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Podcasting Tools - How Do You Make The Perfect Choice
There are two kinds of pod casting soft wares those that allow listeners to subscribe to and play pod casts and those that allow pod casts to be produced. The tools to listen pod casts and the tools that are used to create pod casts differ .So before choosing the software the buyer should make the perfect choice. The article will be instrumental in doing this .Read on.This article covers
Software Tools needed to listen a Pod cast
Software tools needed to produce a Pod cast
Points to Remember before Pod casting
Any computer-based or stand alone audio player that supports MP3 files will allow the user to listen to podcasting programs. In addition free podcasting tools are available to achieve every step of the process from coming up with an idea for a podcast to listening to and syndicating the finished program.
The potential for these self-produced audio programs promoted via RSS feeds was only beginning to be felt when players appeared that would also support video formats. Now, with the ability to achieve low-cost audio and video programs - often at a very minimal cost - we can expect to see an even greater proliferation of podcast content.
What Software Tools do you need to Listen to or Produce a Podcast?
For the most part, podcast production involves two classes of software - those that allow listeners to subscribe to and play podcasts and those that allow podcasts to be produced.
Tools for Listening to Podcasts
The current build of Apple iTunes, Version 6.0, has full support for podcast listeners. In addition to being able to browse a podcast directory as part of the online iTunes store, users can manually add addresses for RSS feeds. Users can organize and rate podcasts within the iTunes interface and can either listen to the program on the computer or sync the content on to their iPod. This full podcast management ability has moved iTunes into the lead as the tool of choice for subscribing to, managing, and enjoying podcasts.
The free podcast receiver Primetime Podcast Receiver is also popular, however. This software package will integrate with the Windows Media Player or with Apple iTunes playlists. Primetime Podcast will automatically update feed locations if they change, implements automatic scanning for new program episodes, and allows for podcast bookmarking. The package integrates with the podcast program directory available at Podcast Alley.
Many RSS readers, like FeedDemon, will pick up podcast feeds but not all will allow the user to listen to podcasts online audio programs or to view podcast video within the same software interface. For this reason, a specific "podcatching" tool like iTunes or Primetime Podcast Receiver is a better choice and will make for a more seamless podcast experience.
Tools to Create Podcasts
Audacity is considered at the top of the list of free tools to publish podcasts and create and manipulate audio files for podcasts. While the product is easy to learn, it also includes many advanced features and versions exist for Windows, Mac OS 9 or X, and Linux/Unix. Download instructions for Audacity can be found at audacity.soundforge.net.
Many Apple users begin podcasting with GarageBand because it often comes pre-installed on their computers or can be purchased for only $79.
Whereas Audacity will allow users to create podcasts that must then be uploaded by other means, GarageBand is a full-featured studio that will not only make the recordings but will walk the podcaster through the publication process.
If podcasts are recorded at a remote location - for instance a science fiction convention or perhaps during a trip to a foreign country or exotic vacation spot - a portable MP3 player is a popular tool. Audio players by iRiver are often used because of their small size and excellent recording ability and attachments are available for the Apple iPod to allow it to function as a recorder as well.
When recordings are made outside of a software package that includes a module for publication, podcasts are usually put on the Internet via an FTP (file transfer protocol) client. Normally podcasters who go this route are conversant with managing websites and this process does not present problems for them.
(Tutorials are widely available online, however, for new podcasters who need help.)
