| Help - Basics - WMA Audio eBooks |
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What is an OverDrive WMA Audiobook title?
An OverDrive WMA Audiobook title is a digitally-protected audiobook that has been optimized for download. OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media® Audio format, which greatly enhances the sound quality for desktop listening, play of CD copies (where permitted by the publisher), and portable device use.
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What is the OverDrive Media Console™?
OverDrive Media Console is a free, fully integrated, and easy-to-use application that handles all aspects of the OverDrive Audiobook experience.
With an intuitive interface, OverDrive Media Console allows you to download and enjoy OverDrive audiobooks on most Windows® computers. Use OverDrive Media Console to navigate, play, and bookmark OverDrive media titles, and to manage and customize your media library. OverDrive Media Console includes a built-in Transfer Wizard that allows you to transfer titles to your supported portable player in just a few clicks. For audiobooks that may be burned to CD, OverDrive Media Console includes a Burn Wizard that allows you to burn to CD without installing any extra software.
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What are the features of OverDrive Media Console?
Features of OverDrive Media Console include:
- Multi-part download management...
OverDrive media titles are often divided into 'Parts' in order to make downloading quick and easy. OverDrive Media Console allows you the flexibility to specify Parts for download. This enables you to begin using a title as soon as a Part has finished downloading, and return to download the remaining Parts later. Alternatively, if only a given part of a file is of interest, you can simply download that desired Part.
- Media library management...
OverDrive Media Console automatically creates, maintains, and displays a comprehensive library of downloaded media in a logical folder hierarchy. As titles are added to your collection, they are automatically moved into the appropriate folder(s). The organization system is also customizable, allowing you to create and name new folders to suit your needs. Within each folder, titles can be sorted by title, creator, date acquired, expiration date (when applicable), and date last played. If a title expires, OverDrive Media Console will prompt you to delete the unusable file from your library, allowing you to keep your media collection tidy and up-to-date.
- Navigation of media titles with MediaMarkers™...
Most OverDrive media titles are divided into Parts, and Parts are then sub-divided into logical sections (such as chapters, for audiobooks). The beginning points of these logical sections are MediaMarkers, which are displayed as hyperlinks. When you click on a Part, the MediaMarkers associated with that Part are displayed in the right-hand portion of the 'OverDrive Media Explorer' window. Simply click on a MediaMarker to jump directly to, and begin play at, the desired section of a media title. OverDrive Media Console also includes the conveniences of skipping back 15 seconds and advancing to the point furthest played.
- Easy transfer of media files to portable devices for listening on-the-go...
OverDrive Media Console includes a built-in Transfer Wizard that allows you to transfer media titles to supported portable devices in just a few clicks.
- Burn audio files to CD (where permitted by the publisher) ...
OverDrive Media Console 3.0 (or newer) includes a built-in Burn Wizard that allows you to burn audiobooks to CD (where permitted by the publisher); everything you need is simply and easily incorporated into OverDrive Media Console.
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What are the accessibility features of OverDrive Media Console?
OverDrive Media Console was designed with accessibility in mind. It has been tested with the most popular screen reader applications and includes shortcut keys for the most common commands. To read the OverDrive Media Console Accessibility Guide, which includes instructions for using OverDrive Media Console and a list of available shortcut keys, click here.
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How can I get a copy of OverDrive Media Console?
To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console, click here.
Note that upgrading OverDrive Media Console will not affect any content that you have previously downloaded; all items in the 'Media Library' will be maintained through this process.
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How much does OverDrive Media Console cost?
OverDrive Media Console is a free download. To download OverDrive Media Console, click here.
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On what operating systems does OverDrive Media Console run?
OverDrive Media Console supports the following operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows Vista®
- Microsoft Windows XP
- Microsoft Windows 2000
- Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME)
- Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)
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What other software do I need in order to use OverDrive Media Console?
To use OverDrive Media Console, you will need to have Windows Media Player® (9 Series or newer) installed on your PC.
If you wish to transfer OverDrive Audiobooks to a Zune device using OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must have OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer), Zune application v3.0 (or newer), and Zune device firmware v3.0 (or newer) installed. Before you can transfer OverDrive WMA Audiobooks to a Zune using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must close any program to which your Zune is connected.
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How can I get a copy of Windows® Media Player®?
Microsoft Windows Media Player is a free download. To download Windows Media Player, click here. Note that Windows Media Player 9 Series (or newer) is required in order to use OverDrive Media Console.
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How much does Windows Media Player cost?
Windows Media Player is a free download. To download Windows Media Player, click here.
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How can I get a copy of the Zune application?
The Zune application is a free download. To download the Zune application, click here.
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How much does the Zune application cost?
The Zune application is a free download. To download the Zune application, click here.
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How do I upgrade my Zune device firmware?
To update your Zune device firmware using the Zune application v3.0 (or newer)...
- Be sure that you have the Zune application v3.0 (or newer) installed. To download the Zune application, click here.
- Connect your Zune to your PC.
The Zune application opens.
- In the Zune application, select 'Device'.
The 'Device' screen is displayed.
- Select 'Settings'.
The device settings are displayed.
- Select 'Device Update'.
The 'Device Update' options are displayed. The Zune application indicates that an update is available.
- If an update is available, click 'Install' to begin installation of the update.
When the firmware update is complete, the 'Device Update' screen indicates that the 'Device is up to date.'
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Will upgrading OverDrive Media Console delete previously downloaded content?
Upgrading OverDrive Media Console will not affect any content that you have previously downloaded; all items in the 'Media Library' will be maintained through this process.
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I came across a reference to 'Windows Media Player Security Upgrade'. What is this, and will I have to do it?
The Windows Media Security Upgrade is a process that must be performed before Microsoft Windows Media Player will allow any DRM-protected files to be played. A security measure, the security update identifies the copy of Windows Media Player with the computer on which the Player is being used. Publishers often require this sort of security in order to discourage the unlawful redistribution of digital content.
If you have not previously performed the security upgrade, the first time that you open OverDrive Media Console, OverDrive Media Console checks to see if you need to complete the security upgrade. If a security upgrade is needed, a message is displayed notifying you that in order to play DRM-protected content, you must first upgrade the security of your Windows Media Player. Follow the instructions provided in the message to complete the security update.
Alternatively, you may complete the security upgrade at any time. Complete the security upgrade as follows...
If you have Windows Media Player 11...
- While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
- Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
A dialog box is displayed, notifying you that your Windows Media Player requires a security upgrade to play DRM-protected content.
- Click 'OK' in the dialog box.
Windows Media Player opens and the 'Windows Media Player' dialog box is displayed.
- Click 'Upgrade' to download and install the required security component.
Windows Media Player indicates that it is 'Connecting to server...'. Once connected, the security component is downloaded and installed. Windows Media Player indicates that the security component was upgraded successfully.
- Click the 'Close' button in the 'Windows Media Player' dialog box.
The 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
- Click the 'Play' button in the 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box to complete the upgrade.
Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade.
- Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'License Acquisition' dialog box. If desired, you can also close Windows Media Player at this time.
You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
If you have Windows Media Player 9 or 10...
- While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
- Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
A dialog box is displayed, notifying you that your Windows Media Player requires a security upgrade to play DRM-protected content.
- Click 'OK' in the dialog box.
Windows Media Player opens and, the 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box is displayed.
- Click 'OK' in the 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box to perform the upgrade.
The 'License Acquisition' dialog box is displayed, indicating that you have installed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
- Click the 'Play' button in the 'License Acquisition' dialog box to complete the upgrade.
Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade.
- Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'License Acquisition' dialog box. If desired, you can also close Windows Media Player at this time.
You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
If at a later time you need to upgrade the security of your Windows Media Player again, do so as follows...
If you have Windows Media Player 11...
- While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
- Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
A dialog box is displayed, notifying you of your current Windows Media Player security version and offering the option to re-upgrade.
- To re-upgrade, click 'OK' in the dialog box.
Windows Media Player opens, and the 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
- Click 'Play' in the 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box to perform the upgrade.
The 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box closes, and Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade. If desired, you can close Windows Media Player at this time.
You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
If you have Windows Media Player 9 or 10...
- While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
- Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
A dialog box is displayed, notifying you of your current Windows Media Player security version and offering the option to re-upgrade.
- To re-upgrade, click 'OK' in the dialog box.
Windows Media Player opens, and the 'License Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
- Click 'Play' in the 'License Acquisition' dialog box to perform the upgrade.
The 'License Acquisition' dialog box closes, and Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade. If desired, you can close Windows Media Player at this time.
You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
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What is the difference between OverDrive WMA Audiobooks and OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks?
OverDrive WMA Audiobooks are digitally-protected audiobook titles available for download in the Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. OverDrive WMA Audiobooks are about half the file size of OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks but maintain the same level of audio quality. OverDrive WMA Audiobooks are generally compatible with portable devices that support DRM-protected WMA files encoded at a bit rate of 32kbps. For a list of supported devices, click here.
OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks are encoded at a bit rate of 64kbps and are available for download as MP3 files. OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks are compatible with many devices including most cell phones, PDAs, and MP3 players. If you wish to transfer audiobooks to an iPod®, or other device that plays MP3 audio files but does not support DRM-protected WMA files, you must check out OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks.
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Why can't I transfer OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles directly to my iPod or iPhone™, or use these files on my Mac®?
OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles, provided by OverDrive, Inc., use DRM protection technology from Microsoft Corporation. Apple® devices (iPod, iPhone, etc.) and the Mac operating system do not support DRM-protected WMA files.
OverDrive, along with hundreds of online digital media providers, is hopeful that Apple and Microsoft can reach an agreement that would enable support for Microsoft-based DRM-protected materials on the iPod, iPhone, and Mac.
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Once I have checked out an OverDrive WMA Audiobook title, how do I download it?
Download the title as follows…
- After the audiobook has been checked out, click on the 'Download' button next to the cover image of the audiobook.
Depending on your operating system and settings, you may be prompted to open or save the file. If you choose to save the file, navigate to the saved file and double-click it. Otherwise, choose to open the file.
OverDrive Media Console opens and the 'Get Media' dialog box is displayed.
- In the OverDrive Media Console 'Get Media' dialog box, leave the default file path or specify a download location. Click the 'OK' button.
The 'Download' dialog box is displayed.
- In the 'Download' dialog box, choose which Part(s) you would like to download by placing a checkmark next to the desired Part(s), then click the 'OK' button.
The 'Download' dialog box closes, and the file download begins. Download progress is displayed for each Part in the OverDrive Media Console Status Bar (when enabled, the status bar is displayed across the bottom of the OverDrive Media Console window).
When the download is complete, click the 'Play' button to play the title.
The license for the audio title can be downloaded three times from this website. Please note that this restriction only applies to downloading the license from our website. After you have downloaded the license, you may download the audio files as needed using OverDrive Media Console.
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How do I download an OverDrive WMA Audiobook title using Firefox®?
If you are using Firefox, after the title has been checked out, click on the 'Download' button next to the cover image of the title. If prompted, choose option 'Open with', and browse to 'OverDrive Media Console'. To adjust your settings so that you do not have to repeat this step going forward, check the box next to 'Do this automatically for files like this from now on'.
Note that the initial download is a small file; you download the actual audiobook file(s) from within OverDrive Media Console.
If you have already downloaded a file with Firefox and are unable to open it, complete the following steps:
If you have Firefox 3.0 (or newer)...
- Open Firefox.
- Go to Tools > Options.
The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
- Select 'Applications'.
The 'Applications' options are displayed.
- Search for the 'ODM' file extension.
The 'ODM file' content type is displayed.
- Click the 'Action' column drop down for the 'ODM file' entry and select 'Use Other...'
The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box is displayed.
- In the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box, click the 'Browse' button and navigate to the location at which OverDrive Media Console is installed (by default the application is installed to C:\Program Files\OverDrive Media Console) and select 'MediaConsole.exe'.
- Click 'Open' in the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box.
The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box closes. The 'Options' dialog box is displayed. The 'Action' column for the 'ODM file' entry displays 'Use OverDrive Media Console'.
- Click 'OK' to exit the 'Options' dialog box.
- Be sure you are connected to the Internet, and browse to the ODM file you were unable to open. Double-click the file.
OverDrive Media Console launches and prompts you to download the title.
If you have Firefox 2.0…
- Open Firefox.
- Go to Tools > Options.
The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
- Select 'Content'.
The 'Content' options are displayed.
- Under the 'File Types' heading, click the 'Manage…' button.
The 'Download Actions' dialog box is displayed.
- Select the 'ODM' file extension and click the 'Change Action' button.
The 'Change Action' dialog box is displayed.
- Select option 'Open them with this application'.
The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box is displayed.
- In the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box, navigate to the location at which OverDrive Media Console is installed (by default the application is installed to C:\Program Files\OverDrive Media Console) and select 'MediaConsole.exe'.
- Click 'Open' in the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box.
The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box closes.
- Click 'OK' in the 'Change Action' dialog box.
- Click 'Close' in the 'Download Actions' dialog box.
- Click 'OK' to exit the 'Options' dialog box.
- Be sure you are connected to the Internet and browse to the ODM file you were unable to open. Double-click the file.
OverDrive Media Console launches and prompts you to download the title.
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How do I listen to an OverDrive WMA Audiobook?
When the audiobook has finished downloading, click the 'Play' button in OverDrive Media Console. The 'OverDrive Media Explorer™' window is displayed and the file begins playing.
If desired, you can navigate directly to a desired section of the audiobook. For ease of download and use, many OverDrive media titles are divided into Parts, and Parts are then divided into logical sections (such as chapters for audiobooks). The beginning points of these logical sections are MediaMarkers. Click on the desired Part to display associated MediaMarkers. Click the desired MediaMarker to start play at that point in the file.
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I am only interested in one of the chapters of the audiobook I downloaded. Can I just play that chapter?
You can navigate directly to a desired point in a title using 'Parts' and 'MediaMarkers'. For ease of download and use, many OverDrive media titles are divided into Parts, and Parts are then divided into logical sections (such as chapters for audiobooks). The beginning points of these logical sections are MediaMarkers.
To display Parts and MediaMarkers in OverDrive Media Console, click the 'Play' button. The 'OverDrive Media Explorer' window is displayed and the file begins playing. Parts are displayed on the left-hand side of the window, and the MediaMarkers for the selected Part are displayed on the right-hand side of the window.
Click on the desired Part to display associated MediaMarkers. Click the desired MediaMarker to start play at that point in the file.
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Where are OverDrive WMA Audiobooks stored on my computer?
The default download location depends on which operating system you have. OverDrive WMA Audiobooks are saved to the following locations by default…
On Windows Vista…
Documents > My Media > WMA Audiobooks
On Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows 98SE…
My Documents > My Media > WMA Audiobooks
OverDrive Media Console allows you to modify this default location and save OverDrive WMA Audiobooks to an alternative location.
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To which devices can I transfer OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles?
To review a list of supported portable devices, click here. Note that in order to use OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles on a device, the device must play DRM-protected Windows Media content, and either support the bit rate of 32kbps or be able to transcode 32kbps files to a supported bit rate.
You may want to check device documentation to determine if a device supports DRM-protected Windows Media content encoded at 32kbps.
If you are using a Pocket PC, OverDrive Media files must be transferred to a memory card. Be sure you have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed, and be sure to specify the memory card in the course of the transfer process.
If you intend to transfer OverDrive WMA Audiobooks to a Zune device using OverDrive Media Console 3.1 (or newer), please note the following…
- OverDrive WMA Audiobooks can be transferred to the Zune using the Transfer Wizard in OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer).
- The Zune application v3.0 (or newer) must be installed.
- The Zune device must have firmware v3.0 (or newer) installed.
- Before you can transfer OverDrive Audiobooks to a Zune using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must close any other program to which the Zune is connected.
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How do I transfer an audiobook to my supported portable device?
The steps involved in transferring an audiobook to a portable device using OverDrive Media Console vary according to the version of OverDrive Media Console you have installed.
- If you have OverDrive Media Console v1.x or 2.0, you will need to use Windows Media Player. To view instructions for OverDrive Media Console v1.x or 2.0 and Windows Media Player, click here.
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- If you are using OverDrive Media Console v2.1 (or newer)...
- Connect your portable player to your computer.
- In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to transfer and click the 'Transfer' button.
The OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard is displayed.
- Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Transfer Wizard and click 'Next'.
The Transfer Wizard will search for a connected portable device.
If your device is detected the 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
If your device is not detected, the Transfer Wizard will display a message stating that 'no portable players could be found.' Click here for more information about why your portable player could not be found.
- In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to transfer by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
- Click 'Next' to begin transferring the file(s) to your device.
When the file transfer is complete, the Transfer Wizard displays a 'success' message.
- Click 'Finish' to exit the Transfer Wizard.
You may now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your title.
Note that to transfer OverDrive Audiobooks to a Zune device using OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must have OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer), Zune application v3.0 (or newer), and Zune device firmware v3.0 (or newer) installed. In this scenario, you must close the Zune application before attempting to transfer to your Zune.
Note that if you are using a Pocket PC, OverDrive Media files must be transferred to a memory card. Be sure you have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed, and be sure to specify the memory card in the course of the transfer process.
To review a list of supported portable devices, click here. To use OverDrive WMA Audiobooks on a device, the device must support the transfer and playback of DRM-protected Windows Media Audio files and either support the bit rate of 32kbps or be able to transcode 32kbps files to a supported bit rate.
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How much free storage space should my portable audio device have in order to transfer Audio eBooks to it?
OverDrive Audio eBook titles are divided into Parts that are about 17 MB in size. Each Part is typically between 40 and 70 minutes long.
A 400-500 page book will generally consist of seven to sixteen separate files of this size. A 1 GB device can then store four to eight books of this size. Since the Parts are small, however, your supported portable audio device need only have enough free disk space to store one Part at a time.
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Can I use OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles with my Palm® device?
OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles may be transferred to certain Palm devices with the help of a third party application called Pocket Tunes. For a list of supported Palm devices, see the Pocket Tunes website at http://www.pocket-tunes.com. For instructions on installing and using Pocket Tunes with OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles, please see http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/pockettunes.asp.
Please note that Pocket Tunes is not a free application. For more information on purchasing Pocket Tunes, see the Pocket Tunes website at http://www.pocket-tunes.com.
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What is a 'bit rate'?
Bit rate is a measure of the quantity of audio data transferred from your device's memory to its audio decoder. Different devices support different ranges of bit rates. Some devices are able to convert unsupported bit rates to supported bit rates, a process called 'transcoding'.
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How can I tell if a title can be burned to CD?
There are two places you can check to see if a title may be burned to CD. You can check at this website or, if you have already downloaded the title, you can use OverDrive Media Console.
At this website, check whether a title may be burned to CD as follows...
Search for the desired title, and click the title to bring up the page displaying details about the title. At this page, look for the heading 'Digital Rights Information'. The information listed here will clearly indicate whether or not the publisher has enabled the burn to CD functionality.
In OverDrive Media Console, check whether a title that you have already downloaded may be burned to CD as follows...
- In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the desired title and click the 'Properties' button.
The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
- Click the 'License' tab. (Note that if a 'License' tab is not displayed, the title is not digitally protected and can be burned to CD.)
'License details' for the selected title are displayed, indicating whether or not the title may be burned to CD.
- Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'Properties' dialog box.
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Why can some titles be burned to CD but others cannot?
The publisher of each title decides whether or not to allow the title to be burned to CD; this decision is at the publisher's discretion. Many publishers enable this functionality while others choose not to permit this use of their content.
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How do I burn an audiobook to CD using OverDrive Media Console?
The steps involved in burning an audiobook to CD using OverDrive Media Console v3.0 (or newer) vary according to the operating system you have installed.
- If you have Windows 98 SE or Windows 2000, you will need to use Windows Media Player. To view instructions for Windows 98 SE or Windows 2000 and Windows Media Player 9, click here.
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- If you have Windows XP or newer, you can burn audiobooks to CD using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard. Burn a title to CD using Transfer Wizard as follows…
- If you have not already done so, verify that the permissions on the title allow you to burn the file to CD (publishers may opt to disable this functionality)…
- In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the desired title and click the 'Properties' button.
The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
- Click the 'License' tab. (Note that if a 'License' tab is not displayed, the title is not digitally protected and can be burned to CD.)
'License details' for the selected title are displayed, indicating whether or not the title may be burned to CD.
- Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'Properties' dialog box.
- Burn a title to CD using OverDrive Media Console v3.0 (or newer) as follows…
- Place a recordable CD into your recordable CD drive.
- In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to burn and click the 'Burn' button.
The OverDrive Media Console Burn Wizard is displayed.
- Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Burn Wizard and click 'Next'.
The 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
- In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to burn by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
- Click 'Next' to begin burning the file(s) to CD.
The Progress screen is displayed. While you can click 'Cancel' at any point while the OverDrive Media Console 'prepares' the file, it is not possible to cancel the process once the file starts burning to CD.
- If you have selected more than one Part to burn to CD, the Burn Wizard will prompt you to enter a new CD as each Part finishes burning. When the file transfer is complete, the Burn Wizard displays a 'success' message.
- Click 'Finish' to exit the Burn Wizard.
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