How does it work?

Answer: Our iPod Audiobook format is specifically designed for users of iPod or iTunes. We take a standard MP3 audio file and convert it to an MP4 file. Once converted, this file can be played in iTunes or on an iPod, and it now has the added "Auto-Resume Playback" feature. This feature allows the listener to begin listening to a session, stop, listen to any number of different sessions or songs, or turn off their computer or iPod outright, then return to the original session at the exact spot it left off.

This type of file is called "Audiobook" because it is particularly useful when listening to a lengthy file which requires more than one sitting. This feature works whether listening on an iPod or in iTunes. You do not need an iPod to enjoy the benefits of our Audiobook format. iTunes is a free download Media Player/Library from www.apple.com/itunes/. iTunes is required if you own an iPod.

Back to top

How do I get the Audiobook files into iTunes?

Answer:

1. First, make sure you have a computer with iTunes installed on it.
2. Then, perform this simple check before adding files to your Library:
   1. Open iTunes. Click "Edit", then click "Preferences".
   2. From this dialog box, click open the "Advanced" tab along the top.
   3. Under the "General" tab, make sure the "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library" option is checked.
3. Next, if you received your Audiobook files on a CD, place the disc in the CD drive on your computer and access the files on it.
4. Select all the files you wish to move into iTunes.
5. Copy those files, then open your iTunes Library.
6. From your Library, select "Edit", "Paste". The files you copied will now move into your iTunes Library.

If you downloaded a file from our webstore to your computer, locate the file(s) and follow the same procedure as above step #5. Back to top

Is it right for me? Do you iPod?

Answer: The iPod Audiobook format will not play in standard MP3 players, including Windows Media Player or any MP3 CD devices. This format is designed exclusively for iTunes and iPod.

For this reason we will typically offer the iPod Audiobook format as a modest Upgrade with the standard MP3 format. The MP3 & MP4 formats together provide a complete and flexible audio option for any listening scenario.

Can I convert an iPod Audiobook file into a standard MP3 file?

Answer: If you purchase an iPod Audiobook file from us, either on a CD or as a download, you may wish to convert it to a standard MP3 file for play on an MP3 player, such as Windows Media Player or any portable MP3 device. To make this conversion, you will still need to first get the file into your iTunes Library by following the steps above.

Once you have the file in your iTunes Library, follow these steps:

1. From the top bar of your iTunes Library, click "Edit".
2. From the drop-down list, choose "Preferences".
3. From the iTunes dialog box, open the "Advanced" tab on the far right side.
4. From the next sub-group, open the "Importing" tab.
5. Next to "Import Using:", open the drop-down choices and select "MP3 Encoder". The iTunes default is "AAC Encoder".
6. Click "OK" to close this box.

Now you are ready to convert any of the files in your iTunes Library to standard MP3.

Simply right-click on the file (or files) you wish to convert and scroll down to the "Convert Selection to MP3" option. Each file will take a few minutes to convert, depending on the session length and the speed of your computer. You can convert your entire Library by clicking the first file and holding the Shift key while clicking the last file.

This conversion process will not replace your current files. It will create duplicate files in the MP3 format. Typically the newly converted MP3 file will be directly beneath the original AAC file. To check this,

1. Right-click on a file and choose "Get Info".
2. Under the "Summary" tab, the file format will be listed next to "Kind:" It should be either "Protected AAC audio file" (which is an iPod Audiobook file), "AAC audio file" (which is the default iTunes format), or "MPEG audio file" (which is MP3).

Once you have converted the files to MP3, you can find them where all your iTunes Library files are stored, which is typically located on your hard drive under "My Documents/My Music/iTunes/iTunes Music.

Remember, when you are finished converting you may want to change your iTunes Preferences back to the default AAC importing mode.

Back to top