iPods)?)?

- Collapse -
Samsung YH925
Feb 3, 2005 8:04AM PST

Colour screen, better feature, nicer looking

- Collapse -
Zen or Samsung
Feb 15, 2005 4:02AM PST

Thanks to everyone that replied to my original post, I have now bought the Zen Touch and I must say I am really pleased, the battery life is fantastic, music transfer and managing the music, playlists etc on the Zen are an absolute dream with the creative software, It is slightly bulkier than an Ipod but feels far more robust. The only slight niggle is that it is not recognised as a removable drive by windows, but this is not really a major issue. Overall 10/10

- Collapse -
Samsung, nothing but problems...
Feb 17, 2005 8:37PM PST

I bought both the Zen (for my girlfriend) and the Samsung (for myself). I wanted the Samsung because of the encoding function as I have a mountain of cassette tapes...
However all was not well after one day

Once the device was properly disconnected no files would show on the player. I was using Windows xp to sync' both players and the Zen worked beautifully. It was incredibly frustrating. Eventually after some trying I finally got music on there and everything was good for one whole day.

Then disaster! I plugged it back into the PC to add some more files and the thing got wiped of everything on there... This was the second time that had happened. The first time it wasn't so bad as I'd only just got it and had assumed it was my fault as I wasn't entirely sure what I was doing, but after three days I knew what was going on. It was always operated within the manufacturers guidelines, not disconnected while upload in progress etc etc....

I'm glad after reading some of these reviews that it's not just me!

I'm not saying the player is crap just that mine is. However the Zen is still going strong after that one battery charge five days ago...

Sorry for the rambling.... here endeth the sermon!

-=D=-

- Collapse -
You need to safely disconnect it from your Windows PC first
Feb 17, 2005 9:09PM PST

I think the people reporting general problems with loosing your files & such are failing to realize that you need to safely remove the hardware from Windows XP before un-plugging it!

This is true for most USB attached devices in Windows XP.

Click on the removable hardware device Icon in the Windows taskbar on the lower right side of the screen & select "Safely remove YH-92X Mass Storage Device". This is critical to maintaining reliability with these things.

I have the YH-925GS model & it works flawlessly for me.
If you are a Windows XP user. Do not hesitate to buy one of these units. They are great!

Now all we need to do is work on Samsung to get them to develope & release some accessories for these new jukboxes.

Stich

- Collapse -
safely disconnecting...
Feb 18, 2005 12:13AM PST

As I said previously...I always make sure that I disconnect properly from XP. You will not believe how stupidly anal I am abotu it. I have NEVER unplugged the player without first clicking the icon in the lower right of the screen... Losing files has happened to me too often with this player to simply be user error. I telephoned Samsung today (very helpful by the way...) and the guy on the phone said "No problem just take it to where you bought it and they'll swap for a new one..." which is exactly what I'm gonna do.

Like I said I'm not dissing the player at all. It's fantastic, just that mine has this irritating 'design characteristic'.

tata
-=D=-

- Collapse -
Re: safely disconnecting...
Feb 18, 2005 4:22AM PST

David,

Sorry, I just reread your original post.
I hope that all you got was a defective unit.

My YH-925GS works flawlessly with Windows XP SP2 & Windows Media Player 10.

WMP 10 is beatiful. I can't believe the amount of control you have over your files & how well it integrates with the Samsung YH-925GS.

It Rips tracks from CDs lightning fast with all the ID & data info in tact & Syncs it up to the portable very easily & very fast.

Loving it.

Stich

- Collapse -
YP-920 is a great bargain mp3 player w/ many options
Feb 18, 2005 12:41PM PST

I got this unit from Office Depot for 99 bucks after a mail in rebate. Haven't had any really problems with the unit itself. The software that came with it is horrible. Do not use it. Stick with using Win Media Player 10. To transfer your files, send files from your library into the sync list and then transfer. I've noticed that some mp3 files have to "convert", which takes a little while. I now stick with using WMA which transfer onto the unit in seconds. Many xtras including the FM tuner and recorder option. You can record from anything including the FM radio. Use the line in to record your old LP records, cassettes, etc. This was a steal considering the Ipod is almost triple the price I paid. Small size, light weight, and nice design are also pluses.

- Collapse -
all this talk about the 925...
Feb 20, 2005 9:20AM PST

stitch ; where do you live, and when did the 925 come on the market there?

- Collapse -
Re: all this talk about the 925
Feb 21, 2005 11:47AM PST

Nashua, NH. The YH-925GS has been on the shelves for about a month now.

Although a decent unit, I ended up returning mine as it was not supported yet by Audible books online.

I ended up replacing it with a Rio Carbon instead.
It's only a 5GB unit, no color dispaly, so no jpegs, but is is ultra thin & small, packed with features & has 20 hrs of battery life between charges.

It's all I need.

Stich

- Collapse -
deja vu
Feb 22, 2005 11:42AM PST

wow, it feels like deja vu. I bought a yh-925 and i am returning it and getting a rio carbon. the yh-925 is still a pretty slick player but it didnt quite do it for me for the $300 i paid.

By the way stich how would you compare the sound quality of the carbon to the samsung?

- Collapse -
Probably going to have to return the YH-920
Feb 21, 2005 9:31AM PST

I got a YH-920 ($99 AR at Ofc Dep) cause it was a great deal. At first I was not carefull about disconnecting, and could not get any xferred files to play. So I took it back and xchanged for a new one.

Same result with the new one. I can load files with Napster only. WMP10 will not sync. The files are not recognized by the player,even thought they show on the hard disk with Explorer. I tried rebuilding the Library with the first unit, but the software hung and never finished. I used Win XP cause Win 2000 would not work at all. Going to call tech supt tomorrow. I'd hate to have to return it, cause of the great price.

- Collapse -
samsung problems
Feb 21, 2005 10:37PM PST

When you put files on the player I founf the best way to do it was using explorer and the utility tool that came with it. Windows media player 10 was a little unreliable with transferring across songs. (wouldn't transfer them all, only transfer ones with an 'A' in the title etc etc)

The trick is to make sure you're viewing all 'hidden and system folders'. You can do this in folder options in the tool menu I think.
Make sure your music files go in the folder marked 'music' (funnily enough!)... then try rebuilding the library.
You can't have any files of the same name remember so keep 'em all different.

Sorry if this is what your doing but you didn't mention it in your post, so I thought I'd best point it out.
I replaced my first unit btw and now things couldn't be better. The best little toy I've ever owned!!
-=D=-

- Collapse -
got it to work
Feb 21, 2005 11:12PM PST

I tried so many things that did not work. Then I uninstalled the software and re-installed with the unit plugged in. Now I can transfer files that play. Yeh!

WMP 10 still does not sync files. Non-descript error message.

- Collapse -
i'm having a similar problem ; can you tell me what exactly
Feb 22, 2005 3:59AM PST

you did to fix it? WMP10 doesnt work for me. it says there's a serious error, and delets all my files. but napster (now that i've upgraded to this "new & improved" version) will only let me transfer WMA files (which take up a lot of space). hope you can help, thanks!

- Collapse -
uninstall utilities & drivers and re-install
Feb 22, 2005 8:08AM PST

I un-installed the utility and drivers, rebooted, then re-installed the software with the unit connected and rebooted. Napster now works (sucks that you have to be connected to the Internet).

I still cannot get WMP10 to sync. Tech support told me to instal XP SP2, but I've heard that causes problems.

- Collapse -
Is there a reason why you have to use..
Feb 23, 2005 5:10PM PST

Windows media 10? I find it's very sporadic. Sometimes it'll work no problem then others it'll only transfer one or two tracks or only half the album will appear on the player.

The best thing to do I think is to view the player in 'my computer'. It should appear as a little icon after your hard disks and CD-ROM drive. Double click it and enable 'view hidden files and folders' in the tools menu I think under options. A magical new folder should appear. Find the folder labelled 'Music'. This is where all music files need to go. Just drag and drop 'em in there.

When your done start up the recovery utility and hit rebuild database. It'll then spend a few minutes doin' it's thing and it'll say DONE when ready.

It's a lot less hassle (IMO) than playing with WMP and although it does take a litte longer at least I'm guarenteed that the files are gonna be on there!

Hope it helps
-=D=-

- Collapse -
yh-925 - I must be crazy.. I need help please!
Feb 24, 2005 9:32PM PST

I can't get any of the mp3s that I downloaded from Napster to work. My kids have these $70 mp3 players and the WMAs we downloaded(I am in my trial mperiod membership) all just copy over to them with explorer. I pay $300 for the yh-925 and Napster wants to charge me .99 to copy them to my mp3 player, even though I am a member. I am not trying to buen these, just copy them. Can anyone help?

- Collapse -
Re: yh-925 - I must be crazy.. I need help please!
Feb 25, 2005 11:55AM PST

Did you actually buy the .mp3's from Napster?
Do you physically have the files on your Computer HD?
If so just use Windows Media Player Version 10 to sync them to your YH-925GS.

This will only work if you've installed the drivers correctly that came with your Samsung.

Good luck.

Stich

- Collapse -
samsung yh920gsnapster
Mar 5, 2005 5:13PM PST

Hello chaps and chapesses. Ive got one of these YH920 napster things. Problem is, I had a break in recently while on holiday. Luckily I had my player with me but the b******s are away with all my cds including the installation disc? and the box with instructions which came with the package.
Ive tried loading from windows media, unsuccesfully.
Could anyone supply me with Samsungs help desk phone number or a copy of the disc. Thanks DEnnis

- Collapse -
Go to the Samsung Download Center
Mar 6, 2005 7:28AM PST
http://product.samsung.com/cgi- bin/nabc/support/b2c_support_search.jsp?eUser=

You can select the device and the drivers you need for download. Enter the YH-920 name or follow the selections in the boxes (Audio and Video), etc., and then look for the files to download. You will see HTML display (select what you want of Firmware, Drivers, Software,...):

YH-920


Manual Driver Firmware Software


Choose your language : All languages ENGLISH


Description Language File
YH-920 Flash User Manual ENGLISH

YH-920 Easy Manual (ver. 1.0) ENGLISH

YH-920 User Manual (ver. 2.0) ENGLISH
- Collapse -
fm tuner for yh-925
Feb 24, 2005 4:05AM PST

Can I upgrade the yh-925 to add the FM tuner?

- Collapse -
Samsung YH-920 User Notes
Mar 21, 2005 5:33AM PST

Because of the extensive postings on this device here, decided to clean up my user notes on the YH-920 and post them on my web site in the hopes that they may be of value to other owners of this nice piece of hardware that is all but crippled by it's drivers.

http://bevhoward.com/YH-920.htm

Let me know if the info helps.

Beverly Howard

- Collapse -
(NT) (NT) Added Playlist Info to User Tips
Mar 27, 2005 1:50PM PST
- Collapse -
Very good user notes found them very useful
Jun 9, 2005 3:51AM PDT

Very good notes but u should add more on about people having problems deleting songs etc, empasise more that if people are having those sort of problems a last ditch attempt should be to use the SP2 fix, even if u have not got it.... believe me it worked for me and im not even on SP2.

- Collapse -
someone answer my samsung questions NOT software related
Apr 1, 2005 8:15PM PST

hi i bought a sammy 920 of a friend for 120$ i thought it was a steal... but after buying it i took a close look ... when the unit is off or on , when i shake it lightly i can hear a small rattling inside.. i dont know if this is bad or good or normal... can some1 please confirm this for me?...

also if it was the prblm i was thinking of selling it and gettin a creative zen touch ... but size is kinda like an issue for me , Exactly how much bigger would the zen be than the sammy? also poepl say alot bout the sound of the zen... is it realy that much better than the sammy? cause i wanna if the hassle of exchanging it is worth it? and another thing ... has anyone been experianceing prblms with the hardrive or *locks ups * ... the software freezes on u and u have reboot it or even reset it? or is it juss me cause i bought a crappy USED one?

and i know its a long shot but i like to experiment on things.. .is it possible to get a BETTER battery for this? cause i see 4 screws on the corner whicn means i can open it ... and i am willing to risk it to change out the battery