We get quite a few questions on this subject as yes, Mp3 audio books (iPods included when we talk audio book Mp3 by the way) can be confusing we know! Hopefully you'll get your answer here.
These are the distilled answers on the subject extracted from the audio books Help page and Spoken Networks audiobooks support system Knowledge Base.
If your question is not answered here check the Help page or contact the Support Centre who are fast and, quite honestly, brilliant!
What format do audio books come in?
- Our audio books come in 2 formats; MP3 and/or encoded eWMA (encoded Windows Media Audio)
- Both work on PCs and Apple Macs plus most portable players.
- Each audiobook title states what format(s) it is available in to download on MyAudioBookShelf.
- Some come in both, others in just one type.
- After you've bought and are ready to download you can, if there is a choice, choose your type.
What type of portable players do they work on? i.e., does an mp3 player play eWMA?
- Any mp3 audiobook will work on any mp3 player - as long as there is enough memory space of course!
- This also applies to iPods though you set them up in a diifferent way (see our Help page for a video on what you do)
- eWMA audiobooks, of which there are many, work on iPods and the vast majority of mp3 players. There are some mp3 exceptions - namely, passive mp3 players that differ in that they store and play mp3 format only, and cannot interact with other formats like encoded Windows Media.
- Any player that has Microsofts Playsforsure logo on will play eWMA. More details and device guide here at Microsoft's Playsforsure website.
So what if my mp3 player is mp3 ONLY i.e., A passive device & doesn't support encoded WMA?
Don't worry, all is not lost!
We do suggest you aim to get a new player that supports WMA format as so many audiobooks come only in WMA (which is a publisher decision).
The passive mp3 player WMA workaround:
- Burn the audiobooks to a recordable audio CD.
- Rip the CD tracks back to your PC in mp3 format.
- From there put them onto your player.
- Where, as mp3's, they'll play fine on your passive device.
While the workaround is fine, it's not what you want long term if you're going to get into audio books in a big way.
For that why not have a look at Advanced Mp3 Players who have a vast range of players and accessories from all the best companies - Plus they do reconditioned players - Nearly new at not nearly new low prices. Well worth a look now.
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