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OverDrive® Media™
FAQ for Digital Media Suppliers
October 2006
This document contains information specific to the interests of audiobook, music, and video suppliers.
What kinds of media files can I supply to OverDrive?
We prefer .wma and .wmv files encoded to our specifications, but we accept high-quality source files in most popular unprotected formats (.mp3, .wav, etc.). We also welcome audio titles on CD and videos on DVD.
To what specification will my files be encoded?
OverDrive Audiobook titles are converted to Windows® Media® Audio (.wma) files using the Windows Media Series 9 FM quality stereo audio codec. The bit rate is 32kbps with a stereo compression of 22 KHz.
OverDrive Music titles are converted to Windows® Media® Audio (.wma) files using the Windows Media Series 9.1 codec. The bit rate is 64kbps with a stereo compression of 44KHz.
OverDrive Video titles in the standard format are converted to Windows® Media® Video (.wmv) files using the Windows Media Series 9 codec. The bit rate is 723kbps with a stereo compression of 44 KHz. The bit rate for OverDrive Video in the mobile format is 573kbps.
Each codec has been carefully evaluated, and was selected for the balance struck between file quality and file size. These specs are subject to change as new and improved codecs become available.
What method should I use to deliver content files to OverDrive?
You can post files to your FTP site or FTP them to our servers. Or, you can ship files to us on CD or DVD.
What are MediaMarkers™ and how do I specify them?
MediaMarkers are links to specific points within an OverDrive Media title. In OverDrive Media Explorer™, the user may click on a MediaMarker and begin listening immediately at the designated point.
You can provide MediaMarkers for your content in a number of ways...
- You can specify MediaMarkers with use of the OverDrive XML Template (available on request)
- Extractable file formats (such as DAISY) may be provided
- In some cases, MediaMarkers may be automatically generated from the tracks of a CD or DVD using the OverDrive CD Ripper
We will work with you to determine how best to supply MediaMarkers for your content.
Will my files be DRM (Digital Rights Management)-protected?
Yes. OverDrive Media files are protected using the Windows Media DRM digital rights management platform. Windows Media Rights Manager, a component of this platform, uses an encryption algorithm to encrypt your files and lock them with a "key". This results in a packaged file that only the intended recipient should be able to open.
Additionally, each Windows Media Player is made unique by linking the Player to the host computer. This process reduces the likelihood that a compromised player will be widely distributed on the Internet, as a compromised player can be identified and disabled during the licensing process.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact Loree Potash by phone at 216.573.6886 x202, or by email at lpotash@overdrive.com.
OverDrive is a registered trademark of OverDrive, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Important Notice About Copyrighted Materials
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