Technicalities

Since this was last updated, technology has changed. Basic QuickTime, all by itself, is no longer enough to play these podcasts, since the format, m4b, turns out to be protected from unauthorized copying/playing, whether I like it or not. There's a deluxe stand-alone version of QuickTime, but that costs money.

Starting from a point of departure, that iTunes for Windows may be scary to some folks, I looked at a few conversion alternatives (m4b to mp3), & tried a free test of one. That was a bust. How they expect to sell it, when the demo flops, is beyond me.

I then persuaded my interlocutor (the owner of the family PC) that iTunes for Windows might not be so bad, not overwhelm the PC, monopolize all free time, etc. We downloaded iTunes for Windows to said PC, pulled up a podcast episode previously downloaded directly from this website, clicked, & lo & behold, it started to play! Free, to boot.

As of this writing, iTunes for Windows 8.2.1 requirements include: a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, compatible video & audio cards, Windows service pack 2 or later, or 32 bit Windows Vista, 200 MB available disk space - & it will automatically update itself.

• Downloading directly from Classicsnarrated.com can be done with Internet Explorer by right-clicking the m4a or m4b link and selecting "Save Target As," then selecting the destination on your PC. In Firefox, right click the m4a or m4b link, select "Save Link As," then select the destination on your PC.

Why m4a as a file format? It conforms to the current international standard for "multimedia container," MPEG4, which is likely to keep growing. It enables "enhanced podcast" containing chapter markers, integral artwork, and so on. Those features are available through iTunes/iPod, not necessarily all "MP3" players. m4b is designed specifically for audiobooks and podcasts, and enables bookmarking on non-clickwheel iPods, so future (and possibly past) episodes will go that way. Otherwise, same as m4a (bookmarking already present for most iPods).

If you still have trouble downloading or saving, or should any of the above information be mistaken, please let me know. Post your constructive comments, and I will do my best to make appropriate changes. -Scott G.