Privacy Policy




Solutions to Common Problems:
What do I do if I couldn't download my show within 48 hours?
Why am I having problems registering as a new user?
What do I do if the files I download are corrupt or incomplete?
How do I burn FLAC files to CD?
How do I listen to FLAC files?
How do I download the show I purchased?
Why is there a gap or click before each MP3 track?
Why won't the labels align properly?
Why am I having problems buying shows?
How do I download an entire show at once?
General
What are Live Downloads?
How much does it cost?
What do I get?
What's the difference between MP3 and FLAC formats?
Why is FLAC more expensive than MP3?
How does Live Downloads affect my favorite band's taping policy?
Can I use a dial-up modem or do I need a cable modem or DSL?
How quickly will new shows be available?
Are you going to offer additional shows from the archives through the download program?
Can I download shows I've purchased from multiple computers?
Can I make copies of the Live Downloads?
Can I get a refund?
If I've purchased a show in MP3, can I "upgrade" to FLAC?
So who put this together anyway?

Technical
What are the recommended specs for enjoying Live Downloads?
How do I download the show I purchased?
Is there a cumulative list of all the shows that I've purchased?
How do I burn Live Downloads to CD?
Can I copy shows onto my portable player?

Troubleshooting
Dude, Where's My Download?
The show I downloaded is incomplete. Can I download again?


Links and Software
Links and Software


Solutions to Common Problems

What do I do if I couldn't download my show within 48 hours?
If you have technical difficulties downloading all the files for a show you've purchased within 48 hours of the time you started to download that show, please contact customer service. The "My Stash" page will always show how much time you have left to download each show you've purchased.

Why am I having problems registering as a new user?
To register with www.livedownloads.com, click the LOG IN link at the top of any page. A log in window will pop open. Click the REGISTER HERE link to create a new user account. Make sure you use a valid email address when creating a new account. Please make sure you are using Internet Explorer 5 or later. You will need to have cookies enabled to use www.livedownloads.com. In Internet Explorer, enable cookies by selecting Tools>Internet Options>Privacy>Edit. Make sure you are not refusing cookies from www.livedownloads.com.

What do I do if the files I download are corrupt or incomplete?
When downloading large files, especially FLAC files, your web browser or ISP may reset your connection to the Live Downloads download servers. In most cases, you can resume a broken download by selecting the files in the Download Manager window that you need to resume.

WINDOWS USERS:

  1. Log in to www.livedownloads.com.
  2. Browse to the show you need to download.
  3. Click the DOWNLOAD button.
  4. The Download Manager window will open with a list of all of the songs for this show.
  5. Click the orange DOWNLOAD ENTIRE SHOW button at the bottom of the window.
  6. A small window will pop open prompting you to choose a directory to download into. Select the folder where you originally saved the files for this show.
  7. The Download Manager will load the list of all of the songs for this show. You may click the SKIP>> buttons on the left side of the list to skip over any songs you have already downloaded successfully.
  8. The Download Manager will automatically start downloading your files.
  9. If you have any problems, please contact customer service.
MAC USERS:
  1. Open Internet Explorer 5.2 or later.
  2. Click the Window menu at the top of your screen.
  3. Select Download Manager.
  4. A window will pop open with a list of your recent downloads.
  5. Look through the list for the song files you need to resume.
  6. Double-click the song file and a window will open with information for that file.
  7. Click the Reload button in the bottom-right corner of the window.
  8. Your download of this file should resume.
  9. If you have any problems, please contact customer service.
How do I burn FLAC files to CD?

WINDOWS USERS:
  1. Extract your FLAC files to WAV; simply drag all your FLAC files onto the FLAC front-end software and click the DECODE button.
  2. Drag the WAV files onto your favorite CD burning software.
  3. If you are using the latest version of Nero CD burning software, you can skip the conversion step. Make sure you have installed the proper FLAC software with the FLAC plugin for Nero. Drag the FLAC files for each disc onto Nero and burn your CDs according to Nero's instructions.
MAC OSX USERS:
  1. Make sure you have OS X (10.2 or later) and the latest FLAC software.
  2. First you must expand your downloaded FLAC files to AIFF. You can do this using one of 3 applications: MacFLAC, FLACer, or MacAmp Lite.

    To use MacFLAC:
    1. Launch MacFLAC. NOTE: If this is the first time that you have used MacFLAC, you should set the Output Format to AIFF.
    2. Drag your FLAC files onto the MacFLAC icon in your application dock to expand the files to AIFF.
    3. You can now preview the files before burning them to CD. Double-click on any of the AIFF file icons to play them in the Quicktime player, or drag the AIFF files into the iTunes library to create a quick playlist for preview purposes.


    To use FLACer:
    1. Launch FLACer. NOTE: If this is the first time that you have used FLACer, you should set the Output Format to AIFF.
    2. Drag your FLAC files onto the FLACer icon in your application dock to expand the files to AIFF.


    To use MacAmp Lite:
    1. Launch MacAmp Lite.
    2. Open Window -> Plugins -> Output and check the box next to AIFF Writer.
    3. Drag your FLAC files into MacAmp Lite and click PLAY.

  3. Finally, to burn your CDs, import the AIFF files into your CD burning software in the proper order and burn your CDs according to the instructions for your CD burning software using Disc At Once (DAO) to ensure that there are no 2 second gaps between the tracks.

How do I listen to FLAC files?

WINDOWS USERS:
  1. Install Winamp and the FLAC plugin for Winamp, which comes with the FLAC Front-End installer.
  2. Drag your FLAC files onto Winamp and enjoy!
MAC USERS:
  1. You may use MacAmplite X (1.5b) to play your FLAC files on OSX. Simply install and launch MacAmp Lite and queue up your FLAC files and enjoy!
  2. Look here for links to download MacAmp Lite.
How do I download the show I purchased?
Each show is now available for download by song. Please be sure to log in to the site with the email address you used to purchased the show. After you have purchased a show, browse to that show's page and click the DOWNLOAD button. The Download Manager window will open with a list of all of the songs for that show.

WINDOWS USERS:
    MANUAL DOWNLOAD:
  1. You may download songs individually by clicking on a song title.
  2. An alert box should appear prompting you to save the file.
  3. Select a folder to save the file into and click the SAVE button. Please make sure you have enough free drive space to save the entire show.
  4. Repeat for each song.
    DOWNLOAD ENTIRE SHOW AT ONCE:
  1. Click the orange DOWNLOAD ENTIRE SHOW button at the bottom of the window.
  2. A small window will pop open prompting you to choose a directory to download into. Select the folder where you would like to save this show. Please make sure you have enough free drive space for the entire show.
  3. The Download Manager will load the list of all of the songs for this show.
  4. The Download Manager will automatically start downloading the your files.
  5. If you have any problems, please contact customer service.
MAC USERS:
  1. Hold down the CONTROL (CTRL) key on your keyboard and click on a song title.
  2. Click "Download Link to Disc" from the popup menu.
  3. Choose a location on your hard drive to save the file and click Save. Please make sure you have enough free drive space for the entire show.
  4. Repeat this process for each song.
  5. If you have any problems, please contact customer service.

Please note: if you experience problems downloading particular tracks from a given show, you may return to download those tracks again for up to 48 hours from the time you started to download that show. If you continue to have problems downloading some or all tracks from a particular show, please contact customer service rather than attempting repeated downloads. Every download attempt (whether successful or not) adds significantly to the operational costs of Live Downloads, especially in the case of FLAC files - the long term viability of this service relies on users successfully downloading purchased shows on their first attempt.

Why is there a gap or click before each MP3 track?
Every MP3 file has at least 20 milliseconds of silence at the beginning of it. Unfortunately, this is part of the MP3 format and cannot be removed. Most MP3 players (such as Winamp) remove these moments of silence automatically upon playback by cross-fading between tracks for seamless transitions.

Why can't I print the labels correctly?
Some CD labels, tray inserts, and booklets are in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF), while others are JPEGs. The labels are designed for Neato label templates, available here. Please make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (available for free at http://www.adobe.com). Different printers align the printout of Acrobat (PDF) files in different ways. We are providing two different versions of each label, and we encourage you to try both and see which version aligns better with your printer.

NOTE: We have noticed some problems with certain PC printers and Acrobat 6.0 – we are looking into this problem and hope to have the alignment fixed soon

Why am I having problems buying shows?
Please make sure you have cookies enabled in Internet Explorer. Verify that your billing address matches the address your credit card statement is mailed to. Also make sure that your credit card number does not contain dashes or spaces. Make sure you enter a valid expiration date. If you are ordering from outside the U.S., please enter the name of your country in the STATE field as well as the COUNTRY field. If you continue to have problems, please contact customer service.

How do I download an entire show at once?
The DOWNLOAD ENTIRE SHOW function is only available for Windows users running Internet Explorer 5.5 or later. When you start to download a show, you will see a link to DOWNLOAD ENTIRE SHOW.

The first time you DOWNLOAD ENTIRE SHOW you will need to install the nugs.net download manager ("nugster"). Please follow these instructions:

  1. Click Yes when prompted to install the nugs.net download manager.
  2. Depending on your Windows version, you may be prompted to install some Microsoft updates. Click Yes when prompted to install the Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Cabinets.
  3. Click Yes when prompted to install the Microsoft Stock Property Control.
  4. The Download Manager is now installed. Select the folder where you would like to save your music.

General

What are Live Downloads?
The download format is a natural progression for the serious collector and the new fan alike, offering an opportunity to listen not only to older shows, but to shows from a current tour very soon after they've happened, mastered directly from the soundboard. With some bands, full studio albums are offered as well.

How much does it cost?
The price of each show is based on format and length. Each show and album is available in two formats: MP3 (standard) and FLAC (premium). The size of the show and album vary greatly from artist to artist. In addition, some artists choose to post discounted packages (such as whole tours). Pricing can be found by clicking on a particular show or album page for an individual artist.

What do I get?
After completing the purchase process you may download the entire show or album in the format you've chosen. For those who wish to burn the shows to CD, we have created for many of our shows printable PDF files for the CD labels, booklet and tray liner. You'll need to use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later to print the files. The color files are printable on ink-jet and laser printers, and use NEATO templates.

What's the difference between MP3 and FLAC formats?
We have chosen two of the most popular audio formats among the online community: MP3 files are the standard format, and FLAC files are the premium format. With both MP3 and FLAC files you can continue to use your favorite audio applications and CD burning software. For a list of recommended software, look here. The standard MP3 files, encoded at 128 kbps (near-CD quality) are easy to download, easy to burn to CD, easy to transfer to portable players and sound great. However, MP3 files are compressed and therefore may not sound quite as good as the original source recording to a critical ear. MP3 files are versatile enough to use on both your computer and home stereo system. Many portable players that play digital music files can only play MP3 files. For fans who desire higher fidelity, we also offer a premium format. FLAC is a "lossless" compression which means that the source audio file is compressed, but without sacrificing any of the audio information contained in the master recording. An extracted FLAC file sounds identical to the original source (44.1 kHz, 16 bit stereo). The hi-fi FLAC files are much larger files and will take longer to download. These files are for audiophiles who want the best sound quality. FLAC files may be burned directly to CD on a PC running Nero CD Burning software with the FLAC plugin, while Mac OS X users must extract FLAC to AIFF files to burn CDs or to listen to the files. You may listen to FLAC files with a special plug-in for Winamp (PC) or using Macamp Lite (Mac). Be sure to check for compatibility with your favorite software or portable player. Please see the software FAQ for more information. New to downloading? We recommend starting with the standard MP3 format.

Please note that there is currently no FLAC software for any Mac OS prior to OS X.

Why is FLAC more expensive than MP3?
FLAC downloads are more expensive because they cost more to deliver to you. A show compressed in FLAC is typically five or more times the size of a show in MP3, and therefore costs substantially more to deliver over the Internet.


How does Live downloads affect my favorite band's taping policy?
For the most part, band's partnering with livedownloads.com do not change their taping policy. However, information around this issue is most accurately found at the individual artists' web site.


Can I use a dial-up modem or do I need a cable modem or DSL?
The rule of thumb is the faster the better. You can download shows from livedownloads.com on a dial-up modem, but it may take about 12 hours or more for one show in standard MP3 format. On a cable modem or DSL it typically takes between 15 minutes to a half-hour to download a show in MP3 format.

How quickly will new shows be available?
Barring unexpected problems, new shows will generally be available for download within 48 hours of the actual concert, sometimes sooner.

Are you going to offer additional content from the artists's archives through the service?
YES! In addition to "Live" downloads of current tours, we work with our artist partners to post nugs from their archive. This includes, when applicable, complete studio album releases. The final decision is ultimately in the hands of the artist.


Can I download content I've purchased from multiple computers?
Yes, you can download files from a computer other than the one you originally purchased the show on. If you log in from a different computer, you will receive an email containing a one-time security code. This code must be entered before you will be able to download the show.

Can I make copies of the songs I buy at Live Downloads?
You may only copy the files you download onto CDs or other devices for personal use. Copies are strictly for your own use and you may not make additional copies for other people. Making copies of Live Downloads for others violates each artist's taping policy as well as federal and state copyright law. Live Downloads relies on an honor system, and we ask that you do not abuse the unrestricted nature of these files. If you would like to see this type of delivery flourish, please don't abuse the system.

Can I get a refund?
No. Due to the liberal distribution methods we have chosen (i.e., shackle-free unencrypted files), all sales are final. All purchases from www.livedownloads.com are subject to the Terms of Use.

If I've purchased a show in MP3, can I "upgrade" to FLAC?
Again, all sales are final. If you want to hear a show or shows in a different format that you've already purchased, you'll need to go through the purchase process again.

So who put this together anyway?
Livedownloads.com was created by the same people who have been delivering to you for the past 10 years the best in live downloadable music via their sites, nugs.net and livephish.com. This site and service is designed specifically to connect actively touring bands with their fans, allowing the bands to sell DIRECTLY to their fan base (and reap the majority of the revenue).

Livedownloads.com is fully owned and operated by nugs.net LLC. All content remains the property of the artist. The site was beautifully designed by Valerie Hallier and is powered by PatchBay, a CinemaNow solution.

Technical

What are the recommended specs for enjoying Live Downloads?
Please note: we do not recommend downloading FLAC files on a dial-up modem. If you are on a slow connection, please purchase MP3 files instead of FLAC.

Windows
Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, or later
128 MB RAM
10 GB Hard Drive (a larger hard drive is optimal)
Pentium III 750MHz or faster (or equivalent)
Cable Modem or DSL
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later

Mac OS
Mac OS X (10.2) or later
128 MB RAM
10GB Hard Drive (a larger hard drive is optimal)
Cable Modem or DSL
Internet Explorer 5.2 or later

Unix
You probably don't need our advice.

Is there a cumulative list of all the shows that I've purchased?
Simply click on 'My Stash' at any time once you've logged in, and you'll be taken to a page that lists all the shows you've ever purchased. The "My Stash" page will always show how much time you have left to download each show you've purchased.

How do I burn my Live Downloads to CD?
General Note:
To avoid those annoying 2-second gaps between tracks on audio CDs, make sure you use the Disc-At-Once (DAO) option in your CD burning software or set number of seconds between tracks to ZERO

MP3
If you have access to a CD player that can play MP3 files, all you need to do is create a data CD of the MP3 files in the proper show order and play it in your CD player. However, many CD players can't play MP3 files from a data CD. Therefore, you will need to burn an audio CD from the MP3 files. Most CD burning software allows you to burn MP3 files as audio discs directly. Older software may require you to convert the MP3 files to WAV files manually. Make sure to burn the audio CD with the Disc-At-Once (DAO) option turned on or set number of seconds between tracks to ZERO. to avoid any two second gaps between tracks on your CDs. For PC users, livedownloads.com recommends Nero for your CD burning needs, though plenty of good alternatives are available.

FLAC
Using the appropriate software for your operating system, uncompress each of the FLAC files into WAV files. The WAV files are what you will need to burn an audio CD that can be played on most CD players. Keep in mind that not all CD burning software can burn WAV files. Be sure to check compatibility with your software. After the WAV files are extracted, burn them using the Disc-At-Once (DAO) option in your favorite CD burning application. For PC users, livedownloads.com recommends Nero (http://www.ahead.de/) for your CD burning needs, though plenty of good alternatives are available.

Can I copy shows onto my portable player?
Yes, MP3 files may be freely transferred onto your favorite portable device. FLAC files have to be uncompressed and converted into other file types (i.e. WAV or MP3 files) to be playable on a portable player. Use the software that came with your portable player to copy Live Downloads onto your player.

Troubleshooting

Dude, Where's My Download?
Make sure to remember where you saved your files each time you download. If you can't remember, you can search your hard drive for files named "sci031231" where "031231" is the date of the show you purchased and "sci" is the abbreviation for the artist who performed the show or album.

The show I downloaded is incomplete. Can I download again?
Yes, you may download the CD archives for the shows you've purchased again if your download was incomplete. If you are on a PC using the Live Downloads' Download Manager, then you can resume a broken download by saving into the same folder each time.


Links

Need Help?
Contact Live Downloads Customer Service

General Information and Software
http://software.mp3.com/software/
http://www.cdrfaq.org

FLAC
FLAC installers for Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux

Stand-Alone FLAC Plugin for Nero (Windows)
FLACer (Mac OSX)
MacAmp Lite X 1.5b (Mac OSX)

CD Burning
Nero (Windows)
iTunes (Mac)

MP3 Players
Winamp (Windows)
iTunes (Mac)



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