The audios you upload to us should be in mp3 format, at a bit rate of at least 128Kbps.

As Publisher, you then have the choice of whether to ask us to supply your content for re-sale on our sites in an encoded wma format, or unlicensed mp3.

Each format has it's pro's and con's. 

If you feel the downloadable audiobook market is subject to the same degree of file-sharing as is the music market, then it would make sense for you to ask us to convert your uploads to encoded wma format, using Microsoft's DRM solution. This approach, or similar ones requiring a license to be dowloaded before the files play normally, is in widespread use with online audio stores.

The Microsoft solution was adopted as that works with the software already found on most customer's PC's, i.e. Windows Media Player, so unlike other online stores, we don't require customers to have to instal special software.

On completion of the download, a license login box pops up, the customer enters their Username and Password, the license downloads, and the files then play normally. Customers are then free to burn the licensed files to audio CD, or sync the licensed files to a wma DRM compatible portable device.

In making your decision, you should be aware that not all portable devices support playback of all file types. Some of the cheaper players support mp3 playback only, or some - such as the iPod, require a workaround to handle wma playback.  In addition, encoded wma files will not currently play on Apple Mac computers.

For customers, we provide help resources both on the sites and in our customer Knowledgebase at

http://audiobooksupport.helpserve.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=view

On the other hand, in unlicensed mp3 format, your content will play/burn/sync on virtually all current PC's and Mac's, and portable devices, so files in this format are seen as preferable by some customers.

As no license or rights management is involved, there's no restriction on how, or on what, the customer uses the files. They are, of course, still subject to the implied conditions of use inherent with any copyrighted material, and your rights as Publisher are unaffected.

If you wish to discuss these alternatives further, please post a ticket to our Publisher helpdesk here. We'd be happy to help you reach a decision.