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Podcasting is method of broadcasting audio and video files over the Internet through RSS feeds. It generally requires a user to subscribe to a Web site (though subscriptions are generally free) to be able to download podcasts. Examples of common podcasts include comments on current events, such as entertainment, politics, and religion. However, it is also an excellent way for musicians to share their own music, for museums to guide their patrons, and for educators to present instructional material.
The term "podcasting" is a sort of amalgam of "broadcasting" and "iPod," the MP3 player manufactured by Apple Computer. However, it holds no direct tie to the iPod and it is not exclusive to that MP3 player. In fact, a downloaded podcast need not be placed on an external device at all. One could merely play a podcast on his or her computer.
Podcasting is a particularly exciting area, because anyone can get involved and produce a podcast or a series of them, such as daily or weekly shows, similar to radio or television. Like producing a Web site or a blog, with a computer and some basic software and tools, one can create a site devoted to podcasting any topic or music. In this way, everyone has a (relatively) equal voice in expressing views, interests, knowledge, and any other audio or video content. This egalitarian nature of podcasting has great advantages, such as the inexpensive manner in which one can both produce and obtain information. However, there are also drawbacks to this aspect of podcasting, such as the difficulty in verifying sources in their accuracy, authorship and quality.
One often questions what is so special about podcasting, being that audio and video streams and downloads have been available over the Internet for quite some time. Podcasting transcends these previous examples in four main ways*: it is automatic, easy to control, portable, and always available.
- Automatic - With many file types, users must go searching every time they want to hear or view a certain file. Even if it is from a site that updates content frequently, the user must keep checking back to see if there are updates. Conversely, with podcasts, once users activate a subscription, the downloads become automatic. In this way, users do not have to sit and wait for long downloads, it can occur while the user is away from the computer, and it can happen automatically when a new file (or show) is created.
- Easy to Control - Many email subscriptions are controlled by the hosting organization. If wants to be removed from a list, it can be extremely difficult and include writing multiple request and completing many forms. Conversely, with podcasting, the listener is in control. If users wish to end a subscription, they merely remove themselves. In fact, the hosting organization is not aware that the listener is even a subscriber.
- Portable - Virtually all podcasts are in MP3 format. This format is rapidly replacing CDs, based on their relatively small file size and ease of transfer from computer-to-computer or to an external device.
- Always Available - Many people compare podcasting to DVRs, such as TiVo, because podcasts are, essentially, radio.TV shows on demand. Once downloaded, users can listen to or watch the download anytime they wish.
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is the technology that allows users to subscribe to sites that offer podcasts and to download certain files automatically.
* "Podcasting Solutions." - Michael W. Geoghegan and Dan Klass. |