Help - Basics - OverDrive Video

• What is an OverDrive Video title?
• What is the OverDrive Media Console™?
• What are the features of OverDrive Media Console?
• What are the accessibility features of OverDrive Media Console?
• How can I get a copy of OverDrive Media Console?
• Will upgrading or uninstalling OverDrive Media Console cause my previously downloaded content to be deleted?
• How much does OverDrive Media Console cost?
• On what platforms does OverDrive Media Console run?
• What other software do I need in order to use OverDrive Media Console?
• How can I get a copy of Windows® Media Player®?
• How much does Windows Media Player cost?
• I came across a reference to 'Windows Media Player Security Upgrade'. What is this, and will I have to do it?
• Once I have checked out an OverDrive Video title, how do I download it?
• How do I download an OverDrive Video title using Firefox?
• There are two 'Download' links for the title I checked out. Which one should I click?
• What is the difference between 'Standard' and 'Mobile' video?
• Can I download both the 'Standard' and 'Mobile' versions of my video title?
• How much free disk space do I need to have in order to download videos to my computer?
• How do I watch my video?
• I am only interested in one of the scenes of the video I downloaded. Can I just play that scene?
• To which devices can I transfer OverDrive Video titles?
• Why can't I transfer OverDrive Video titles directly to my iPod or iPhone, or use these files on my Mac?
• How much free disk space do I need to have in order to transfer videos to my portable device?
• What is a 'bit rate'?
• How do I transfer a video to my portable device?
• I came across a reference to 'licenses'. What are licenses and why do I need them?

What is an OverDrive Video title?

An OverDrive Video title is a digitally-protected video that has been optimized for download. OverDrive Video titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media Video format, which enhances the quality for desktop viewing and portable device use. Note that OverDrive Video is a high speed Internet-only product.

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What is the OverDrive Media Console™?

OverDrive Media Console is a free, fully integrated, and easy-to-use application that handles all aspects of your download video experience.

With an intuitive interface, OverDrive Media Console allows you to download and enjoy OverDrive video on most Windows computers. Use OverDrive Media Console to navigate, play, and bookmark OverDrive media titles, and to manage and customize your media library. OverDrive Media Console includes a built-in Transfer Wizard that allows you to transfer titles to your supported portable player in just a few clicks.

Please note that OverDrive Media Console version 2.0 (or newer) is required to play OverDrive Video titles.

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What are the features of OverDrive Media Console?

Features of OverDrive Media Console include:

• Multi-part download management…
  

  OverDrive media titles are often divided into 'Parts' in order to make downloading quick and easy. OverDrive Media Console allows you the flexibility to specify Parts for download. This enables you to begin using a title as soon as a Part has finished downloading, and return to download the remaining Parts later. Alternatively, if only a given Part of a file is of interest, you can simply download that desired Part.

• Media library management…
  

  OverDrive Media Console automatically creates, maintains, and displays a comprehensive library of downloaded media in a logical folder hierarchy. As titles are added to your collection, they are automatically moved into the appropriate folder(s). The organization system is also customizable, allowing you to create and name new folders to suit your needs. Within each folder, titles can be sorted by title, creator, date acquired, expiration date (when applicable), and date last played. If a title expires, OverDrive Media Console will prompt you to delete the unusable file from your library, allowing you to keep your media collection tidy and up-to-date.

• Navigation of media titles with MediaMarkers™…
  

  Most OverDrive media titles are divided into Parts, and Parts are then sub-divided into logical sections (such as scenes, as on a DVD). The beginning points of these logical sections are MediaMarkers, which are displayed as hyperlinks. When you click on a Part, the MediaMarkers associated with that Part are displayed in the right-hand portion of the 'OverDrive Media Explorer' window. Simply click on a MediaMarker to jump directly to, and begin play at, the desired section of a media title. OverDrive Media Console also includes the conveniences of skipping back 15 seconds and advancing to the point furthest played.

• Easy transfer of media files to portable devices for enjoying on-the-go…
  

  OverDrive Media Console includes a built-in Transfer Wizard that allows you to transfer media titles to supported portable devices in just a few clicks. The Transfer Wizard allows you to rename media files and specify where on your device media files will be saved. If your device does not have the space needed to accommodate the files you want to transfer, the Wizard will alert you. You can delete files from your device in order to make room for the OverDrive media files you want to enjoy on-the-go.

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What are the accessibility features of OverDrive Media Console?

OverDrive Media Console was designed with accessibility in mind. It has been tested with the most popular screen reader applications and includes hotkeys for the most common commands. Click here for a list of hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts for use in OverDrive Media Console. For more information about the accessibility features of OverDrive Media Console, click here to read the OverDrive Media Console Accessibility Guide.

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How can I get a copy of OverDrive Media Console?

To review system requirements and download OverDrive Media Console, click here.

Note that upgrading or uninstalling OverDrive Media Console will not affect any content that you have previously downloaded; all items in your 'Media Library' will be maintained through either process.

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Will upgrading or uninstalling OverDrive Media Console cause my previously downloaded content to be deleted?

Upgrading or uninstalling OverDrive Media Console will not affect any content that you have previously downloaded. All items in your 'Media Library' will be maintained through either process.

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How much does OverDrive Media Console cost?

OverDrive Media Console is a free download. To download OverDrive Media Console, click here.

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On what platforms does OverDrive Media Console run?

OverDrive Media Console supports the following platforms:

• Microsoft Windows Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate Edition)
• Microsoft Windows XP (Professional, Home, Tablet PC, or Media Center Edition)
• Microsoft Windows 2000 (Professional or Server®)
• Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME)
• Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)

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What other software do I need in order to use OverDrive Media Console?

To use OverDrive Media Console, you will need to have Windows Media Player (9 Series or newer) installed on your PC.

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How can I get a copy of Windows® Media Player®?

Microsoft Windows Media Player is a free download. To review system requirements and download Windows Media Player, click here. Note that Windows Media Player 9 Series (or newer) is required in order to use OverDrive Media Console.

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How much does Windows Media Player cost?

Windows Media Player is a free download. To download Windows Media Player, click here. Please remember that Windows Media Player 9 Series or newer is required in order to use OverDrive Media Console.

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I came across a reference to 'Windows Media Player Security Upgrade'. What is this, and will I have to do it?

The Windows Media Security Upgrade is a process that must be performed before Microsoft Windows Media Player will allow any DRM-protected files to be played. A security measure, the security update identifies the copy of Windows Media Player with the computer on which the Player is being used. Publishers often require this sort of security in order to discourage the unlawful redistribution of digital content.

The first time that you open OverDrive Media Console after installation, OverDrive Media Console checks to see if you need to complete the security upgrade. If a security upgrade is needed, a message is displayed notifying you that in order to play DRM-protected content, you must first upgrade the security of your Windows Media Player. Follow the instructions provided in the message to complete the security update.

Alternatively, you may complete the security upgrade at any time. Complete the security upgrade as follows...

If you have Windows Media Player 11...

1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
2. Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
   A dialog box is displayed, notifying you that your Windows Media Player requires a security upgrade to play DRM-protected content.
3. Click 'OK' in the dialog box.
   Windows Media Player opens and the 'Windows Media Player' dialog box is displayed.
4. Click 'Upgrade' to download and install the required security component.
   Windows Media Player indicates that it is 'Connecting to server...'. Once connected, the security component is downloaded and installed. Windows Media Player indicates that the security component was upgraded successfully.
5. Click the 'Close' button in the 'Windows Media Player' dialog box.
   The 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
6. Click the 'Play' button in the 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box to complete the upgrade.
   Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade.
7. Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'License Acquisition' dialog box. If desired, you can also close Windows Media Player at this time.
   You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.

If you have Windows Media Player 9 or 10...

1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
2. Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
   A dialog box is displayed, notifying you that your Windows Media Player requires a security upgrade to play DRM-protected content.
3. Click 'OK' in the dialog box.
   Windows Media Player opens and, the 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box is displayed.
4. Click 'OK' in the 'Security Upgrade Required' dialog box to perform the upgrade.
   The 'License Acquisition' dialog box is displayed, indicating that you have installed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
5. Click the 'Play' button in the 'License Acquisition' dialog box to complete the upgrade.
   Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade.
6. Click the 'Cancel' button to close the 'License Acquisition' dialog box. If desired, you can also close Windows Media Player at this time.
   You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.

If at a later time you need to upgrade the security of your Windows Media Player again, do so as follows...

If you have Windows Media Player 11...

1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
2. Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
   A dialog box is displayed, notifying you of your current Windows Media Player security version and offering the option to re-upgrade.
3. To re-upgrade, click 'OK' in the dialog box.
   Windows Media Player opens, and the 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
4. Click 'Play' in the 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box to perform the upgrade.
   The 'Media Usage Rights Acquisition' dialog box closes, and Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade. If desired, you can close Windows Media Player at this time.
   You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.

If you have Windows Media Player 9 or 10...

1. While connected to the Internet, open OverDrive Media Console.
2. Go to Tools > Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.
   A dialog box is displayed, notifying you of your current Windows Media Player security version and offering the option to re-upgrade.
3. To re-upgrade, click 'OK' in the dialog box.
   Windows Media Player opens, and the 'License Acquisition' dialog box is displayed.
4. Click 'Play' in the 'License Acquisition' dialog box to perform the upgrade.
   The 'License Acquisition' dialog box closes, and Windows Media Player plays a brief file, confirming that you have completed the upgrade. If desired, you can close Windows Media Player at this time.
   You have successfully completed the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.

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Once I have checked out an OverDrive Video title, how do I download it?

1. After the video has been checked out, click on the 'Download' button next to the cover image of the video.
   OverDrive Media Console opens and the 'Get Media' dialog box prompts for the folder to which the file(s) should be downloaded.
2. In the OverDrive Media Console 'Get Media' dialog box, specify a download location (or leave the default file path) then click the 'OK' button.
   The 'Download' dialog box is displayed.
3. In the 'Download' dialog box, choose which Part(s) you would like to download by placing a checkmark next to the desired Part(s), then click the 'OK' button.
   The 'Download' dialog box closes, and the file download begins. Download progress is displayed for each Part in the OverDrive Media Console Status Bar (when enabled, the status bar is displayed across the bottom of the OverDrive Media Console window).
   When the download is complete, click the 'Play' button to play the title.

Note that OverDrive Video is a high speed Internet-only product.

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How do I download an OverDrive Video title using Firefox?

If you are using Firefox, after the title has been checked out, click on the 'Download' button next to the cover image of the title. If prompted, choose option 'Open with', and browse to 'OverDrive Media Console'. To adjust your settings so that you do not have to repeat this step going forward, check the box next to 'Do this automatically for files like this from now on'.

If you've already downloaded a file with Firefox and are unable to open it, complete the following steps:

If you have Firefox 2.x…

1. Open Firefox.
2. Go to Tools > Options.
   The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
3. Select 'Content'.
   The 'Content' options are displayed.
4. Under the 'File Types' heading, click the 'Manage…' button.
   The 'Download Actions' dialog box is displayed.
5. Select the 'ODM' file extension and click the 'Change Action' button.
   The 'Change Action' dialog box is displayed.
6. Select option 'Open them with this application'.
   The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box is displayed.
7. In the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box, navigate to the location at which OverDrive Media Console is installed (by default the application is installed to C:\Program Files\OverDrive Media Console) and select 'MediaConsole.exe'.
8. Click 'Open' in the 'Select Helper Application' dialog box.
   The 'Select Helper Application' dialog box closes.
9. Click 'OK' in the 'Change Action' dialog box.
10. Click 'Close' in the 'Download Actions' dialog box.
11. Click 'OK' to exit the 'Options' dialog box.
12. Be sure you are connected to the Internet, and browse to the file you were unable to open. Double-click the file.
    OverDrive Media Console launches, allowing you to use your video.

Please note that the initial download is a small file; you download the actual video file(s) from within the OverDrive Media Console application.

If you are using Firefox 1.x…

1. Open Firefox.
2. Go to Tools > Options.
   The 'Options' dialog box is displayed.
3. In the 'Options' dialog box, click the 'Downloads' button.
4. Under the heading 'File Types', select either 'ODM OverDrive.Media' or 'application/x-od-media' (the option you will see will vary depending on the version of Firefox you are using) and click the 'Change action' button.
   The 'Change Action' dialog box is displayed.
5. Select 'Open them in this application'.
   The 'Choose Application' dialog box is displayed.
6. Browse to 'OverDrive Media Console' and double-click 'OverDrive Media Console'.
   The 'Choose Application' dialog box is closed, displaying the 'Change Action' dialog box again.
7. Click the 'OK' button to save your change.
   The 'Change Action' dialog box is closed, displaying the 'Options' dialog box again.
8. Click 'OK' to exit the 'Options' dialog box.
9. Be sure you are connected to the Internet, then browse to the file you were unable to open. Double-click the file. OverDrive Media Console launches, allowing you to use your video.

Please note that the initial download is a small file; you download the actual video file(s) from within the OverDrive Media Console application.

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There are two 'Download' links for the title I checked out. Which one should I click?

OverDrive Video titles are available for download in 'Standard' and 'Mobile' versions. If you plan to watch your title on your computer using OverDrive Media Console, select the 'Standard' version. If you intend to transfer the file to a portable media device, choose the 'Mobile' version. Note that OverDrive Video is a high speed Internet-only product.

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What is the difference between 'Standard' and 'Mobile' video?

'Standard' video is encoded at 650Kbps. 'Mobile' video is encoded at 500Kbps and is optimized for viewing on portable devices. One hour of 'Standard' video is approximately equal to 300MB of disk space, while one hour of 'Mobile' video is approximately equal to 200MB.

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Can I download both the 'Standard' and 'Mobile' versions of my video title?

Yes, you may download both versions. The license for each version of the video title can be downloaded twice from this website while you have the title checked out.

Please note that this restriction only applies to downloading the license from the library website. After you have downloaded the license, you may download the video as needed using OverDrive Media Console. Note that OverDrive Video is a high speed Internet-only product.

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How much free disk space do I need to have in order to download videos to my computer?

The amount of free space needed depends on the length of the OverDrive Video title that you wish to download. One hour of standard video is approximately equal to 300MB.

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How do I watch my video?

When the video has finished downloading, click the 'Play' button in OverDrive Media Console. The 'OverDrive Media Explorer™' window is displayed and the file begins playing.

If desired, you can navigate directly to a desired section of the video. For ease of download and use, many OverDrive media titles are divided into Parts, and Parts are then divided into logical sections (such as scenes, as on a DVD). The beginning points of these logical sections are MediaMarkers. Click on the desired Part to display associated MediaMarkers. Click the desired MediaMarker to start play at that point in the file.

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I am only interested in one of the scenes of the video I downloaded. Can I just play that scene?

You can navigate directly to a desired point in a title using 'Parts' and 'MediaMarkers'. For ease of download and use, many OverDrive media titles are divided into Parts, and Parts are then divided into logical sections (such as scenes, as on a DVD). The beginning points of these logical sections are MediaMarkers.

To display Parts and MediaMarkers in OverDrive Media Console, click the 'Play' button. The 'OverDrive Media Explorer' window is displayed and the file begins playing. Parts are displayed on the left-hand side of the window, and the MediaMarkers for the selected Part are displayed on the right-hand side of the window.

Click on the desired Part to display associated MediaMarkers. Click the desired MediaMarker to start play at that point in the file.

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To which devices can I transfer OverDrive Video titles?

OverDrive Video titles will play on a variety of devices including Pocket PCs, Portable Media Centers, and devices running Windows Mobile 5.0.

To review a list of supported portable devices, click here. Note that in order to use OverDrive Video titles on a device, the device must play DRM-protected Windows Media Video content, and either support the bit rate of 500kbps or be able to transcode 500kbps files to a supported bit rate.

You may want to check device documentation to determine if your device supports DRM-protected Windows Media Video content at 500kbps.

If you are using a Pocket PC, OverDrive Media files must be transferred to a memory card. Be sure you have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed, and be sure to specify the memory card in the course of the transfer process.

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Why can't I transfer OverDrive Video titles directly to my iPod or iPhone, or use these files on my Mac?

OverDrive Video titles, provided by OverDrive, Inc., use DRM protection technology from Microsoft Corporation. Unfortunately iPods, iPhones, and Macs do not currently support DRM-protected Windows Media Audio (WMA) or Windows Media Video (WMV) files.

OverDrive, along with hundreds of online digital media providers, is hopeful that Apple and Microsoft can reach an agreement that would enable support for Microsoft-based DRM-protected materials on the iPod, iPhone, and Mac.

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How much free disk space do I need to have in order to transfer videos to my portable device?

The amount of free space needed depends on the length of the OverDrive Video title that you wish to transfer to your device. One hour of mobile video is approximately equal to 200MB.

Note that if you are using OverDrive Media Console v2.1 (or newer), the Transfer Wizard will alert you if you do not have enough storage space on your device to accommodate the files that you are attempting to transfer. The Transfer Wizard allows you to delete files that are on your portable player in order to make room for the files you wish to transfer.

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What is a 'bit rate'?

Bit rate is a measure of the quantity of data transferred from your device's memory to its decoder. Different devices support different ranges of bit rates. Some devices are able to convert unsupported bit rates to supported bit rates, a process called 'transcoding'.

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How do I transfer a video to my portable device?

If you are using OverDrive Media Console v2.1 (or newer)…

1. Connect your portable player to your computer.
2. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight the title you wish to transfer and click the 'Transfer' button.
   The OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard is displayed.
3. Verify that the correct title is displayed on the first screen of the Transfer Wizard and click 'Next'.
   The Transfer Wizard will search for a connected portable device.
   If your device is detected the 'Confirm' screen is displayed.
   If your device is not detected, the Transfer Wizard will display a message stating that 'no portable players could be found.' Click here for more information about why your portable player could not be found.
4. In the 'Confirm' dialog box, select the Part(s) you want to transfer by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
5. Click 'Next' to begin transferring the file(s) to your device.
   When the file transfer is complete, the Transfer Wizard displays a 'success' message.
6. Click 'Finish' to exit the Transfer Wizard.
   You may now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your title.

Note that if you are using a Pocket PC, OverDrive Media files must be transferred to a memory card. Be sure you have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed, and be sure to specify the memory card in the course of the transfer process.

To review a suggested list of portable devices, click here. To use OverDrive Video on a device, the device must either support the bit rate of 500kbps or be able to transcode 500kbps files to a supported bit rate.

If you are using OverDrive Media Console 2.0 and Windows Media Player 11...

*Transferring files to a portable device is greatly simplified with the latest version of OverDrive Media Console. To review system requirements and download the latest version of OverDrive Media Console, click here.

1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight your title and click the 'Transfer/burn' button.
   Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title; do not stop playback.
2. Click the 'Sync' tab.
3. Select the 'Now Playing' list under the 'Playlists' heading on the left side of Windows Media Player.
4. Select the Parts you wish to transfer and drag them to the Sync list on the right side of Windows Media Player.
   When the Sync List is ready, ensure that your device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
   Windows Media Player begins to transfer the files to your device in the order that they appear in the 'Sync List'.
   This process may take a few minutes. You can follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field next to the Part name in the Sync List.
5. When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'.
   You can now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your title.

Note that if you are using a Pocket PC, OverDrive Media files must be transferred to a memory card. Be sure you have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed, and be sure to specify the memory card in the course of the transfer process.

To review a list of supported portable devices, click here. Note that in order to use OverDrive Video titles on a device, the device must play DRM-protected Windows Media Video content, and either support the bit rate of 500kbps or be able to transcode 500kbps files to a supported bit rate.

If you are using OverDrive Media Console 2.0 and Windows Media Player 10...

*Transferring files to a portable device is greatly simplified with the latest version of OverDrive Media Console. To review system requirements and download the latest version of OverDrive Media Console, click here.

1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a title and click the 'Transfer/burn' button.
   Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title.
2. You may stop playback at this point if you choose. Click the 'Library' tab.
   The Media Library will be displayed but the 'Now Playing List' should remain.
3. Do one of the following…
   • If you wish to transfer all Parts, ensure that your portable device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
     Windows Media Player transfers the files to your device in the order that they appear in the 'Now Playing List'.
   -OR-
   • If you wish to transfer a specific Part(s) to your device, you can remove Parts from the Sync List. Click on the unwanted Parts and press the 'Delete' key. Alternatively, you can right-click an unwanted Part and select 'Remove from List' from the menu. When the Sync List is ready, ensure that your device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
     Windows Media Player transfers the files to your device in the order that they appear in the 'Now Playing List'.
4. When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'.
   You can now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your OverDrive Video title.

Note that if you are using a Pocket PC, OverDrive Media files must be transferred to a memory card. Be sure you have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed, and be sure to specify the memory card in the course of the transfer process.

To review a list of supported portable devices, click here. Note that in order to use OverDrive Video titles on a device, the device must play DRM-protected Windows Media Video content, and either support the bit rate of 500kbps or be able to transcode 500kbps files to a supported bit rate.

If you are using OverDrive Media Console 2.0 and Windows Media Player 9...

*Transferring files to a portable device is greatly simplified with the latest version of OverDrive Media Console. To review system requirements and download the latest version of OverDrive Media Console, click here.

1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a title and click the 'Transfer/burn' button.
   Windows Media Player opens.
2. Turn off skin mode, if necessary, and click the 'Copy to CD or Device' button.
   The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen will appear.
3. Select the Part(s) you want to transfer to the portable device by checking the box(es) next to the Part name(s).
4. Connect your portable media device and ensure that it is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
5. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to copy the Part(s) to the portable device.
   Windows Media Player inspects and copies the file(s) to the device. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field in Windows Media Player.
6. When the transfer is complete, the status field in Windows Media Player will indicate 'Complete'.
   You may now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your OverDrive Video title.

Note that if you are using a Pocket PC, OverDrive Media files must be transferred to a memory card. Be sure you have a memory card with sufficient memory space installed, and be sure to specify the memory card in the course of the transfer process.

To review a list of supported portable devices, click here. Note that in order to use OverDrive Video titles on a device, the device must play DRM-protected Windows Media Video content, and either support the bit rate of 500kbps or be able to transcode 500kbps files to a supported bit rate.

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I came across a reference to 'licenses'. What are licenses and why do I need them?

Licenses are files that allow DRM-protected content to be played with Windows Media Player. Before Windows Media Player will open a DRM-protected file, it verifies that the user has the appropriate license. If the user does not have a license for the content, the file will not open. Licenses are automatically managed by OverDrive Media Console when video files are downloaded.

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