Concerning the Podbook (m4b) Format For Podfics

[cybel]

This is an update of a post I originally made in April '08.

1) Because podbooks are my fannish thing and curiosity is a fault of mine, I'd like to ask that if you, too, love the m4b format, please add 'podbooks' as an interest on your journal profile page.

2) What exactly is a podbook? A podbook (fannish terminology for audiobook or m4b) is a sound file that adds more features to a basic mp3. It usually includes cover art, makes the mp3 automatically bookmarkable, and, for those with iTunes, moves it out of the Music folder and into a separate Books (previously Audiobooks) folder where it won't be seen or heard when browsing or shuffling songs. It also then automatically shows up in a Books playlist on an iPod. My newest podbooks, compiled with the latest AudioBook Builder (for Mac only), also offer Enhanced Chapter Stops: every mp3 file compiled into a 'book becomes its own "chapter". When you play the final output in iTunes or on your iPod, you'll notice special controls for quickly moving between these chapters instead of having to fast-forward or rewind.

3) Some mp3 players are not able to play m4b files; others can. To get the added benefits of podbooks on your PC, even if you don't own an iPod or other m4b capable player, you can download Apple's free iTunes, here. If you have a Mac, iTunes is already part of your system.

4) Not all podbooks that have been compiled by myself and others have been posted to the various LJ podficcing communities. If you wonder if a podbook version of your favorite podfic exists, check general_jinjur's Audiofic Archive under the reader or author tabs. A category for m4b files also exists and can be found here. If you don't find what you're looking for in the Archive, you can check with me; I've personally compiled over 1,000 podbooks since 2007 and am always working on more.

5) Podficcers and authors: don't be shy. If you have a podfic you'd like me to 'book and you haven't heard from me, feel free to drop me a note. I may not be able to 'book/provide cover art for/post every podfic in every fandom requested (especially those under 1/2 hour or so), but I will do my best. If your story already has a cover (with artist approval to use) or if you have a photo, cap, etc. that you can provide, the process is easier, especially for fandoms with which I'm unfamiliar.

6) Podbooks are not necessarily larger than and may actually be much smaller files than the original mp3s. The format is extremely compact, and I normally compile at 64 kbps while most mp3s are recorded at 128 kbps (the human voice needs less than half of the storage music requires). Of course, if the 'book combines several parts into a single file, it will necessarily be larger than the original mp3 files downloaded separately.

7) As I mentioned above, I compile 'books using a Mac only software called Audiobook Builder. I know PC software exists, but I don't know anything about it or its features.

ETA per a very good question asked by glittertine:

The trouble with the m4a format, which is also an audio container format like m4b, is that it doesn't have the extra features of an m4b: no auto bookmarking, no auto filing in Books inside of iTunes/iPods (they file under music).

On the up side, you can release these extra features just by manually changing the file extension from .m4a to .m4b. Doing this, however, removes the ability for the files to be used on players that can use m4a files, so there is no benefit for users of those players.

Also, many mp3 players still can't use m4a OR m4b files, which is why all podfics added to the Archive must have an mp3 version.

Comments

[inteligrrl.livejournal.com]

Personally, I'd just like to express my gratitude for your willingness to podbook so many stories. I much prefer that format to mp3, and I've loved having access to so many podbooks.

[cybel]

Thank you. That's lovely to hear: though it's more like compulsion than willingness, really. :-)

[maryaminx.livejournal.com]

Done! Considering just how many of these things I tote around on my ipod, the smaller size is invaluable.

There is a free software for mp3->m4b on the PC but it sucks and the file size is actually LARGER than the original.

[cybel]

Ah. How strange it would do that since the standard for pro audiobooks is 32 kbps. I use 64 kbps as a compromise for those fans who find 32 to sound tinny.

One of the things I love about Audiobook Builder is all the options it gives you, including bitrate, mono or stereo, maximum length per part, etc.

[eosrose]

I've noticed that the file size on that program can be larger when you're inserting music into the podfics (must be the stereo tracks). Can I suggest Chapter and Verse for PC? I just found it last night and while it's not as easy to use as the MP3 to iPod Audiobook Converter, it does have more features, such as being able to insert more complete metadata and chapter markers. You can adjust the output settings, too, which can result in some pretty small files depending on the level of sound quality you want.

[maryaminx.livejournal.com]

ooh, thanks for that! i'll check it out!

[eosrose]

I've just posted a brief tutorial on podfic_tips for how to adjust the settings for better output, if that's useful to you. It took me quite a while to find settings that worked for me, so I thought I'd share.

[elsewhere-kels.livejournal.com]

I use audiobook builder too! It's a great program, isn't it? =)

*Adds 'Podbooks' as an interest*

[cybel]

It's the best! No one with a Mac needs anything else.

Thanks for adding podbooks to your interests. :-)

[malnpudl.livejournal.com]

Interest added. And once again (and again and again), thank you so much for all your work! I lurrrrrrrrrve your podbooks. <3

[cybel]

And I lurrrrrrve that you lurrrrrrve my podbooks. :-)

[andeincascade.livejournal.com]

You are such a gift. Thank you very kindly. ♥

[cybel]

*blush*

[cantarina]

Podbooks have been added!

This post makes me want to go play around with Audiobook Builder.

[cybel]

It's fun to play with. Makes you feel very accomplished. :-)

[fishpatrol]

Added! :)

Your tips about tricking an iPod into treating an mp3 like an m4b file has been very handy! And thanks for all your hard work! :]

[cybel]

My pleasure. I iz nothing if not tricksie. :-)

Finally found a software that creates audiobooks with chapters on a PC!

[eosrose]

I've been struggling to find an audiobook creator that works on a PC and has the ability to create chapters and to insert chapter covers, but last night I finally found Chapter and Verse. The default settings were creating an output of questionable quality, but after some fiddling around with the settings I've managed to create my first chaptered audiobook of decent quality. Yay!

So the next time someone nags you for a way to create audiobooks on a PC, you can suggest this software. It's probably not as great as Audiobook Builder, but it works. :)

Re: Finally found a software that creates audiobooks with chapters on a PC!

[cybel]

That's great to hear!

You should post about this at podfic_tips and here. PC users are asking about software all the the time.

Re: Finally found a software that creates audiobooks with chapters on a PC!

[eosrose]

That's a good idea! I was actually posting on podfic_tips yesterday to see if anyone knew about a program like this, but no one seemed to. I had to use my google-fu. ;)

[princess2000204.livejournal.com]

I love podbooks, in fact I usually wait for you to convert a story into m4b.

Your contribution to the fandom makes up well over half my podfics! The interest has been added ^_^

[cybel]

Thank you!

[ellex42.livejournal.com]

I LOVE podbooks. If there is a podbook version available, I will always download that. If there is only an mp3 version available, I pout briefly, download it anyways and change it to an audiobook in iTunes.

Also, I LOVE you for converting so many podfics into podbooks. I applaud and appreciate your "compulsion" to do this. Thank you!

[cybel]

:-)

[ellex42.livejournal.com]

PS - I added both podfics and podbooks to my interests back in 2008, the first time you requested it. If I could add it again, I would.

[cybel]

My hero!

[mific.livejournal.com]

Added! Your archive of podbooks is great - I much prefer podbooks on iPhone, for all the features you mention. I just use a simple program called "M4A MP3 Converter" on my PC - it makes M4Bs too - then add the artwork through iTunes (right-click on the track, 'get info' then add the art file there). As far as I can tell it works OK - i.e. if someone else downloads the M4B file I've made that way they get the cover art too (tell me if I'm deluded about that!) But no chapters so thanks for the tips about how to do the chapter thingy. I have a mac too so various options there.

[cybel]

Your 'books come through fine, art and all. :-)

[daraq.livejournal.com]

I had podfic on my interests page and added podbooks, too. Thank you again and again for the tutorial on tricking itunes into adding mp3s to the audiobooks section. You are a fandom treasure!

[cybel]

Thank you!