problem with PDB file I created (Palm eReader, B&N)

permutations · 08-04-2009, 12:32 PM

Is there a validation tool somewhere for PDB files?

I created ebook versions of my book in a variety of formats for distribution through Ingram, and they are having problems with the PDB file.

At the risk of starting a firestorm, I will tell you that the problem is in encrypting the file. Their system just says it can't be encrypted, but gives no other error message so I don't know how to fix it.

DIGRESSION--

I put off releasing digital versions of my book for months because I couldn't decide what to do about the DRM-piracy issue. On one hand I don't like DRM, and on the other hand I simply can't afford to be ripped off.

What I finally decided to do was release it with DRM through the usual channels, and then offer it unprotected from my own Web site at some point in the future (after I finish writing the download code).

--END OF DIGRESSION

Back to the topic... I am concerned that there is something wrong with my PDB file - though it displays fine in both eReader and the B&N reader. It's handcoded. Is there a way to validate it? Why would Ingram be unable to encrypt it?

Thank you.

user_none · 09-03-2009, 07:14 PM

How are you creating the PDB file? PDB is a container which can hold a number of different formats. What type of PDB does Ingram want? If it's an eReader formatted PDB then anything you create with Dropbook will be valid. There is no validator tool for eReader formatted PDB files because the format is proprietary. If you are creating an eReader PDB file with calibre than that may not work because it does not produce 100% perfect files. It just produces ones that will work with the desktop software (I'm told there are issues with some reading on some mobile versions of the software).

wallcraft · 09-03-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by user_none

If it's an eReader formatted PDB then anything you create with Dropbook will be valid.

Note that Calibre can output a PML file, rather than a PDB file, and this can presumably be input to Dropbook.

urbane_gorilla · 07-17-2010, 08:30 AM

Hello Karma (and anyone else who knows!)

Will openinkpot read Palm files ((PDB, I think) created by Plucker? It's one of the best pieces of software that I have come across - the only problem is using a Palm device to read the output, the screen size is about the size of a dog biscuit and cannot be used in strong daylight.

Dave_S · 07-19-2010, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbane_gorilla

Will openinkpot read Palm files ((PDB, I think) created by Plucker?

Plucker files are listed on the OI Wiki as a supported format, but not considered as a format with priority support.

http://openinkpot.org/wiki/SupportedFormats

08-04-2009, 12:32 PM	#1
permutations Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Device: Loox 720	problem with PDB file I created (Palm eReader, B&N) Is there a validation tool somewhere for PDB files? I created ebook versions of my book in a variety of formats for distribution through Ingram, and they are having problems with the PDB file. At the risk of starting a firestorm, I will tell you that the problem is in encrypting the file. Their system just says it can't be encrypted, but gives no other error message so I don't know how to fix it. DIGRESSION-- I put off releasing digital versions of my book for months because I couldn't decide what to do about the DRM-piracy issue. On one hand I don't like DRM, and on the other hand I simply can't afford to be ripped off. What I finally decided to do was release it with DRM through the usual channels, and then offer it unprotected from my own Web site at some point in the future (after I finish writing the download code). --END OF DIGRESSION Back to the topic... I am concerned that there is something wrong with my PDB file - though it displays fine in both eReader and the B&N reader. It's handcoded. Is there a way to validate it? Why would Ingram be unable to encrypt it? Thank you.

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09-03-2009, 07:14 PM	#2
user_none Sigil & calibre developer Posts: 2,488 Karma: 1063785 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida, USA Device: Nook STR	How are you creating the PDB file? PDB is a container which can hold a number of different formats. What type of PDB does Ingram want? If it's an eReader formatted PDB then anything you create with Dropbook will be valid. There is no validator tool for eReader formatted PDB files because the format is proprietary. If you are creating an eReader PDB file with calibre than that may not work because it does not produce 100% perfect files. It just produces ones that will work with the desktop software (I'm told there are issues with some reading on some mobile versions of the software).

07-17-2010, 08:30 AM	#4
urbane_gorilla Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Sheffield, UK Device: Hanlin V3	Hello Karma (and anyone else who knows!) Will openinkpot read Palm files ((PDB, I think) created by Plucker? It's one of the best pieces of software that I have come across - the only problem is using a Palm device to read the output, the screen size is about the size of a dog biscuit and cannot be used in strong daylight.

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