Please Read: As of December, 31, 2009, MyLibraryDV will no longer be available. The provider is ending this service. We apologize for the inconvenience.

MyLibraryDV Frequently Asked Questions

What is MyLibraryDV?

MyLibraryDV is a video-on-demand service featuring hundreds of hours of DVD-quality programming that can be downloaded to your computer. Once downloaded, the videos can be watched without the user being connected to the Internet.

Is there any charge for using this service?

No. All you need is your library card number and your 4-digit PIN.

What kind of titles are available?

Antiques Roadshow, Rick Steves’ Europe, America’s Test Kitchen, Today’s Homeowner, independent films from Film Movement, and an array of Hollywood classics. A full title list (PDF) is available here and on the myLibraryDV page.

How do I get started?

It’s easy! First, you’ll need to install the download manager on your computer (you only need to do this once and it takes 2-4 minutes.) Instructions are available here to guide you through the process. When you’re finished, a shortcut to the download manager will appear on your desktop.

What software is required?

• A broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, etc.)
• The most recent version of your browser (Firefox and Internet Explorer provide optimal results)
• Microsoft Windows 2000 with SP4 or Windows XP with SP2
• FlashPlayer 9 and Windows Media Player 10 with the most recent security update
• 1 gigabyte of available hard-drive space
• 1 GHz processor or greater (supports simultaneous record/playback features)

MyLibraryDV's software will automatically detect and alert you of any necessary Player upgrades to access the service and will aid in their installation.

Is MyLibraryDV compatible with Windows Vista?

Yes, MyLibraryDV is fully operational on systems running Windows Vista.

Can I use a Mac with the service?

The Download Manager for MyLibraryDV is a Windows .exe file that can only be installed on computers running Windows 2000 with SP4 or Windows XP with SP2, which enables you to run Windows Media Player. You can use a Mac to operate the Download Manager and view videos if you have an Intel processor and Windows 2000 with SP4 or Windows XP with SP2 operating system installed and running.

Why must the manager be installed?

The manager is necessary to securely download MyLibraryDV programs. After installing the manager the first time, an icon will appear on your desktop and in your program listings. You will use this icon to launch the player whenever you wish to use MyLibraryDV.

How can I browse through the different titles on the site?

You can either choose a program from the alphabetical listing under the Channel Guide on the left side of the screen or from the program titles with images in the center screen.

To choose from the alphabetical listing under the Channel Guide on the left side of the screen, click on your desired category such as Travel or Food, and then on your specific topic of interest. Here you will find an alphabetical listing of the programs for easy browsing. If you wish to view more information about the program you can click on the title or the "I" button. Both take you to a program information window where you will find the program synopsis, additional information such as the download size and duration of the video and a "Download" icon.

Clicking on an individual program from the image and title display in the center screen will make the program information window appear as above.

How are programs downloaded?

Simply click the "Download" icon. The title will be added to your "My Downloads" play list and will begin to download immediately.

If the Internet connection is lost while downloading a program, simply reestablish the connection and the manager will resume the download from the point it was interrupted.

The MyLibraryDV application does not need to remain open during the period of the download. The download manager will automatically continue to download the content even when the main application is closed, as long as the Internet connection remains uninterrupted.

After programs have been downloaded, the MyLibraryDV Player accesses the content from the computer's hard drive whether or not there is a connection to the Internet.

How long does it take to download a program?

The amount of time it takes to download MyLibraryDV content depends on a combination of factors, such as the length of the program, the connection speed, and the hardware configuration of the personal computer.

Videos are automatically downloaded one at a time, although multiple programs may be selected. It is possible to change the order of the programs in the queue. Simply click on the title of the program to take priority-the default behavior for the manager is to download programs in the order they were selected.

How many programs can be checked out at one time?

You may have up to 10 downloaded programs at any given time as long as space on your computer's hard drive is available. Each program has a 7-day check-out period and you can view the time remaining on each program by going to your "My Downloads" play list. The time remaining to watch the program is displayed next to the "Play" icon.

How can the status of downloads be checked?

The progress of the download can be checked by dragging the cursor over the status bar in the "My Downloads" play list to display the percentage downloaded.

When and how can programs be viewed?

Because of MyLibraryDV's cutting-edge progressive download technology, content can be viewed either while the video is being downloaded or after it is complete.

Within a few minutes after the downloading begins, the "Play" button will appear. At this point, your program can be viewed while it continues to download. If you choose to view a program while the download progresses, be aware that varying connection speeds can cause momentary pauses in play called buffering. Buffering results when the viewed portion of the file "catches up" to the downloading file. Internet speeds are impacted by a number of variables, such as how many users are on a single trunk line or the age of your computer. If buffering occurs, a text message will appear below the picture, encouraging you to pause for several minutes to allow the program to download further. If buffering continues, your best viewing experience may only occur with completely downloaded programs.

If you choose to wait for the completed download, open the MyLibraryDV Player, go to your "My Downloads" play list and click on the "Play" button next to the title you wish to view.

Using a cable hook-up, programs may be viewed on a television or other monitor. Please view the flash demo in the Help Section for more information on this option.

May downloaded programs be stored on an external hard drive?

MyLibraryDV works only on the hard drive to which the file was originally downloaded. Files cannot be transferred to an external device.

How is a video deleted that has been previously downloaded?

All programs are automatically deleted when the 7-day check-out period expires. If you choose to delete programs manually, open the Player and identify the title to be deleted. Click on the "Trashcan" icon to delete the program from both the Player and the associated computer hard drive. Deleted programs still count toward your 10 allowable downloads if they are within the seven-day check-out period.

Can I change the viewing size of the frame?

The MyLibraryDV Player works in much the same way as the Windows Media Player. The bars or framing around the video disappear after approximately 5 to 10 seconds of the mouse remaining inactive. To reinstall the frame, simply move your cursor to the edge of the picture. To make the video play at full screen, click on the "Fit Video to Screen" icon on the bottom right of the Player. To return to the standard picture size, click on the "Normal Size" icon on the bottom right of the Player.

If the picture size of a video becomes smaller while playing this is not a defect-it is due to the method in which it was filmed. There are many creative methods that directors use to differentiate multiple segments of a program. These methods may cause varying picture size throughout a video and should not be a concern.

How do I adjust the volume on MyLibraryDV?

The default setting for programs on MyLibraryDV is at the highest level for sound. You can adjust the volume in two ways-you may operate the volume scroll bar in the frame, or locate the speaker icon in your toolbar and adjust the volume from there.

How do I return to my library's home page from MyLibraryDV?

Simply click on the Long Beach Public Library logo, located above the main menu, and you will return to the library's home page.

If MyLibraryDV does not operate properly, what are some additional steps I can perform?

• Check to ensure that system time, time zone, and date are correct
• If the computer is running a personal firewall, allow bi-directional traffic from MyLibraryDV
• Disable pop-up blockers that inadvertently block MyLibraryDV
• Check internet connection

If you are still unable to operate your MyLibraryDV application successfully, please contact mldvsupport@recordedbooks.com.