• What is the OverDrive Media Console™?


• What are the features of OverDrive Media Console?


• How can I get a copy of OverDrive Media Console?


• How much does OverDrive Media Console cost?


• On what platforms does OverDrive Media Console run?


• What other software do I need in order to use OverDrive Media Console?


• How can I get a copy of Windows® Media Player®?


• How much does Windows Media Player cost?


• How can I get a copy of iTunes?


• How much does iTunes cost?


• I came across a reference to 'Windows Media Player Security Upgrade'. What is this, and will I have to do it?


• Instead of the media file I expected, I downloaded a file with the extension '.odm'. Where is the title I tried to download?


• How do I play the media I downloaded?


• I am only interested in playing one section of the title I downloaded. Can I just play a specific piece?


• To which devices can I transfer OverDrive Media titles?


• Can I transfer MP3 Audiobooks directly to my Apple device?


• Transferring MP3 Audiobooks to portable devices - special considerations.


• How do I transfer my OverDrive Media titles to my portable device?


• How do I burn a title to CD?


• I came across a reference to 'licenses'. What are licenses and why do I need them?

What is the OverDrive Media Console™?

OverDrive Media Console is a free and easy-to-use application that handles all aspects of your download audiobook experience. With an intuitive interface, OverDrive Media Console allows you to download and enjoy audiobooks in WMA and MP3 format, music in WMA format, and video in WMV format on most Windows computers. Use OverDrive Media Console to navigate, play, and bookmark Digital Audiobook, Music, and Video 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 a 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 a title to CD without installing any extra software.

What are the features of OverDrive Media Console?

Features of OverDrive Media Console include (5 items)...

• Multi-part download management.
  Digital Audiobook 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.



• Sophisticated title navigation functionality.
  Most OverDrive media titles are divided into 'Parts', and Parts are then sub-divided into logical sections (such as chapters). 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 playing, the desired section of a title. OverDrive Media Console also offers the conveniences of skipping back 15 seconds and advancing to the point furthest played in a given title. You can create your own navigation cues with use of bookmarks. You can add a bookmark at any point in an OverDrive Media title, and click the bookmark at a later time to begin play at exactly the point you specified.



• Easy transfer to portable devices for listening on-the-go
  OverDrive Media Console includes a built-in Transfer Wizard that allows you to transfer titles to supported portable devices in just a few clicks. The Transfer Wizard allows you to rename OverDrive media files and specify where on your device the files will be saved. If your device does not have the space needed to accommodate the files you want to transfer, the Wizard will alert you. You can delete files from most devices in order to make room for the titles you want to enjoy on-the-go.



• Easy burn of audio files (when allowed by the publisher) to CD
  OverDrive Media Console includes a built-in Burn Wizard that allows you to burn audiobooks and music to CD (where permitted by the publisher). You don't need additional software; everything you need is simply and easily incorporated into OverDrive Media Console.

How can I get a copy of OverDrive Media Console?

To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console, click here.

Note that upgrading or uninstalling OverDrive Media Console will not affect any content that you have previously downloaded; all items in your 'Media library' will be maintained through either process.

How much does OverDrive Media Console cost?

OverDrive Media Console is a free download. To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console, click here.

On what platforms does OverDrive Media Console run?

OverDrive Media Console runs on the following platforms (5 platforms):

• Microsoft Windows Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or ultimate Edition).


• Microsoft Windows XP (Professional, Home, Tablet PC, or Media Center Edition).


• Microsoft Windows 2000 (Professional or Server®).


• Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME).


• Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE).

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 MP3 Audiobooks to your Apple device, you must have iTunes version 7.6.2.9 (or newer) and QuickTime 7.4.5 (or newer) installed. You can download QuickTime as part of the iTunes download.

How can I get a copy of Windows® Media Player®?

Microsoft Windows Media Player is a free download. To review system requirements and download Windows Media Player, click here. Please remember that Windows Media Player 9 Series or newer is required to use OverDrive Media Console.

How much does Windows Media Player cost?

Windows Media Player is a free download. To download Windows Media Player, click here.

How can I get a copy of iTunes?

iTunes is a free download. To download iTunes, click here. Note that iTunes version 7.6.2.9 (or newer) is required in order to transfer MP3 Audiobooks to your Apple device.

How much does iTunes cost?

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

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, such as WMA Audiobooks, music, or video, 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. You should only need to complete this upgrade one time.

The first time that you open OverDrive Media Console after installation, 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 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 (6 steps):

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 protected content.


3. Click 'OK' in the dialog box.
   Windows Media Player opens and the 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box is displayed.


4. 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.


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.


6. 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, do so as follows (4 steps):

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 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box is displayed.


4. Click 'Play' in the 'license Acquisition' dialog box 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.

Instead of the media title I expected, I downloaded a file with the extension '.odm'. Where is my title?

The download of an ODM file is part of the OverDrive Media file download process. However, the ODM file should automatically be processed, and prompt the OverDrive Media Console to open. If this did not occur, there may be either missing software or file association issues in your user environment. If you have not yet downloaded and installed OverDrive Media Console, click here for download and installation instructions. If you have installed OverDrive Media Console, you may need to adjust your file associations. File associations simply tell a computer which program should be used to open a file. Take the following steps to address this issue:

If you have Windows Vista… (2 steps)

1. Double-click the ODM file.
   This should launch OverDrive Media Console and allow you to use your media title. If this does not launch OverDrive Media Console, proceed to 2.


2. Manually set the file association for the ODM file type as follows… (3 sub-steps)
   1. Right-click the ODM file.
      The Right-click menu is displayed.
   
   
   2. Select 'Open With'.
      The 'Open With' dialog box is displayed.
   
   
   3. From the list of programs displayed in the 'Open With' dialog box, select 'OverDrive Media Console' and click 'Open'.
   
   
   OverDrive Media Console launches. You may now download your audio title.
   

Please note that the initial download is a small file; you download the actual media file(s) from within the OverDrive Media Console application.

If you have Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP… (2 steps)

1. Double-click the ODM file.
   This should launch OverDrive Media Console and allow you to use your media title. If this does not launch OverDrive Media Console, proceed to 2.


2. Manually set the files association for the ODM file type as follows… (8 sub-steps)
   1. Open Windows Explorer.
   
   
   2. Go to Tools > Folder Options > File Types.
      The 'Folder Options' dialog box is displayed.
   
   
   3. In the 'Registered file types' box, find the entry for 'ODM'. Single-click the 'ODM' entry.
      The 'ODM' entry is selected.
   
   
   4. In the 'Details for "ODM" extension' box, click the 'Change' button.
      The 'Open With' dialog box is displayed.
   
   
   5. From the list of programs displayed in the 'Open With' dialog box, select 'OverDrive Media Console'.
   
   
   6. Click 'OK' to save your change and close the 'Open With' dialog box.
   
   
   7. Click 'OK' to close the 'Folder Options' dialog box.
   
   
   8. Double-click the .odm file you downloaded to launch the OverDrive Media Console and access your media title.
   
   

Please note that the initial download is a small file; you download the actual media file(s) from within the OverDrive Media Console application.

How do I play the media I downloaded?

When the title 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 click the 'Stop' button and navigate directly to a desired section of the title using MediaMarkers™. Most OverDrive Media titles are divided into 'Parts', and Parts are then divided into logical sections (such as chapters). The beginning point 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. Click on a MediaMarker to jump directly to, and begin playing, at the desired point in the title.

I am only interested in playing one section of the title I downloaded. Can I just play a specific piece?

You can navigate directly to a desired point in an OverDrive Media title using OverDrive MediaMarkers. Most OverDrive Media titles are divided into parts, and parts are then divided into logical sections (such as chapters). The beginning point of these logical sections are MediaMarkers, which are displayed as hyperlinks.

To display MediaMarkers in OverDrive Media Console, click the 'Play' button. The 'OverDrive Media Explorer' window is displayed and the file begins playing.

Click the 'Stop' button, then click on the 'Part' associated with the desired chapter. The list of MediaMarkers associated with the Part you have selected is displayed. Click on the desired MediaMarker to jump directly to, and begin play at, the desired point in the title.

To which devices can I transfer OverDrive Media titles?

Most MP3 players will support OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks, and many will support OverDrive WMA Audiobooks and Music. To review a list of known supported portable devices, click here. Note that Apple devices do not support DRM-protected WMA Audiobooks, Music, or Video.

To use OverDrive WMA Audiobooks on a device, the device must play DRM-protected content in the WMA format, and either support the bit rate of 32kbps or be able to transcode 32kbps files to a supported bit rate. To use OverDrive Music on a device, the device must play DRM-protected content in the WMA format, and the device must either support the bit rate of 64kbps or be able to transcode 64kbps files to a supported bit rate. To use OverDrive Video on a device, the device must play DRM-protected content in the WMV format, and the device must either support the bit rate of 500kbps or be able to transcode 500kbps files to a supported bit rate.

To use OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks on a device, the device must be able to play MP3 files encoded at a bit rate of 64kbps or be able to transcode 64kbps files to a supported bit rate. To transfer MP3 Digital Audiobooks to your Apple device, you must have iTunes version 7.6.2.9 (or newer) installed.

Note: 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.

Can I transfer MP3 Audiobooks directly to my Apple device?

MP3 Audiobooks can be transferred to most Apple devices using OverDrive Media Console v 3.0.

Notes on transferring MP3 Digital Audiobooks... (2 notes)

• Most MP3 capable devices should play MP3 Audiobooks.


• If you plan to transfer OverDrive MP3 content to an Apple device, iTunes version 7.6.2.9 (or newer) and QuickTime 7.4.5 (or newer) is required. You can download QuickTime as part of the iTunes download.

Note that Apple devices do not support DRM-protected WMA Audiobooks, Music, or Video.

Transferring MP3 Audiobooks to portable devices - special considerations.

Most MP3 compatible devices should play MP3 Digital Audiobooks. To review a list of known supported devices, click here.

If you intend to transfer MP3 Digital Audiobooks to a portable device, please note the following…

• iTunes version 7.6.2.9 (or newer) and QuickTime 7.4.5 (or newer) is required in order to transfer MP3 Audiobooks to an Apple Device. You can download QuickTime as part of the iTunes download.


• OverDrive Media Console can transfer MP3 content to most devices using the built-in Transfer Wizard with a few exceptions…
  • Microsoft Zune: If you intend to transfer MP3 titles to a Microsoft Zune, you should be able to do so using Zune Marketplace. MP3 titles cannot be transferred to the Zune using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard.
  
  
  • iPod Shuffle: If you intend to transfer MP3 titles to an iPod Shuffle, you should be able to do so using iTunes. MP3 titles cannot be transferred to the Shuffle using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard.
  
  
• If you want to use the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard to transfer content to an Apple device other than the iPod Shuffle, 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 (version 7.6.2.9 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.
  
  

How do I transfer my OverDrive Media titles to my portable device?

Using OverDrive Media Console v3.0… (6 steps)

Note that if you have OverDrive Media Console v2.x or earlier installed, it is recommended that you upgrade to OverDrive Media Console v3.0. To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console 3.0, click here.

To transfer a title to your portable player using OMC v3.0, complete the following...

1. Connect your portable player to your computer.


2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to transfer and click the 'Transfer' button.
   The OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard is displayed.


3. 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.


4. In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the part(s) you want to transfer by checking the box(es) next to the part name(s).


5. Click 'Next' to begin transferring the file(s) to your device.
   When the file transfer is complete, the Transfer Wizard displays a 'success' message.


6. Click 'Finish' to exit the Transfer Wizard.
   You may now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your title.

Note: To use OverDrive WMA Audiobooks on a device, the device must either support the bit rate of 32kbps or be able to transcode 32kbps files to a supported bit rate. To use OverDrive Music on a device, the device must either support the bit rate of 64kbps or be able to transcode 64kbps files to a supported bit rate. To use OverDrive Video on a device, the device must either support the bit rate of 500kbps or be able to transcode 500kbps files to a supported bit rate.

To use OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks on a device, the device must be able to play MP3 files encoded at a bit rate of 64kbps or be able to transcode 64kbps files to a supported bit rate. To transfer MP3 Digital Audiobooks to your Apple device, you must have iTunes version 7.6.2.9 (or newer) installed. Note that Apple devices do not support DRM-protected WMA Audiobooks, Music, or Video.

Note: If you are using a Pocket PC, you need to transfer media files to a memory card. Be sure to have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed in order to transfer OverDrive media files from your PC to your PDA.

How do I burn a title to CD?

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)... (3 steps)

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.

If the permissions allow you to burn the title to CD, use the instructions below to burn your title to CD…

Using OverDrive Media Console v3.0… (7 steps)

Note that if you have OverDrive Media Console v2.1 or earlier installed, it is recommended that you upgrade to OverDrive Media Console v3.0. To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console 3.0, click here.

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 transfer by checking the box(es) next to the part name(s).


5. Click 'Next' to begin burning the file(s) to CD.
   The Progress screen is displayed. You can click Cancel at any point while the OverDrive Media Console ‘prepares’ the file. But it is not possible to cancel the process once the file starts burning to CD.


6. 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.


7. Click 'Finish' to exit the Burn Wizard.

Note that many OverDrive Audiobook and Music titles may be burned to CD, but OverDrive Video files cannot be burned to CD or DVD.

I came across a reference to 'licenses'. What are licenses and why do I need them?

licenses are files that allow DRM-protected content to be played with Windows Media Player. Before Windows Media Player will open a protected file, it verifies that the user has the appropriate license. If the user does not have a license for the content, the file will not open. licenses are automatically managed by OverDrive Media Console when OverDrive Media files are downloaded.