This is the physical format used by il Narratore audiolibri for the publication of works on CD which exceed a particular running time. CDMP3 is a normal blank CD which is written with MP3 type files. Each CDMP3 is packaged like a normal audio CD: in digipack box with front and back covers providing information on the author, narrator, running time and track and chapter listings. Some discs come with a booklet containing further information on the work, author, narrator, and some include the printed text of the work.

The fundamental difference between 'standard' audio CD and CDMP3 lies in the fact that in the first case the audio content cannot exceed 70-80 minutes running time while for CDMP3 (given the level of digital compression of the MP3) the running time is at least 10, or more, times longer: between 13 and 15 hours of uninterrupted listening.

This new technology is a 'revolution' in the world of audiobooks in terms of cost and disc storage. For example, if an unabridged work like  'I Promessi Sposi'  by Alessandro Manzoni which lasts over 26 hours, was published on audio CD, it would take between 20 and 23 CDs to hold the complete work at an 'impossible' price. On CDMP3 and without practically losing anything in sound quality, this work can be held on two CDs at a very accessible price.

All our works on CDMP3 are divided in tracks (or chapters) which in general are not over 30-40 minutes, to enable the listener to pick up from where listening was interrupted. There is always a special file ( .M3U) which means the player follows the exact playing order. Many MP3 or CDMP3 players have a resume or bookmarking function which means the player picks up from where it left off during a previous session.

Certainly, those works which are no longer under copyright. These works on CDMP3 include the text in Word or PDF which you can open (and/or print) and read as you listen when using a PC or palmtop.

Naturally with a computer  with the appropriate listening software for MP3 (Winamp, WMP, RealPlayer, Nero, etc.). Otherwise you need a CDMP3 player, older stereo CD players are not compatible. Currently on the market are new CD players which can play both standard audio CDs and MP3. They are called CDMP3 players and cost the same as older CD players. All the most well-known brands (Sony, Yamaha, Samsung, Pioneer, etc.) have new CDMP3 players on the market, and various versions (mobile and car players). CDMP3 can also be played on newer DVD players.