9 Important Audiobook Facts for Newbies

Although the online audio book phenomenon has been with us a while, many people remain unsure or unaware of what it's all about or what audiobooks actually are especially online audiobooks. I must confess I myself wasn't sure at all.

When I first came across audio books online, I found myself asking a number of questions; now today as an audio book site owner I hear a lot of people asking these very same questions so I decided to publish some of the most common audiobook question and answers.

You may well have the same questions in mind and be wondering how you can find the answers to them. If so, then here some of them along with the answers:

1. What is an online audio book? It is simply a book in audio format. Instead of receiving a physical book that you have to read with yiur eyes, you get a book in sound/audio. Traditionally they came on cassette and then CD. Now the Internet has taken over as the biggest distribution channel so most of them are bought and downloaded online hence the term online audio book.

2. What formats do audio books come in? Way way back they came on vinyl records, followed by cassette formats, CD format and now in mp3 format or Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. Both types will play on computers as well as mp3 players and iPods. You can also burn them onto recordable CDs and DVDs for use in for example, car players.

3. So what exactly is an MP3 audio book? MP3 is simply a compression technique that reduces the size, so that your audio book occupies less space (sometimes as little as 80%) compared to that of a cassette or CD. In this way a modern MP3 player that has maybe a 1 gigabyte memory can carry a small library of books!

4. How can MP3 audio books be played? Naturally on any MP3 player as well as Apple iPods. MP3 audio books can also be played on any new version of CD player that supports the MP3 technology. They an also be played on any PC that has Microsoft's Windows Media Player or other related software.

5. What is an unabridged audio book? This is one that was narrated word for word identically with the original version. In other words nothing was removed from the printed book. It has the exact same content as the printed book, albeit in audio format. These can be very long, ideal for audiophiles!

6. What is an abridged audio book? This type is shorter. It doesn't contain the exact word for word narration as the printed book. Imagine it as a film version of a book. It's been cut and edited for purposes of times and practicality. Ideal if you're short on time or don't want or need the whole rambling tale.

7. What is a dramatized audio book? As the name implies, this is a dramatized theatrical "play-life" version of the printed book, with usual full cast, music and sound effects.

8. What is the best MP3/portable media player for audio books? There are many makes and models out there but a few pointers are: a) At least 1 gigabyte memory as some audio books can be large. b) Make sure it has mid track resume so that you pick up where you left off when you have to turn off and on again or your power runs out. c) Fast rewind and forward - Like an old cassette player. Especially important if you're doing things like learning a language. It's really important to be able to go back and forth over words and phrases. d) Make sure it supports Windows Media Audio (WMA) format as well as MP3 as many audio books only come in this format. If you have a player that does not (called a passive mp3) then there are workarounds but they are time consuming.

9. Where are audio books available online? There are many stores on the Internet selling audio books. Just type online audio book or mp3 audio book into Google and see what comes up. If you have a specific title or genre in mind type that in followed by the phrase mp3 audiobook.

Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/

From the UK, Nick now lives in Sweden with wife Lena and Gunnar a cheeky Border Terrier. He likes long walks which he combines with learning Swedish from audio books. He runs MyAudiobookshelf.com where you'll find 8000+ mp3 audio books to download and links to huge network of free audio book websites. Join his email list or download an audio book and you'll get the full list.

Please Rate The Above Article From The Arts and Entertainment Category
Article Title: 9 Important Audiobook Facts for Newbies

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated

Syndicate Arts and Entertainment Related Articles Via RSS!

Boost your websites' search engine ranking! Attract more repeat visitors!
Automatically, consistently update your content via Really Simple Syndication (RSS). To syndicate the above article and other Arts and Entertainment related articles on your blog or site, simply click on the XML Icon above to grab the RSS feed -- It's FREE!

Subject to Orbitaloc.com's Publisher Terms of Service, you may reprint this article on your own website, blog, and ezine. (English only) You may also syndicate the article via Really Simple Syndication (RSS). It is free of charge.

Free Articles on Arts and Entertainment and Other FREE Content Article Topics
The preceeding is an informative article from the Arts and Entertainment category.

Visit Our Sponsor for 2 Free Quarts of Liquid Vitamins