Posted by buckeyebrarian on November 11, 2008
Overdrive announced several months ago their intent to start releasing material in MP3 format to allow iPod users to use their digital audiobooks and music. They have now delivered on that promise. Checking the MOLDI site (mentioned in a previous post), I saw a big announcement of their inclusion. I have to say I’m pleased as punch, both as a iPod owner and a Librarian. This sould go a long way toward making this service more useful for our customers and I couldn’t be happier.
This service is still in the larval stage of course. There are currently only 177 titles available in MP3, only 4.4% of the 3,993 titles available in WMA format. However, this will only increase. It also looks (at least at first glance) that a good job has been done in selecting interesting titles for the “first run”.
I look forward to having the chance to take advantage of this new service.
Posted in Audio\Visual, Hardware, Internet, Libraries & Prof., Library 2.0, Library Technology, Technology | Tagged: Overdrive, MP3, WMA, audiobooks, iPod, MOLDI | No Comments »
Posted by buckeyebrarian on November 6, 2008
In the penultimate exercise for Learn & Play @CML, we were tasked with exploring the world of downloadables on MOLDI. For those among the uninitiated, that stands for the Mid-Ohio Library Digital Initiative a project that provides access to digital media to library patrons (learn more).
I found the system fairly easy to use, though I will say that I am used to purchasing things online and the experience is similar (if not identical). The only potential hiccup I can see for others is the possible need to install the Overdrive software, but that only needs to be done once!
I must say that the quality of the selection is much improved from the last several times I’ve looked at it, especially the eAudiobooks! The audiobook selection in sci-fi and fantasy is excellent and very current (previously a sore point with me)! The eBooks and Music have improved as well (I like classical music).
However, the improvement in the selection does not carry over into the “eFlicks”. There’s a mix of quirky retro stuff like old sci-fi B-flicks and silent films which is very nice. There are also some comedy specials (ex Howie Mandell & Bill Engval) and neat documentaries. What is lacking is anything that could remotely be called mainstream or blockbuster. Now, I understand that there is likely to be trouble getting Hollywood to give up there latest and greatest in this format! Sure! That’s unsurprising! What bothers me is that there are no older blockbusters or true classics (think AFI 100) on the list. It seems that if we’re going to offer such a service that we need to have more of what a general audience would want to see, especially if (as I’ve heard) libraries are expecting downloadable content to replace DVDs and CDs down the road. I’d also like to begin seeing high-definition offerings in the near future. I understand why there haven’t been any to this point and agree with the logic, but the market penetration for HD is growing quickly and price drops this holiday season are expected to increase it even more. For those folks who have their TVs hooked up to their PC (neither difficult or uncommon) or have the new widescreen HD laptops, this would be a great new feature!
Posted in Audio\Visual, Hardware, Learn & Play, Library Technology, Life, Technology | Tagged: download, HD, high definition, Learn & Play, learnandplay | No Comments »
Posted by buckeyebrarian on February 19, 2008
…Blu-ray!!!!!!
Yes ladies and gentlemen, Toshiba has waved the white flag, announcing that it is quitting production on the HD-DVD format. This comes as welcome news to Sony, the principal developer of the competing technology Blu-Ray. It means that they finally get what they’ve wanted since the Beta-Max days: to force everyone to use a format they’ve devised and pay handsomely for the privilege. They failed with Beta, UMD, and others, but now have a winner with Blu-Ray. No word on when\if Toshiba will develop and sell Blu-ray player of their own.
It sounds like the early adopters among you who bought HD-DVD are out of luck. I’m just glad we’re finally through another format war, as they are always rather onerous.
Posted in Audio\Visual, Hardware, Technology | No Comments »
