Playaway

General Product Information

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 80 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.

Note: Playaways will not be sold with individual earbuds. Customers can purchase the earbuds in bulk from Playaway if needed.

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. 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.

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD

Small Parts | Not for children under 3 years.

Using Playaway

How I do 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. Using your thumb, firmly 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 Energizer AAA battery which provides an average of 20 hours of playtime. For HD Audio Playaways, average playtime is 30 hours. Rechargeable batteries are also compatible with Playaway. Please note that 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

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD

Small Parts | Not for children under 3 years.

Accessories

Click here to order accessories for Playaway.

Note: Playaways will not be sold with individual earbuds.

Troubleshooting

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 title 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 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 seconds longer before start up is complete.

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD

Small Parts | Not for children under 3 years.

How to Search for Playaways

Advanced Search:

  1. Click on the 'Advanced Search' link located in the upper right-hand corner of our website
  2. Select 'Playaway' from the Media Type drop-down box (under Product Details section)
  3. Enter in any other search criteria you want to refine your search by
  4. Click 'Submit'

Sales Disclaimer

If you have determined that your product is no longer under warranty or has damage not related to manufacturing defects, you can purchase a replacement unit of the same title at a discounted price.

  • Playaway - $19.99 each
  • Playaway View - $39.99 each
  • Playaway Launchpad $59.99 each

Click here for replacement form to be used for Playaway, Playaway View, or Playaway Launchpad.

Note: Standing discounts do not apply for product replacements and final cost may change in services apply.

Findaway World LLC (“Findaway World”) warrants the Playaway® Pre-loaded products against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase (“Warranty Period”).

If you wish to return your purchased Playaway product with other than a manufacturers defect a $15.00 restocking fee will be applied. All returns are to be packed in original condition including packaging, documentation, manuals, and accessories. The replacement unit will be issued with a 12-month warranty.

If you have any questions related to our Playaway offerings please contact our customer service department at +1 800 637-6581 or books@perma-bound.com.

Note: Playaways will not be sold with individual earbuds.