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Help - Basics - Digital Audiobooks

What follows are frequently asked questions about OverDrive Media Console and WMA Digital Audiobooks. Click the question to hear the question and answer. Each answer is followed by a back to top link that leads back to the list of questions.

What is a WMA Digital Audiobook title?

A WMA Digital Audiobook title is a digitally-protected audiobook that has been optimized for download. WMA Digital Audiobook titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media Audio format, which greatly enhances the sound quality for desktop listening, play of CD copies (when allowed 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 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 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 7
  • Microsoft Windows Vista
  • Microsoft Windows XP
  • Microsoft Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME)
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)

OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile supports the following operating systems:

  • Windows Mobile 6
  • Windows Mobile 5

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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.

To transfer WMA Digital Audiobook titles to an Apple device (where permitted by the publisher), you will need to have iTunes v9.0.2 (or newer).

To transfer WMA Digital Audiobook titles 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 WMA Digital Audiobooks to a Zune device using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must close any other program to which your Zune is connected.

If you wish to download OverDrive media directly to a Windows Mobile device, you will need to have a Windows Mobile 5 or 6 device with OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile installed.

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Can I use OverDrive Media Console on a Windows Mobile® device?

OverDrive Media Console for Window Mobile is available for devices running Windows Mobile 5 or 6. To download OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile, click here.

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What software do I need in order to use OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile on a device?

To use OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile on a device, the device must be running Windows Mobile version 5 or 6.

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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 iTunes®?

iTunes is a free download. To download iTunes, click here.

iTunes v9.0.2 (or newer) is required in order to transfer WMA Digital Audiobooks to an Apple device.

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How much does iTunes cost?

iTunes is a free download. To download iTunes, click here.

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How can I tell if I have iTunes v9.0.2 (or newer)?

To determine the version of iTunes you have installed…

Open iTunes and select Help > About iTunes.
The 'About iTunes' window is displayed.

The first line of scrolling text in the 'About iTunes' window lists the version of iTunes that is installed on your computer. If v9.0.2 (or newer) is installed, you have the correct version of iTunes installed. If an earlier version of iTunes is installed, you must download and install the latest version of iTunes. To download iTunes, 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)...

  1. Be sure that you have the Zune application v3.0 (or newer) installed. To download the Zune application, click here.
  2. Connect your Zune to your PC.
    The Zune application opens.
  3. In the Zune application, select 'Device'.
    The 'Device' screen is displayed.
  4. Select 'Settings'.
    The device settings are displayed.
  5. Select 'Device Update'.
    The 'Device Update' options are displayed. The Zune application indicates if an update is available.
  6. 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 downloaded. A security measure, the security update identifies the copy of Windows Media Player with the computer on which Windows Media 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 attempt to download DRM-protected content, 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 download and 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 (or newer)…

  1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
  2. 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.
  3. Click 'OK' in the dialog box.
    Windows Media Player opens and the 'Windows Media Player' dialog box is displayed.
  4. 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.
  5. Click the 'Close' button in the 'Windows Media Player' dialog box.
    The 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
  6. 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.
  7. Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'Media Usage Rights 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…

  1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
  2. 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.
  3. Click 'OK' in the dialog box.
    Windows Media Player opens and, the 'Windows Media Player' dialog box is displayed.
  4. Click 'Yes' in the 'Windows Media Player' dialog box to perform the upgrade.
    The 'License Acquisition' dialog box is displayed, indicating that you have installed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
  5. 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. If desired, you can 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 (or newer)…

  1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
  2. 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.
  3. To re-upgrade, click 'OK' in the dialog box.
    Windows Media Player opens, and the 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
  4. 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...

  1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
  2. 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.
  3. To re-upgrade, click 'OK' in the dialog box.
    Windows Media Player opens, and the 'License Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
  4. 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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Why can't I use WMA Digital Audiobook titles on the Mac?

WMA Digital Audiobook titles, provided by OverDrive, Inc., use DRM protection technology from Microsoft Corporation. The Mac operating system does 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 Mac.

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Once I have purchased a WMA Digital Audiobook title, how do I download it?

After you have installed OverDrive Media Console, download the title as follows…

  1. After the audiobook has been purchased, click on the 'Download' button.

    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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 this 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 a WMA Digital Audiobook title using Firefox?

After you have installed OverDrive Media Console, download the title as follows…

  1. After purchasing the title, click on the 'Download' button
  2. If prompted, choose option 'Open with', and browse to 'OverDrive Media Console'. You can optionally 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'.
    OverDrive Media Console opens and prompts you to specify a download location for the file.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Note that the initial download is a small file; you download the actual audiobook file(s) from within OverDrive Media Console.

If you've already downloaded a file with Firefox and are unable to open it, complete the following steps:

If you have Firefox 3.0 (or newer)...

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Go to Tools > Options.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Select 'Applications'.
    The 'Applications' options are displayed.
  4. Search for the 'ODM' file extension.
    The 'ODM file' content type is displayed.
  5. Click the 'Action' column drop down for the 'ODM file' entry and select 'Use Other...'
    The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box is displayed.
  6. 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'.
  7. 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'.
  8. Click 'OK' to exit the 'Options' dialog box.
  9. 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…

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Go to Tools > Options.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  3. Select 'Content'.
    The 'Content' options are displayed.
  4. Under the 'File Types' heading, click the 'Manage…' button.
    The 'Download Actions' dialog box is displayed.
  5. Select the 'ODM' file extension and click the 'Change Action' button.
    The 'Change Action' dialog box is displayed.
  6. Select option 'Open them with this application'.
    The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box is displayed.
  7. 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'.
  8. Click 'Open' in the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box.
    The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box closes.
  9. Click 'OK' in the 'Change Action' dialog box.
  10. Click 'Close' in the 'Download Actions' dialog box.
  11. Click 'OK' to exit the 'Options' dialog box.
  12. 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 a Digital 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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Can I change the point from which WMA Digital Audiobooks begin when played?

Yes. OverDrive Media Console allows you to choose how media titles begin playing. The following options are available within OverDrive Media Console's 'Options' menu…

  • Option 'Automatically resume from most recently played point' sets OverDrive Media Console to begin play of titles at the point in the title where you either clicked 'Stop' or exited OverDrive Media Console while the title was playing. Note that this is the default setting for OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer) and for OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile.
  • Option 'Automatically resume from furthest played point' sets OverDrive Media Console to advance to the furthest point to which the title was ever played.
  • Option 'Automatically play from beginning' sets OverDrive Media Console to begin play at the earliest point in the earliest Part of the title.
  • Option 'Disable auto-play' turns off the auto-play feature. When you launch a title in the OverDrive Media Explorer window, the title will not play until you click the 'Play' button.

To change the point at which audiobooks start playing in OverDrive Media Console for Windows…

  1. In OverDrive Media Console, click Tools > Options….
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  2. Under 'Media Explorer auto-play options' select the desired media starting point.
  3. Click 'OK'.
    The 'Options' dialog box closes. Going forward, playback will be handled according to the option specified.

To change the point at which audiobooks start playing in OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile…

  1. In OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile, click Menu > Options….
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  2. Under 'Media' [Pocket PC (Touch screen)] or 'Media Explorer auto-play' [Smartphone (Non-Touch screen)] select the desired media starting point.
  3. Click 'OK'.
    The 'Options' dialog box closes. Going forward, playback will be handled according to the option specified.

Note that MediaMarkers™ allow you to link to, and begin play at, specific sections of audiobooks. For information on MediaMarkers and other features of OverDrive Media Console, click here.

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Where are WMA Digital Audiobooks saved on my computer?

The default download location depends on which operating system you have. WMA Digital Audiobooks are saved to the following locations by default…

On Windows 7 and Windows Vista…
Documents > My Media > WMA Audiobooks

On Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows 98SE, and Windows Mobile 5 and 6…
My Documents > My Media > WMA Audiobooks

OverDrive Media Console allows you to modify this default location and save WMA Digital Audiobooks to an alternative location.

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To which devices can I transfer WMA Digital Audiobook titles?

To review a list of supported portable devices, click here.

Note that many WMA Digital Audiobook titles can be transferred to Apple devices (where permitted by the publisher) using the Transfer Wizard in OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer). For more information on transferring WMA Digital Audiobook titles to Apple devices, click here.

In order to use WMA Digital Audiobook titles on a device other than an iPod or an iPhone, 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 at 32kbps.

If you intend to transfer WMA Digital Audiobooks to a Zune device using OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer), there are additional requirements you should review before attempting a transfer. To review additional requirements for transferring WMA Digital Audiobook titles to Zune devices, click here.

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How do I transfer an audiobook to a portable device?

Transfer a title to a supported portable device using the Transfer Wizard in OverDrive Media Console v3.0 (or newer) as follows…

  1. If you have not already done so, verify that the permissions on the title allow you to transfer the file to your supported portable device (publishers may opt to disable this functionality for certain devices). For instructions on verifying device compatibility, click here.
  2. Connect your portable player to your computer.
  3. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to transfer and click the 'Transfer' button.
    The OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard is displayed.
  4. 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 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.
    If your device is detected the 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
  5. In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to transfer by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
  6. Click 'Next' to begin transferring the file(s) to your device.
    When the file transfer is complete, the Transfer Wizard displays a 'success' message.
  7. Click 'Finish' to exit the Transfer Wizard.
    Disconnect your portable device.

Most WMA Digital Audiobook titles can be transferred to Apple devices (where permitted by the publisher) using OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer). For more information on transferring WMA Digital Audiobook titles to Apple devices, click here.

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 3.0 (or newer), and Zune device firmware version 3.0 (or newer) installed. In this scenario, you must close the Zune application before attempting to transfer to your Zune.

To review a list of supported portable devices, click here. To use WMA Digital Audiobooks on a device other than an iPod or an iPhone, 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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Can I transfer WMA Digital Audiobook titles to Apple® devices?

Most WMA Digital Audiobooks can be transferred to Apple devices (where permitted by the publisher) using OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer). During the process of transferring WMA Digital Audiobooks to Apple devices, OverDrive Media Console converts the WMA Digital Audiobook files to DRM-protected AAC files.

For more information on converting WMA Digital Audiobooks for transfer to Apple devices, click here.

For more information on determining whether a specific WMA Digital Audiobook can be transferred to an Apple device, click here.

For instructions for transferring WMA Digital Audiobooks to portable devices, click here.

To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer), click here.

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What additional requirements are there for transferring WMA Digital Audiobooks to Apple devices?

If you intend to transfer WMA Digital Audiobooks to an Apple device using OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer), please note the following…

  • Many WMA Digital Audiobooks can be transferred to Apple devices (where permitted by the publisher) using the Transfer Wizard in OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer).
  • Before you begin, make sure that the desired title supports transfer to Apple devices. The publisher of each title decides whether or not to allow the title to be transferred to an Apple device. For more information on determining whether an WMA Digital Audiobook can be transferred to an Apple device, click here.
  • iTunes v9.0.2 (or newer) must be installed.
  • The Apple device must be formatted for use with Microsoft Windows.
  • If you want to use the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard to transfer content to an Apple device, the setting 'Manually manage music…' must be enabled in iTunes before you can complete the transfer. Adjust this setting as follows…
    1. Connect your device to your computer.
    2. If it does not launch automatically, open iTunes (v9.0.2 or newer).
    3. In iTunes, locate your device in the left vertical navigation panel (under heading 'DEVICES'), and click your device.
      The 'Summary' screen is displayed.
    4. If it is not already checked, place a checkmark next to option 'Manually manage music…'.
    5. Click the 'Apply' button.
      The iTunes 'Summary' screen refreshes, and your changes are saved.
    6. If desired, close iTunes.
  • When WMA Digital Audiobooks are transferred to Apple devices, the DRM-protected WMA files that make up the audiobook must be converted. The conversion process typically takes a few minutes per Part, resulting in transfer times that are longer than what you typically see on your Apple device. For information on minimizing the time it takes to transfer WMA Digital Audiobook titles to Apple devices, click here.

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Why do I have to turn on 'Manually manage music…' in order to transfer WMA Digital Audiobook to an Apple device?

By default, Apple devices have the option 'Manually manage music…' disabled. This works well when users want to automatically synch the iTunes Library on a single computer with the device whenever it is connected to that computer. However, an Apple device can only be automatically synched with iTunes on a single computer. For people who want to allow their Apple device to work with software other than iTunes and/or to receive content from multiple computers, the option 'Manually manage music…' must be enabled.

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Why can some WMA Digital Audiobook titles be transferred to an Apple device, but others cannot?

The publisher of each title decides whether or not to allow the title to be transferred to an Apple device; 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 can I tell if an WMA Digital Audiobook title can be transferred to an Apple device?

There are two places you can check to see if an WMA Digital Audiobook title can be transferred to an Apple device. 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 an WMA Digital Audiobook title can be transferred to an Apple device 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 transfer to Apple device functionality.

In OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer), check whether a title that you have already downloaded can be converted for and transferred to an Apple device as follows…

  1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the desired title and click the 'Properties' button.
    The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
  2. Click the 'License' tab.
    'License details' for the selected title are displayed. The 'Transfer to Apple® device' field indicates whether the title can be transferred to an Apple device.
  3. Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'Properties' dialog box.

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How do I get the best experience when transferring WMA Digital Audiobook titles to Apple devices?

Before transferring WMA Digital Audiobooks to Apple devices, the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard detects the iTunes settings that affect transfer time and sound quality. If your iTunes settings do not match OverDrive Media Console's recommended settings, the Transfer Wizard displays a prompt that shows both the current iTunes settings and the recommended settings. At this prompt, you can press the F1 key to access detailed instructions for updating iTunes settings. After the files are transferred to the device, the Transfer Wizard displays your previous iTunes settings so that you can, if desired, restore the original settings.

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What additional requirements are there for transferring WMA Digital Audiobook titles to Zune devices?

If you intend to transfer WMA Digital Audiobook titles to a Zune device using OverDrive Media Console v3.1 (or newer), please note the following…

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How much free disk space do I need to have in order to transfer audiobook titles to a portable device?

WMA Digital Audiobook titles for OverDrive Media Console are delivered in Parts, with each Part generally not exceeding 18MB in size. As long as your portable device has at least 18MB of storage space you should be able to transfer a single Part or more to it at a time.

If you are using OverDrive Media Console v2.1 (or newer), the Transfer Wizard will alert you if you do not have enough storage space on your device to accommodate the files that you are attempting to transfer. Depending on your portable player, the Transfer Wizard may allow you to delete files on your portable player in order to make room for the files you wish to transfer. Note that this functionality is not available for Apple devices.

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Can I use WMA Digital Audiobook titles with a Palm device?

WMA Digital 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 WMA Digital Audiobook titles, please see http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/pockettunes.asp.

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...

  1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the desired title and click the 'Properties' button.
    The 'Properties' dialog box is displayed.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 perform a 'test' burn of a title?

If desired, you can put the OverDrive Media Console Burn Wizard in 'Test mode' to complete a test of the burn process. Completing a burn in 'Test mode' simulates the burn process, allowing you to test the CD compilation for errors before actually burning any data to disc.

In order to test the burn process, complete the following…

  1. Place a recordable CD into your recordable CD drive.
  2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to burn and click the 'Burn' button.
    The OverDrive Media Console Burn Wizard is displayed.
  3. Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Burn Wizard and click 'Next'.
    The 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
  4. In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to burn by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
  5. Click the 'Options…' button.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  6. Check the checkbox next to 'Test mode (simulate burning)'.
  7. Click the 'OK' button.
  8. Click 'Next >'.
    A message is displayed, informing you that a 'Test mode' burn will begin.
  9. Click the 'OK' button.
    The Progress screen is displayed. The 'Test mode' burn completes, returning you to the 'Confirm' dialog box.

If the 'Test mode' burn completes without error, and you wish to perform an actual burn, complete the following…

  1. Click the 'Options…' button.
    The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
  2. Uncheck the checkbox next to 'Test mode (simulate burning)'.
  3. Click the 'OK' button. You can now burn the title to disc.

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How do I burn an audiobook to CD using OverDrive Media Console?

Burn a title to CD using the Burn Wizard in OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer) as follows…

  1. 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). For instructions on verifying burn permissions on a title, click here.
  2. Place a recordable CD into your recordable CD drive.
  3. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you want to burn and click the 'Burn' button.
    The OverDrive Media Console Burn Wizard is displayed.
  4. Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Burn Wizard and click 'Next'.
    The 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
  5. In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to burn by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Click 'Finish' to exit the Burn Wizard.

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This title can be played on Windows® computers.
This title can be burned to CD.
This title cannot be burned to CD.
This title can be used on portable devices that support DRM-protected WMA files via OverDrive Media Console for Windows or Windows Mobile.
This title can be played on Apple portable devices.
This title can be transferred to iPods®/iPhones™ using OverDrive Media Console (v3.2 or newer) for Windows.
This title cannot be played on Apple portable devices.
This title can be transferred to most MP3 players.
This title can only be transferred to MP3 players that support DRM-protected WMA files.