How to Download
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED DIGITAL SOUND FILES
FAQs
- What sound quality, file format and other “spec” information is available?
- Can I download using a dial-up connection? What connection speed do I need?
- How many times can I download a file?
- What if I encounter a problem?
The steps truly are as straightforward:
- Click on the link to download.
- Save the file to your computer.
- Unzip the file.
- Play it from your computer or transfer it your normal way to a portable device. The files within the zip file are DRM-free MP3 files.
But here are more detailed instructions:
Go to “My Account” and select the “My Downloadable Products” from the navigation at left (see graphic). If you are not logged in to the website, you will be asked to log in.The last order placed will be at the top of the list and will be displayed by name as a text link. Simply click (single click) on the link (see graphic) below.
A dialog box will open. Select the “save” option, and then specify where you want the file to be saved on your computer (see graphic at left). The file name will include the title and will be a ZIP file.Once the file is on your computer, follow your normal process for transferring MP3s to your portable device or to a disk, if you wish to listen to the file other than from your computer.
FIREFOX USERS: If you use Firefox as your browser, your dialogue box may look like the graphic at right. Select “Save File” and proceed to save the file in the location of your choice. The file will automatically save to whatever folder is your default setting for downloads on your system or browsers, unless you specify a location when your system gives you that option. The file name will include the title and will have the extension “zip.” For Firefox users on a PC, the likely default location is “My Documents: Downloads.” Helpful hint, regardless of your browser or computer system: Check to see the path the dialog box says it is downloading to, and note it down for easier location later. Or write down the file name (above example: 9781611742886_Nature_Principle.zip) and then you can always use your computer’s file search capabilities to locate the file, if it “isn’t where you expect it.”
Since the file is a “zipped” file, you will want to unzip or “extract” it, revealing the MP3 files within. A final window will offer to “open” the file or “open the folder.” Choosing the “open folder” option is your best next step in preparation for unzipping, as it will bring you directly to the file on your computer. If you are unfamiliar with unzipping files, see How to Unzip a File. Once the unzipped file is on your computer, follow your normal process for transferring MP3s to your portable device or to a disk, if you wish to listen to the file other than from your computer.
FAQs
What sound quality, file format and other “spec” information is available for sound files?
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Sound quality/compression information:
- Most audiobook titles are 48kbps/mono which provides a balance of good spoken word audio quality and small file size.
- Most public radio titles are provided at 64kbps/stereo for enhanced sound quality appropriate to the variety of sounds and recording locations ("on location" as well as in studio). This does result in a substantially larger file size.
- Music recordings are provided at 128kbps/stereo for sound fidelity. Again, this results in a larger overall file size.
- Size of sound file: anywhere from 25MB-400MB in size, depending upon both the length of the recording and the file quality/compression.
