What you need to know about Podcasts

Hearing the name 'Podcast' could give you the idea its coming from the all famous iPod from Apple don't you think? But what is really behind it?

We like the following explanation: Portable On Demand - broadcast.

What is a podcast?

Basically podcast is a digital media file (mostly but not exclusively used as - audio-mp3 or video-mp4) which is distributed over the internet using RSS (syndication feeds) and than listen to on a mp3 player and a desktop computer. Using RSS ensure you get the latest podcast as soon as it has been published.

Undisputable the biggest advantage of podcasts is to have the option to listen/view the content whenever you have time and only the content you are actually interested in. You can keep old shows and listen again later if you wish.

Is an iPod needed to use podcasts?

Contrary to popular belief, listening to a podcast is not restricted to the famous Apple product. Any other mp3 player will do perfectly well too. There are also many programs available online to be downloaded and used with your desktop computer.
The most popular software to use to manage your digital content such music, videos or podcast is iTunes from Apple also available for MS Windows.

Possible Podcast use cases

1. News / Talk Shows - Industry or organisational news, investor news, sportscasts, news coverage and commentaries.
2. Business- Business audio advices or business news in general.
3. Music - Band promotional clips and interviews.
4. Training - Instructional informational materials.
5. Story - Story telling for children or the visually-impaired.
6. Self-Guided Walking Tours - Informational content.

How to find Podcasts
The best way is to use podcast directories - you get a wide choice and many also have a rating/voting system in place which can give you an indication on the quality of the content. Mostly pod cast are available free of charge.

http://www.digitalpodcast.com/
http://podcasts.yahoo.com/
http://www.podfeed.net/feedburner_rankings.asp

News Provider

BBC - Podcast Directory
The Guardian - Podcasts
The TimesOnline Podcasts
Create your own podcast

To create your own podcast for your company or for your friends, have a look at this podcast tutorial which will guide you through the technical requirements and what else is needed to get your voice published and broadcasted online!

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