Both Ebooks AND Audio books in Calibre

[Marcs1102]

I've Combined/Condensed the posts in another area, and am trying to post simple instructs/steps
i'd appreciate any comments (and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism) to make this simpler/more understandable

Included as a readme.txt on my archive uploads....
First this Archive/Torrent read me/Post assumes (requires) a few (free) things, and attempts to provide answers/instructs

one, calibre as a library manager
(download at http://calibre-ebook.com/)
second, the free VLC Player
(download at http://www.videolan.org/vlc
and set your registry to open .zab files with vlc)
third, the free reader/speaker/speechifier/TTS of epub format ebooks
Download at (http://www.cross-plus-a.com/balabolka.htm
fourth, the free calibre plugin "open with"
(sorry no quick/easy download url but this mobileread page has the plugin zip, and instructs to install
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=118761)
(lets you run an program from within calibre....
add it to the context menu, so It can run programs (from within Calibre) while displaying a library/database/book entry,
IE - right click and run the program pointed to by the plugin setup)
fifth, using the above (free plugin), edit the "run with" plug in to add two entries
a "Play Audiobook" (for format zab/path to vlc)
a "Read Epub" (for format epub/path to balabolka)

now you have a calibre library manager that not only handles Ebooks, but also Zipped Audio Books ((as .zab format))
(in my opinion Best of Both Worlds)



FAQ's

What is a ZAB file extension
ZAB = (Z)ipped (A)udio (B)ook
so I just zip the file and rename the .zip extensions to .zab

Why not just zip?
I use Calibre, and it thinks that .zip files are zipped Ebooks
(i use both Audio and E books, so I needed a unique file type for Zipped Audio Books, )

WHY the VLC player?
At the moment, this is the only (free) player that handles zipped/compressed files well...
when a file type is set to play with vlc, it (vlc) ignores other things in the compressed file when playing
(like text JPG etc in the compressed file)



Any Comments or Questions (or suggested revisions) Marc@MarcAlan.Info

I do also have a full browser accessible file server (IP address keeps changing, email me for current access/ip address)

[BetterRed]

@Marcs1102 -

Didn't know VLC can deal with a ZIP full of files - avoids having to splice episodes etc

Calibre plugins can be installed from within calibre - Preferences->Plugins>Get new plugins button at bottom left, sort on Plug-in Name (click header) scroll down to Open With and double click.

Very good idea to rename the ZIP of audio books to ZAB I would also register ZAB to Windows with VLC as the 'opener'

Added : I have the Default Programs Editor gadget so I registered ZAB and ZVC (video clips) with VLC as the Player - cute.

BR

[theducks]

I have been using VLC for a loooong time and did not know that I could pass an archive.
I did know it would ignore additional stuff (I use play folder a lot).

Seeing the Archive, it needs to only execute the Playlist (if found), otherwise it will play the files AND the playlist.

[cybmole]

a variant of the audio files question rolls back around every couple of months - should there be a sticky explaining best answers to date ?

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by cybmole

a variant of the audio files question rolls back around every couple of months - should there be a sticky explaining best answers to date ?

Like maybe this one ==>> https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=205016

Over to you DoctorOhh

BR

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Like maybe this one ==>> https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=205016

Over to you DoctorOhh

You pointed out the sticky thread. I only use epubs in my library. If you think this thread should be linked to, add a post.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by DoctorOhh

You pointed out the sticky thread. I only use epubs in my library. If you think this thread should be linked to, add a post.

Done - see https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...54&postcount=6

I'd forgotten MR allows plebeians like me to post into sticky threads, on some forums its only the patricians who can do that

BR

[theducks]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Done - see https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...54&postcount=6

I'd forgotten MR allows plebeians like me to post into sticky threads, on some forums its only the patricians who can do that

BR

Calibre has both kinds.
MR uses a lock (kind of hard to see) on the blue box for some of the stickies.

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Done - see https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...54&postcount=6

I'd forgotten MR allows plebeians like me to post into sticky threads, on some forums its only the patricians who can do that

Most all of the non-locked sticky threads are in Calibre's Related Tools forum. Elsewhere you are correct most are locked down for obvious reasons.

[cybmole]

i see only 5 threads labelled Sticky - this issue is not one of them.

maybe it's a sticky thread that is not actually tagged sticky but that is far to subtle for me, ands will likely not neter new posters from reapeating the question

the 5 that I do see - labelled sticky - directly below the sub forum list - are
open books.. ,get books... ,editor..., video... , new to ....

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by cybmole

i see only 5 threads labelled Sticky - this issue is not one of them.

It is a sticky thread in the Related Tools section on calibre's forum. There are different sticky threads at the top of each calibre forum.

[cybmole]

fair enough but I guess many folks don't look there.

If I had a query about adding audio files I doubt that I'd think to look under "tools"

general question; is there any way to hide the sub-forums or tweak the layout so that the main forum comes first. when I load my bookmark I always have to scroll down in order to see any new threads, because there is such a long sub-forums list up above ?

[JimmyR]

Originally Posted by cybmole

general question; is there any way to hide the sub-forums or tweak the layout so that the main forum comes first. when I load my bookmark I always have to scroll down in order to see any new threads, because there is such a long sub-forums list up above ?

If you use the following URL for your bookmark, it should load the page at the top of the thread list:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/for...66#threadslist

[cybmole]

Originally Posted by JimmyR

If you use the following URL for your bookmark, it should load the page at the top of the thread list:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/for...66#threadslist

thanks for that. works as described