I went to my library's web site to download audio books but found out they don't work on iPods/iTune

[RamblingRose]

They have a snippy explanation blaming Apple and that I should contact Apple and complain.

From OverDrive.com

Why can't I use my iPod with this service

Our audio titles use Windows Media DRM copyright protection technology from Microsoft Corporation. Unfortunately the iPod does not currently support copyright-protected Windows Media Audio (.wma) and video (.wmv) files. OverDrive, along with hundreds of online music and audio book providers, is hopeful that Apple and Microsoft can reach an agreement that would enable support for Microsoft-based copyright-protected materials on the iPod. To repeat, OverDrive would love nothing more than to provide content for your iPod. We urge you to contact Apple and request that they open the iPod to other copy-protected formats or license their propriety copy-protection method to third-party vendors.


I also have a PC that I hate to use but I want to put the audio books on my iPod and don't know if that is possible with the copyright protection.

Does anyone know a source for free audio books for the iPod?

(PC bigots need not respond)

[rocktivity]

1. I understand that there's DRM-stripping software out there...

:evilgrin:
rocknation

[bullimiami]

2. yes that sucks. you have a couple of choices.

1) you can buy a cheap mp3 player from the http://www.playsforsure.com/ list.
2) you can download FairUse4WM which will let you strip the drm from the windows media file and then itunes can import and convert it.

ive done both. you still need to use a pc that will let you authorize and play the protected files in either case.

let me know if you need more help.

[Tesha]

9. How does an "MP3 player" solve the problem?

And if you have a .mp3 file, then the iPod can play it.

Tesha

[meegbear]

3. So only pro-Apple users can respond?

Kettle meet black.

Anyhoo ... I'll risk your wrath and surmise that they believe .wma and .wmv formats are more accessible since they are default standards for Windows, which are the more prevalent OS on desktop and laptops.

That said, they are the ones behind the times and they should make the effort to convert to the Apple format. You should contact Apple about it.

[Buzz Clik]

4. This PC bigot will respond.

I avoided iPod for this type of nonsense. Sony has the same stick up its butt. I bought a Sansa from Sandisk, and I can play it all.

Perhaps a sharply worded letter to Apple might get them to change their mind. :rofl:

My condolences.

[Lerkfish]

5. :confused: the note says they use PROPRIETARY WINDOWS format that cannot be converted

I'm interested why you blame apple, and NOT windows, you know, the people who made their format proprietary and nonconvertable?

[Buzz Clik]

7. See response #6.

Microsoft gets no love from me, but Apple is is playing a huge role in this mess.

[Not Me]

6. I work at a library...most librarys use RecordedBooks.

Which is not compatible with iPods, because Apple has chosen not to allow it.
One would think that Apple has plans of their own.

[bullimiami]

8. apple has their protection scheme and microsoft has theirs

the libraries chose to go with windows media drm.
the newest wmp for mac is 9 and that is not compatible with the newer drm which the libraries use. so who do you want to blame?
microsoft for not supporting a current mac windows media player or apple for not integrating windows media drm into itunes and quicktime.
itunes will import/convert unprotected windows media.

the question was how to get protected wm-drm from the library download to an ipod.
there are solutions above already.