Frequently Asked Questions
Download FAQs
What file format are the audio books in?
All our downloadable audio books are digitally recorded in (.wma) format. They are also protected files, so they are WMA DRM files.
What portable devices are compatible with your downloads?
We support over 200 portable devices including iPods, MP3 players and smartphones. Some of the players we support are: Audiovox, Creative, Dell, D-Link, Gateway, iRiver, JVC, Philips, RaveMP, RCA, Rio, Roku, Samsung, SanDisk, Toshiba, and more. For WMA downloads, simply look for the PlaysForSure logo or check your MP3 device manual to ensure that the device will play WMA DRM files. For MP3 (iPod) downloads, simply ensure your device accepts MP3 files.
Is my download iPod-compatible?
We currently offer 2 different kinds of downloads - MP3s and WMAs. MP3 downloads are iPod compatible and can be found simply by looking for the iPod logo. WMAs are Windows Media Player compatible and will work with most PlayForSure MP3 players, but not iPods. Simply look for the Windows logo.
How can I search specifically for iPod compatible titles?
First, click on 'Browse Books' at the top of your page. Next, click on the box beside iPod under Search in: You can then search by author, title, genre, etc.
Can I listen to my audio books on multiple computers?
Due to our copyright agreements with publishers, it is only possible to download and claim a license of a Simply Audiobooks audio book on one computer. However, we do recommend that our download members make CD back ups of their audio books, which they can listen to in their car, portable CD player, or home stereo.
How to Download and Play
How to Burn
How to Sync
How To Download and Play iPod Compatible Audio Books
What is the Wish List?
The Wish List allows you to bookmark titles you are interested in - whether you're a member or not.
From here, you can easily see which of the titles are available to rent, download, or purchase. For non-members it can help you decide which plan is best for you.
For current Simply Audiobooks members, it allows you to keep track of titles you are interested in, but aren't yet sure if you want to add them to your Rental Shelf or Download Library. Set them aside, and decide later!
What is the bit rate of the audio books?
Majority of our audio books are recorded in 48kbps mono, which is equivalent to 96kbps stereo. 99.9% of devices out there support the bit rate our audio books are recorded in.
What hardware and software do I need to download?
WMA downloads require: PC - Windows XP, ME or Vista with Windows Media Player 11 / Browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari for Windows / MP3 Player - PlaysforSure-compatible MP3 player (visit PlayForSure.com for full list of compatible players) with at least 256MB of storage space. ~ ~ ~ MP3 (iPod) downloads require: PC or Mac / Browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari / MP3 Player - iPod or PlaysforSure-compatible MP3 player (visit PlayForSure.com for full list of compatible players) with at least 256MB of storage space.
Do the audio files ever expire?
No. Once you apply a credit for a downloadable audio book you are purchasing the rights to that audio book and it's yours forever.
Do my download credits expire?
Download credits expire after 60 days after their issue date. However, once you apply a credit towards a book you have all the time you want to download and play it.
How many times can I listen, burn, and sync audio books?
There is no limit to how many times you can listen to an audio book. There are some limitations on how many times you can burn or sync your audio book download. The majority of audio books can be burned and/or synced up to 3 times; however, some publishers have a limit of 1.5 times.
What if i don't have a device?
If you're planning on listening to audio books on the go then we recommend you purchase a device. You can get one for around $50 from Amazon or BestBuy.
You can also burn the audio books to CD(s) and listen in your portable CD player, car, home stereo, or on your computer.
The file asks me to install a skin file that might compromise my computer, what do I do?
The skin file we include with all our audio books are 100% safe and will not compromise your computer in any way. Just click 'Yes' when prompted to install the skin file and proceed to the next step of the download process.
Can I burn the original 150mb or 250mb file I downloaded to back up my audio books?
If your download was an MP3 (iPod) download - yes. If your download was a WMA download - to ensure that you have the media rights to play the file, you will have to record the audio book to CD through Windows Media Player after you have claimed the license. Failing to do so will result in the audio book not being able to play.
What is the average file size of a downloadable audio book?
A 5 CD audio book would be roughly 120MB.
How do I switch my subscription from Download to Rental or vice versa?
Currently our rental and download memberships are two completely separate subscriptions. Mix and match to suit your needs! If you would like to "switch", simply call Member Services at 1-877-554-4332 to cancel your existing subscription and start a new one.
How long does it take to get a book?
Rental shipments take an average of 2-6 business days each way. US shipments are pre-sorted by UPS and then sent to local USPS outlets for regular home delivery. Canadian rentals are delivered via Canada Post.
Direct downloads can be accessed immediately.
Do you serve Canadian customers?
Of course! Check out Simply Audiobooks Canada here or click on the Canadian flag in the bottom left corner of the site.
How do I change my membership plan?
You can edit your membership plan from the My Account page while you're logged in. We have a variety of service plans for both unlimited CD audio book rentals and direct download club members. If you are on the prepaid yearly subscription plan and want to upgrade or downgrade your membership effective immediately please contact us.