How to...
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First time listening to a Talking Issues audiobook? Follow our step-by-step guide here
How can I listen to my TI audio download?
There are three ways for you to enjoy Talking Issues audio:
- Download audio and burn to an audio CD – listen in the car, or at home!
- Upload and listen to a portable audio device
- Download audio and listen using Windows Media Player
Our range of audio formats are unique, in that every download option is of broadcast quality to maximise your audio experience. We offer the highest quality entry level, audio download files available on the Internet today.
TI Audio Download Formats
TI use two different audio formats; MP3 and WMA. Publishers choose which format they want the files to be distributed in.
MP3s are unprotected audio files and will play on PCs, Macs and all portable audio players. For the moment, only Talking Issues audio magazines such as the Economist audio edition are offered in MP3 format. Talking Issues audiobooks are provided in WMA (Windows Media Audio) format with Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM). This format is not Mac-compatible due to the DRM restrictions.
When you purchase a downloadable title from Talking Issues, you will be directed to a dedicated ‘download’ section of our website where you can select two different compression rates for all our audiobooks – 48kbps and 64 kbps. 48kbps is the equivalent quality of FM radio, whereas 64kbps offers digital radio quality audio. Larger audio files are best suited to those with high speed Internet connections as the files will take slightly longer to download. Both compression rates are available at no extra cost.
TI Audio Download Formats
Talking Issues will very likely provide additional Formats in the future, either to support new listening devices or to accommodate improvements in compression technologies. We have an ongoing commitment to providing the best in choice and quality.
Can I use these files on an iPod?
Yes! You can import unprotected MP3s directly into iTunes and then upload these to your iPod.
With WMA formatted audiobooks all you need to do is burn the files to CD first (TI recommends this process to make a physical backup copy of anything you buy just in case your computer ever fails or is stolen), and then rip the CD straight into iTunes. Your audio files can then be uploaded to your iPod in the normal way.
Please note: DRM-protected WMA files CANNOT be played on a Mac
Can I copy the files onto an audio CD?
Yes! Copying the files to an audio CD on your computer is quick and easy, particularly if you are using Windows. You can then listen to your audio CD on any standard CD player.
Why don't all of the Audio Formats work on my listening device?
There may be significant technical developments required to support a particular Audio Format on a listening device. Each manufacturer must choose where to expend resources when developing the device, so frequently not all formats will be supported. Talking Issues is committed to making sure that all formats are supported for desktop listening via Windows Media Player, and can be burnt onto CD for greater listening flexibility.
What software do I need to play TI audio files?
To play either MP3 or WMA format files on Windows, you can use the latest versions of Windows Media Player (available free from Microsoft) or RealPlayer (Available free from Real).
How easy is it to download the files once I have purchased them?
It is very easy. Once you have made your purchase you will be taken through to a ‘download’ page where the audio files you have purchased will be available, along with simple, easy to follow instructions.
In the unlikely event that you should encounter any problems, please email us at and we will endeavour to resolve your issues.
How long will it take to download the audio files?
It will vary greatly depending on what kind of Internet connection you have. If you have a broadband connection it will take just a few minutes per section. If you have a 56k dial-up connection it will be considerably slower. If a recording is several hours long we will have split it into several sections to make it easier to download so even if you are on a slow connection you can start listening to the first part whilst the others are downloading.