Help Desk
Browse our help desk for answers to our most frequently asked questions—we're here to make your experience with buying Playaway simple (just like the product itself)!
FAQs
- How big is a Playaway and how much content can it hold?
- Playaway is about half the size of a deck of cards and will hold the audio for an entire book, up to 60 hours of playtime.
- What does the audio sound like on a Playaway?
- Playaway audio is of equal or greater quality to digital downloads available today.
Newer Playaways, marked with HD Audio, have high-definition audio. This audio quality is unsurpassed by any other format today. This is made possible by proprietary audio processing, production and leading edge codecs. - Why can't I add, delete or transfer content on or from a Playaway?
- In order to protect the copyrighted works of authors and publishers as traditional books do, you are unable to make copies of Playaway. But you can share them with friends just like you would lend your new bestseller.
- How does Playaway compare to audio on cassette or CD?
- Playaway is more convenient and easier to enjoy than juggling multiple CDs, cassettes or a separate player. Playaway allows the listener to control the speed of the narrator's voice and automatically bookmarks the last place they left off after powering down.
- How does Playaway compare to digital downloads and other forms of on-the-go downloading like cell phones?
- Playaway comes pre-loaded with great digital content, so it does not require information transfer fees, subscriptions, memberships, or even an Internet connection. Just plug-in your headphones and listen wherever you go.
- Can I use another set of headphones with my Playaway?
- Absolutely. In addition to the earphones provided, Playaway was designed with a universal headphone jack to work with almost any type of headphones, speakers or car adapters.
- Can I use Playaway in a car?
- Yes. Playaway was specifically designed to use most commonly available cassette adapters and FM transmitters. We also provide portable speakers for your Playaway that allow for on the go audio. ↑ Back to Top
Product Information
- How can I get the basic information on how to use a Playaway?
- Check out the how to play section for the step-by-step tutorial.
- How do I tell the difference between Playaway versions?
- The newest version of Playaway has HD Audio on the Playaway package and on the battery cover of the Playaway unit. The biggest difference between the older version of Playaway and the HD Audio version is the high-definition sound. In addition, the HD Audio version allows you to lock the keys while in play mode, slow down the speed, and resetting the Playaway includes a confirmation step. The improved battery life in the HD Audio version allows for more playtime.
- How do I change the battery?
- Locate the battery door at the wide base of the unit. Look for the notch holding the door in place. Firmly using your thumb, push up and away on the notch to open the battery door. Add or change battery and snap battery door back into place.
- How long does one AAA battery last?
- Every Playaway comes with a standard Tenergy AAA battery which provides an average of 20 hours of playtime. For HD Audio Playaways, average playtime is 30 hours. Rechargeable batteries are also compatiable with Playaway, playtime will depend on the brand.
- How do I know how much battery life is left in my unit?
- The Playaway LCD has a small battery icon that is displayed on screen. There are four levels of battery life reflected in the icon. When one bar is left in the battery icon, you have 20% power left.
- How do I use a lanyard with my Playaway?
- Locate the lanyard attachment area at the narrow top of the player. To attach the lanyard, simply thread and loop the lanyard into the indentation.
- How do I reset my Playaway?
- Reset for older Playaway versions:
While PAUSED, press EQ+SP+FWD+REV.
Reset for HD Audio Playaways:
While PAUSED, Press SP+REV. The LCD screen will ask you if you want to reset. Press Play to confirm/reset. When the Playaway is turned on again it will be at the beginning. - How do I lock and unlock the keypad?
- This feature is enabled on HD Audio Playaways only.
While in PLAY, Press SP+REV - If I'm having issues using my Playaway, what should I do?
- First, we recommend you checkout the Troubleshooting section of FAQs
If you are still having issues, please call Customer Service at (877) 893-0808 for additional help. ↑ Back to Top
Using Playaway
- We're happy to provide you with any help we can as you explore the features and functionalities of Playaway. Below are some tips and tricks to help you along the way!
- Why won't my Playaway turn on?
- We recommend inserting a fresh battery (please double-check to make sure it's inserted in the right direction). This is very often all that is needed to get your Playaway up and running again.
Please keep in mind, most Playaway titles should take approximately 3 to 4 seconds to turn on. For a small percentage of titles that have long duration times or many chapters, start up could take 10 to 12 seconds. - Why is my Playaway skipping chapters?
- This happens when the Shuffle play mode is activated. If your Playaway is pre-loaded with music content, the SP button enables/disables shuffle play functionality. Pressing the SP button once will enable Shuffle play mode and cause a randomization of the playback; pressing it again will disable the Shuffle play mode.
- Why is the narrator's voice so fast (or slow)?
- This can easily be adjusted by pressing the SP button to achieve your desired speed mode.
HD Audio Playaways have 5 options; older Playaways do not have the slow and slowest speeds.
SPD = Normal
SPD+ = Fast
SPD++ = Fastest
SPD- = Slow
SPD-- = Slowest - Why did the display screen say REBLD or RESET before turning off?
- If this happened it simply means that your Playaway needed to reset. Upon the first power up after this occurs please be patient, as it could take 20 or 30 sections longer before start up is complete.
As always, our Customer Service team is available to help you with any additional questions and can be reached at
(877) 893-0808. ↑ Back to Top
Troubleshooting
- Where can I buy Playaway?
- Over 10,000 titles are currently available on Playaway to public libraries. The complete list of titles available can be obtained by combining the Findaway World (the makers of Playaway), Recorded Books, and BBC America Playaway catalogs. Please check out the where to buy section to see the full catalog of titles. Outside the US and Canada, please contact us for our list of Playaway titles available internationally.
- How can I keep my Playaway collection secure?
- For extra security of your Playaway collection, we offer a One-Time™ locking system that is simple-to-use and even works with most DVD and Blue-Ray cases.
- Are Playaways under any kind of warranty?
- Learn more about our warranty and Lifetime Replacement program in our Playaway Help Desk under the Warranty + Returns section. Additionally, you'll find our return form in this section which you'll need for any returns or exchanges.
Please note that all Recorded Books replacements will need to be returned directly to Recorded Books by calling 1-877-732-2898 or emailing customerservice@recordedbooks.com. Additionally, AudioGO (formerly BBC Audiobooks America) titles should be returned directly to AudioGO by calling 1-800-621-0182 or emailing customerservice@audiogo.com.
For other distributors' replacement processes, please contact your sales rep directly to learn more. ↑ Back to Top
Libraries
- Who is the company behind the product?
- Findaway World, a privately-held company based in Cleveland, Ohio, creates innovative, easy-to-use digital audio products. Learn more about Findaway World. ↑ Back to Top
Company
- Please note that this website was developed for a screen resolution of 1024x768 or greater. If you are having trouble viewing the site without scrolling to the right to see the entire page, you can adjust your screen resolution settings by going to the desktop of your computer, right clicking, and then clicking properties. Click the settings tab and slide the resolution over to 1024x768 or greater for optimal viewing. Additionally, we suggest using one of the following web browsers in order to fully enjoy all of the features of our website: Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari. Read more about the features of this website.
Please note that all orders placed on this website are subject to approval and that prices listed are subject to change
at any time. ↑ Back to Top
About this Site
Warranty + Returns
Warranty
Really great products come with a warranty and service to match. We wouldn't expect you to trust our products if we didn't believe in them ourselves. We're certain that Playaways will live up to your high expectations—as well as your listeners'.
We are so confident in the quality of our products that in addition to our One-Year Limited Warranty, we offer a Lifetime Replacement Program—In the unlikely event that your Playaway malfunctions after our One-Year Limited Warranty expires, you are covered under the same terms of our warranty, and can order a replacement of the same title for $14.99 USD ($24.99 CAD).
Easy Returns and Exchanges
At Playaway, your satisfaction is guaranteed. We understand that there may be times when you need to return or exchange a Playaway. We have an easy way for you to do so by mail—with no authorization from customer service required.
- Download, print, and complete the return/exchange form:
Playaway Return/Exchange Form - Pack your Playaway (without case) along with a completed return/exchange form and ship to:
Warranty Returns
31999 Aurora Rd.
Solon, OH 44139 - Please allow 3-4 weeks for your Playaway titles to be replaced.
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