Podcasts

Spring, 2008

By Linda KenneyModified Feb. 6, 2008

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The word podcast is a play on the word broadcast combined with the word iPod (one of the most popular portable MP3 players).

Note: Apple did not invent the word podcast.

You can listen to podcasts on anything that plays MP3s. Once the podcast is downloaded, it's just an MP3 file.

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Definition of podcast

Podcasting is the preparation and distribution of audio files ( using RSS) to the computers of subscribed users. These files may then be uploaded to digital music or multimedia players like the iPod.

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A podcast can be easily created from a digital audio file. The podcaster first saves the file as an MP3 and then uploads it to the Web site of a service provider. The MP3 file gets its own URL.

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Definition of podcast (cont.)Once a podcast has been created, it can be

registered with content aggregators, such as

www.podcastalley.com

www.podcastpickle.com

for inclusion in podcast directories.

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Definition of podcast (cont.)

People can browse through the categories or subscribe to specific podcast RSS feeds which will download to their audio players automatically when they next connect.

Although podcasts are generally audio files created for digital music players, the same technology can be used to prepare and transmit images, text, and video to any capable device.

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What is a Podcast Aggregator?To subscribe to a podcast you use a software program called a podcatcher. Sometimes this is also called a podcast aggregator (but this is geek speak). Just know that podcatcher and aggregator mean the same thing. It's the software that you use to subscribe to and receive podcasts.

The podcatcher regularly checks the feed for new content that has been posted. When a new podcast show is found, it's downloaded. The next time you plug your MP3 player into your computer, the new podcasts shows are synced by your media player (such as iTunes).

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Where to find some podcatchers:http://www.podcastalley.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=108

http://podcast.com/

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

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Podcast contentSome podcasts are “talk show” style. Others introduce you to the latest bands and music. With podcasts you can stay current on the news, get a glimpse into someone’s life, listen to movie reviews and the list goes on.

Most podcasts are made by people who are very passionate about their subject. Passion is infectious and may be interesting to listen to. Since the birth of podcasting, a huge variety of shows have shown up on the Internet.

In addition, many major media outlets are also now offering podcasts. You can listen to NPR, Rush Limbaugh and many major news outlets by podcast.

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Podcast content (cont.)http://www.podcastalley.com/

http://www.podcastingnews.com/

http://www.podcast.net/

http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/

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An example

You can preview or subscribe.

http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=510099

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Control of podcastsWith podcasts, you're in control.

You can rewind a podcast. You can play it over and over. You can pause it. You can store it wherever you want. You can delete it when you want.

You can listen to podcasts on your computer, burn them to CD or transfer them to your MP3 player. You're in control of when and how you listen.

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Searching for podcasts:http://audio.search.yahoo.com

Directory of directories: http://podcast411.com/page2.html

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Information included from:

http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/what-is-a-podcast.htm

http://searchvoip.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid66_gci1044707,00.html