What is an AudioSteps Guide?

An AudioSteps guide is a guided walk of a popular location. It consists of a route diagram which shows the walk on a street plan, instructions and the audio files themselves. The audio files are in MP3 format and you play them on your own equipment.

What are these files?

Each guide is divided into segments. Each segment contains an audio commentary in MP3 format with instructions on how to reach the next segment. The commentary will provide information on the sights and other features of interest which you will pass or see on the segment.

What will I get for my money?

You will receive a zipped file which contains:

• The guide in the form of MP3 files
• A route diagram which shows the route of the walk
• Instructions on how to use the guide

What hardware and software do I need?

You will need a device capable of playing MP3 files e.g. an MP3 player or an iPod. You will need a means of un-zipping your downloaded file. Windows XP has file un-zipping software built in. Older versions of windows will require Winzip. If you do not already have Winzip, a free evaluation copy can be downloaded from http://www.winzip.com

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or similar to read and print the instructions and route diagram - which come as .PDF files. This can be downloaded free from http://www.adobe.com

If you have a MAC, you will need to be able to expand (or unzip) the .zip file we send you and then you will need to be able to open and print the route diagram and instructions which we supply as Adobe Acrobat files (.PDF files). We have tested our products both on MP3 players and iPods.

How do I get my guide?

Once your payment has been authorized, you will be presented with a "download" page. This page will allow you to download your purchased guide or guides onto your own PC or Mac.

I am unable to download my guide at the time I purchased it, what do I do?

You will be sent a confirmation email following your purchase. This email will provide you with a link and password to enable you to download your purchase. This link will be active for 72 hours after you make your purchase.

I did not receive my confirmation email, what is wrong?

You may have typed in your email address incorrectly. If so, and you have not yet downloaded your purchase, please send us your name, correct email address and the date and time of your purchase and we will do our best to help you.

How long will I have to download my file?

The link will be active for 72 hours from the time of your purchase.

What happens if I cannot download the file?

You can email us with your details and we will re-activate the link for a further 72 hours.

What do I do with the file I download?

Un-zip the file into a folder on your PC or Mac. Print the instructions. Print the route diagram. Load the files onto your MP3 player or iPod.

What size (in MB) will the files be?

Each individual guide will contain segments. The total space required on your MP3 player for each guide will up to 25MB.

Why do I not just buy a guidebook?

There is still a place for guidebooks with AudioSteps guides. The AudioSteps guides are convenient and need only an MP3 player. The AudioSteps guides allow you to blend in with the locals; you do not "stick out" like a tourist.

How long do the walks take?

This depends on how fast you walk and how often you stop but a guide to the amount of time needed can be found on the Web Site and in the documentation.

Do I have to do the whole walk in one go?

No, you can do as little or as much as you wish. You can leave a walk on one day and resume it on another day if you wish.

Do I have to do all of the segments in numerical order, and do I have to start at Segment 1?

No and no. You can go to any point on the route diagram and listen to the segment with the corresponding number. Each segment does direct you to the next one, but you can ignore the directions part and just listen to content wherever you want to go. And, of course, you can start anywhere.

Do I have to print the instructions and bring them with me on the walk?

You might want to print them to read before you go, but we also have a recorded version of how the guides work in the beginning of each walk. It's called the "Intro" segment, or Segment 00, and you can listen to it any time before you start the walk, or even later if you want a refresher.

Is there copyright on these guides?

These guides are for the use of the purchaser only. Please refer to our Conditions and Terms of Use for details.