Archive for December, 2006

More of the Basics

Vic December 23rd, 2006

Just as with books in print audio books may be available in abridged or unabridged versions. In some cases an audio book may be available in both.

We hope that the following definitions will answer any questions you may have.

What is an unabridged audio book?

An unabridged audio book is one that was narrated from an unabridged print version of that book. The audio content matches word for word that of the unabridged printed book.

What is an abridged audio book?

An abridged audio book may have been narrated from an abridged or unabridged version of a printed book or it may have been shortened during narration by the narrator. In either case the audio book doesn’t contain the exact word for word narration of the unabridged printed book.

What is a dramatized audio book?  

A dramatized audio book, is usually dramatized with the use of a cast of characters narrating the printed book, with the use of music and sound effects. 

Hello world!

Vic December 19th, 2006

Welcome to Now in Audio

Hello…I’m glad you found your way here. Now in Audio is dedicated to providing up to date information on all aspects of audio. As we go forward we’ll be delivering articles and news stories about how the digital age and audio in particlar is affecting the world we live in. Plus we’ll also provide audio book reviews, keep you informed about new releases, and feature a different audio book each week. You’ll find video tutorials on how to download audio files, convert them to other file formats and how to use your audio files, all that and much more.

In this our first post we’ll answer a few basic questions about audio books, however before we get started let me wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, and let us not forget the reason for the season. Remember Jesus is the greatest gift of all.

Okay lets get started with those basic questions and answers.

#1. What is an audio book?
An audio book is simply a book in audio format. A narrator reads the book and it’s recorded in one of many audio formats. Early audio books were distributed as cassettes and while some still are it’s not neary as popular as CDs. Today an even more popular format is MP3 or WMA files which can be played on computers, PDAs or on MP3 players such as iPods and these files can also be transfered to CDs.

#2. What is a downloadable audio book?
Downloadable audio books are in a digital format usually MP3 or WMA which are suitable for digital delivery. This method of distribution is gaining popularity fast and for good reason.

   1. The ease in which these books or files can be distributed.

   2. The distributor has no inventory to stock and the low cost of distribution low.

   3. The cost for consumers is low. 

   4. The quality of a digital file never deminishes.

   5. Consumers have many more options for listening to these books.

#3. What’s required to download and play downloadable files?
You’ll need a computer and a connection to the internet to download the files (BroadBand Recommended) however some sites such as Digital Age Publishing do offer more than one file size for download to accommodate dail up users.

#4. How can I listen to my downloaded files?
MP3 files can be played on all MP3 players including iPods, PDAs and computers. All modern computers are supplied with the software already installed to play the MP3 files.

#5. Where can I find downloadable audio books?
We recommend Digital Age Publishing. They have well over 7000 audio book titles in a wide range of catagories to choose from plus they also cover such things as pod-casts, radio shows and recorded live events such as training seminars. They make it easy to find what you’re looking for too. You can enter a search in a search box to find a particular author or title or browse the catagories find something you want.

It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, or what you enjoy doing, the digital age is affecting your life and you can make use of downloadable audio in one way or other.

Until next time, Happy Birthday Jesus!