OverDrive Media Console
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| OverDrive Media Console | |
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 OverDrive Media Console in Windows XP |
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| Developed by | OverDrive, Inc. |
| Latest release | 2.1 / October 11, 2006 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows |
| Genre | Media player |
| License | Proprietary software |
| Website | OverDrive Media Console |
OverDrive Media Console is proprietary media player software developed by OverDrive, Inc. for use with its download services for library, schools, and retailers. The Windows Media Player-based software allows users to download, organize, and listen to audiobooks, music, and video either borrowed from a library that uses OverDrive download services or purchased from an online retailer whose content is supplied by OverDrive. The software is engineered for audiobook listening, with navigation and accessibility features, burning options, and mobile device transfer wizards[1].
OverDrive recently announced plans for the first version of OverDrive Media Console for Mac, which will be released in the summer of 2008[2].
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[edit] Features
Download Parts
Typical unabridged audiobooks can be many CDs long, and their digital audio files are likewise long and unwieldy. OverDrive Media Console downloads works with OverDrive audiobooks, which are divided smaller parts in a protected WMA format. The average length of an OverDrive WMA audiobook part is no more than 18MB[3]. Dial-up users, therefore, are not required to download a single audio file of more than 100 MB. The part size is also designed to fit onto a single audio CD when the burning rights are available.
Navigation Tools
Each download part of OverDrive distributed media--audiobooks, music, and video--features embedded media markers, which allow users point and click to different sections of an audio file. They are often marked by chapter. Users can also create bookmarks in OverDrive Media Console. Other navigation tools include adjustable playback speed, skip ahead and back, and accessibility features.
Organization
OverDrive Media Console includes options for users to categorize content by creator, subject, and format, as well as create personal collections. The software also manages expiration dates for audiobooks, music, and video borrowed from a public library website. Users are prompted to go to their library and renew the content without having to download the files again or delete the files from their computer.
Formats
OverDrive Media Console works with OverDrive’s audiobooks, music, and video formats. An initial download of an ODM file is part of the process[4]. It initiates the download of files in OverDrive Media Console. Music and audiobooks are then distributed in WMA format, while videos are in WMV format. These files can be played inside the OverDrive Media Console, utilizing the features mentioned here. In March 2008, OverDrive announced that it would add a collection of MP3 audiobooks to its catalog of DRM-protected WMA audiobooks.
Transfer to Devices
Depending on publisher permissions, OverDrive Media Console can transfer audiobooks, music, and video to supported devices. OverDrive’s Device Resource Center helps users find players that work with OverDrive content. When it is launched in the summer of 2008, OverDrive’s MP3 audiobook format will work with virtually any digital audio player, including the iPod.
