Podcastin’ unplugged

Posted by admin on Jun 6, 2009 in Blog | 0 comments

A podcast is digital media, generally an audio or video file, that is made available for download through web syndication, such as via iTunes.

Originally podcasts were developed for the iPod, but the term is still used although you are not limited to using Apple technology to access them. Any portable media player capable of playing audio and video can handle podcasts, or if you prefer, you can access them directly on your computer and not transfer them to an external player at all.

In short, what makes a podcast a podcast is the method of delivery and the intended use of the file … otherwise, it’s just a regular old media file – for example, an .mp3 or a .mov.

The proliferation of blogging software (Blogger, Wordpress, Typepad …) makes it very easy for even the novice blogger to distribute podcasts.

However, what if you have a static site and want to podcast? What are your options?

There are paid solutions such as libsyn, who will both host your media files and create your podcast feed. You can look into Feedburner, if you are aching for yet another way to let Google into your working life.

You can also, of course, create your feed by hand, although this (for most people) is akin to the level of fun you would get from a root canal.

You might want to look at an open-source solution, such as Podcast Generator, which creates your feed and has an admin interface included. All files are hosted on your own server, and you will need to create your own theme to integrate it seamlessly into your existing site.

If podcasting is of interest to you or your client, there are many ways to jump on the podcasting train. Regardless of your existing technology, there is a way for you to join the modern broadcasting ranks.

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