Pod Casts
Helping People Create Their Own Podcasts

How Do I Do a Podcast

A podcast is a series of audio files that can be broadcast in a daily or weekly basis for others to hear. Creating a podcast is interesting and simple and here is a step by step illustration of how to go about it.

At the outset, you may need a web site or blog where you can post the podcast, all the requisite audio editing and recording software and a reliable internet connection for doing podcasting.

1) The first step would be to choose a podcast topic: Make sure that the topic is of contemporary relevance or something that is of interest to the viewers.

2) Frequency: How many times do you wish to do the podcasting would largely depend on the type of podcast. Thus if you are planning to do a news based podcast, it can be published on a daily basis while a story-based podcast could be published weekly.

3) Script:   Make sure to write out what you plan to say in your podcast as it will ensure that you are not missing out any vital points. It would also make the podcast sound well rehearsed and professional without any unsavory distortions and interruptions, which can spoil the  fun of podcasting for both you and the audience as well.

4)      Record your audio file. Choose a simple audio recording software like Audacity that is easy  to comprehend and use. In case you are not a computer professional, it is better not to opt for high end recording software, which takes a lot of time and effort to understand and apply.

5)      Convert your audio file to MP3 format. The audio recording software will be saving it in its prescribed format and you should export it into MP3 format so that the users can easily open the file and listen to it.

6) Once it is converted into MP3 you need to upload it into the server.

7) If you do not have a blog posts, it is the time to create one where you can publish the podcast.

Tips to remember

  • The users can only hear your voice and not the person behind it. So make sure to make it lively and interesting with the right sound modulations and effects. Your topic of podcast should be something that you can talk effortlessly and passionately so that the users find it captivating.
  • If your podcast is short that extends to 5-10 minutes you can easily accommodate more than 1 podcasts at a time. You can create all the podcasts for the week in a few hours, which will save you a lot of effort and time.
  • Some audio editing software might require you to have an MP3 Encoder to convert your audio file to MP3 format. Refer the manual for the right instructions on converters.
  • The podcast should be uploaded in web server in binary format to make sure that the file is not corrupted.
  • Before publishing the podcast, make doubly sure that the MP3 file link is working fine and pointing to the correct file.

Posted by Admin - October 22, 2012 at 3:44 pm

Categories: How To   Tags:

Best Podcast Software

Some Of the Best Podcast Software Options to Consider

Podcast is the best way to let the world hear your views and ideas. Any audio software with a record feature is all it takes to make a simple podcast. However, if you need the best podcast software, then you have to compare the pros and cons of some of the most popular podcast software options on offer.

Here are some options worth taking a closer look.

a) Audacity

The free podcast software of Audacity has grabbed the attention of many a podcaster for its brilliant performance. It enjoys a strong cross-platform support, running on Windows, Macs, and Linux. Above all, Audacity is a simple program that can record live audio and also has many special effects to pack a dramatic effect to your podcast presentation.

Audacity is as good as any paid software. The audio files are processed at bit rates with intros and music beds to give it a professional touch. However some of the features like looping for music beds are not available in Audacity, which could only be a dampener for those planning to create custom music for their podcast.

b) GarageBand

Garage Band works only with Mac. But for this flaw, GarageBand scores a perfect 10 for its perfect balance between power and intuitiveness. GarageBand has all the useful features of Audacity that is well backed up with an extensive library of music loops that come handy while creating your own custom music. Some of these versatile loops even allow the users to compose their own melodies and beats.

In addition to the audio capabilities of Audacity, Garageband adds a fantastic library of music loops you can join together to create custom music for your Podcast. If you want to get fancy, some of these loops contain virtual instruments which can be modified so that you can write your own melodies and beats. Though this software is basically designed for musicians, it has all the features needed to create scripted podcasts. Does this sound music to your ears? If yes, just plug in a USB Microphone to your Mac and enjoy a blissful experience.

c) Sony Acid Xpress

It is simple and it is FREE- The limited version of Sony’s Acid Music Studio software can do everything from recording to editing audio clips and looping, this free podcast software for Windows is going places.

These royalty free music bits can be used to fit in the various tempos and keys. Though Acid XPress do come with a few trial loops, you still would be required to buy a library CD costing around $30-$50 or download free loops from the internet in case you want to use its soundtrack capabilities. The limited track count options and the disabled effects could be frustrating for music lovers. So for an uninterrupted musical extravaganza, get upgraded to Acid Music Studio ($59.95) and keep the show going!

d) Pro Tools LE

Pro Tools LE is a powerful and extensive podcast software recommended for established podcasters. Priced at over $300.00 and up, Protools has all the features of the other podcast software options. Pro Tools only runs on unique hardware that is compatible with Pro Tools. However the catch is that along with a range of stunning features, Pro Tools could also be a complex software to learn and could not be a good option for novices.

Posted by Admin - October 22, 2012 at 3:40 pm

Categories: Software   Tags: , , ,

How do you Download Podcasts

How Do You Download Podcasts

Podcasts are shows like radio or TV programs that are recorded and available for download to a computer for free. There are tons of free podcasts available for download in the iTunes store. If you follow a particular show, then you won’t have to miss any episode by subscribing to it in iTunes and receiving new episodes automatically.

Downloading podcasts is a breeze, with download time depending on one’s Internet connection speed. There are two ways of downloading podcasts- through iTunes and through media aggregator programs like gPodder and Juice.

Through iTunes

Mac users already have the iTunes programs installed on their computers.  Upon opening the program, users have to click on the iTunes Store link located on the left pane and look for the Podcasts menu on the main screen. There are two choices at the categories menu- audio podcasts and video podcasts.

To get more information on a podcast, simply click on the thumbnail picture on the main screen. Alternatively, you can find the top 20 podcasts on the right hand side of the main screen. You can also use the Power Search option if you want to look for a particular show. To download an episode, simply click on the Get Episode button.

You can also follow a particular show and receive automatic updates on new episodes by subscribing to podcasts.  This option ensures that you won’t miss an episode of your favorite program. To subscribe to a program, simply choose a show and click on the subscribe button. Once you have subscribed to a show, all available and future episodes of a show will be automatically downloaded to your library.

Through gPodder

gPodder is just one of the numerous podcast aggregator available online. This free software is compatible with most operating systems like Windows, Linux and Mac OS X and most types of MP3 players and mobile phones.

To download this program, simply visit its website gpodder.org. Upon download and installation of the software, you should subscribe to the podcast you are interested in. Search for podcasts through the channel feature function, where you have to paste the URL of the podcast to find a particular podcast episode.

After selecting the podcast, simply click on the download button. The podcast will be added to the podcast list in the iPod, which will then treat it as standard episodes.

Through Juice

Juice is another media aggregator program that those without iTunes can turn to in downloading podcasts. It simplifies the process by allowing you to choose audio files and downloading them into your computer. Once you have chosen a location, you can download the podcasts automatically once they become available, and play the tracks using iTunes or any other media player program.

Like gPodder, Juice requires installation of the program into a computer. After installing the program, you can subscribe to podcasts either by choosing from a directory of available podcasts or entering the URL for a podcast you have found on the Internet. You can also schedule Juice to find new downloads regularly, or as often as you like. You can listen to the podcasts using any other MP3 player.

Posted by Admin - October 15, 2012 at 4:37 pm

Categories: News   Tags: , ,

Most Popular Podcasts

A podcast is a kind of digital media which may consist of an episodic series of ePub files, audio, video or PDFwhich is downloaded and subscribed through a series of web syndication or via a streamed online to a computer or cellular device. The word podcast is actually a neologism which is derived from “broadcast” and “pod”. The popularity of podcast is said to be attributed from the success of the iPod, as podcasts are usually listened to via portable media players which comes in handy.

There is a list of the video or audio files presently associated with a certain series that is maintained and kept centrally on the server of the distributor as a web feed, and the viewer or listener uses special client application software which is also known as a podcatcher that can gain access this web feed, view it for updates, and download some recent and interesting files in the podcast series. This entire viewing process can be automated so that recent files are downloaded right then and there. The podcast files are stored locally on the computer of the user or other device which can be accessible even for offline use thus providing simple, ready and convenient access to episodic content.

Here is a list of some of the top podcasts online today:

  1. Today, BBC Radio 4. The Today Programme is BBC Radio”s leading news and current affairs programme.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/downloadtrial/radio4/today/rss.xml

This podcast caters to latest news and current affairs that are happening all around the globe.

  1. In an era of fast news matter to a lot of people, this podcast offers a breather dishing out an array of news especially what is happening in the US.  With information overload all around, On the Media helps you make sense of it all.
    A weekly program from National Public Radio and WNYC, New York Public Radio.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://www.onthemedia.org/index.xml
  2. The Naked Scientists Science Radio Show[/b:ce995d1898] is a live show shown on a weekly basis. This is an audience-interactive science radio talk show which is broadcast live via BBC radio, on the internet, and in archived online as well. This podcast takes science-related questions live from the listeners on any topic, containing related topical science news stories, and features articles with guest scientists on the show.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://www.thenakedscientists.com/naked_scientists_podcast.xml
  3. Check out how the digital revolution is modifying lives of fast living people. Presenter Gareth Mitchell ushers you the most recent gadgets, cutting edge uses of technology in the far flung parts of the world and an in-depth probe of the technological issues that may affect you.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/downloadtrial/worldservice/godigital/rss.xml
  4. A weekly program of audio from the public radio ””Science Friday”” which is hosted by Ira Flatow. This is a call-in show and  is heard via NPR stations spanning the US. Topics range from science, nature, technology, health, and the environment.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://www.sciencefriday.com/audio/scifriaudio.xml
  5. Mark Kermode’s film reviews via the podcast BBC Radio Five Live. Five Live’s favorite  film critic is here as he never sit on the fence  dishing out his reviews.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/downloadtrial/fivelive/markkermodesfilmreviews/rss.xml
  6. CIO Podcast This program and podcast caters to business and information technology issues hounding today’s world. We discuss events in the information technology industry and how you can reap advantages from them.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/CioPodcast
  7. Podcast directory Known as a podcast of podcasts. We view, review, rate and let you know which podcasts are worth taking your time and the reasons. This is produced by the folks that manage the podcast directory giving more details about each podcaster than any other resource on the web.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://www.wolfdatasystems.com/podcast.xml
  8. Beatcast This is a program about techno, minimal, electro, house,  tech-house, interviews and news and other related topics! Culled from the Electronation Radio program on Kink FM, collaborated by the www.beatfreax.com website.
    Podcast Feed URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/Beatcast \

NY Front Times Page  delivered by James Barron, a known reporter at The NY Times, summarizes the most recent headlines daily in the morning
Podcast Feed URL: http://www.nytimes.com/services/xml/rss/nyt/podcasts/frontpage.xml

Posted by Admin - October 15, 2012 at 4:36 pm

Categories: News   Tags: , ,

Royaltyfreemusic

Where to Download Royalty Free Music

Royalty free music pertains to music and sound effects which can be used for multimedia production multiple times upon payment of a one-time royalty fee. Royalty free music is considered as a cheaper alternative to the traditional payment structure for music libraries wherein a royalty is paid for every usage.

There are numerous websites that offer royalty free music to companies and individuals in need of music files for their video and multimedia projects. This article lists down some of the best websites to go to for royalty free music.

Royalty Free Music (www.royaltyfreemusic.com)

This website has one of the biggest libraries of music tracks, numbering more than 12,000 files of royalty-free music for production, films, background, television and other multi-media projects.  The website offers audio files from every type of music, from the traditional classical music to contemporary music types like hip hop and rock music.

Upon opening the main homepage, visitors to the website will be able to browse the different music categories . Royalty free music sorts its files in different sections ranging from background music, corporate presentation, rock, meditation/hypnosis, Christmas or holiday music, classical music, sports, children’s, romantic music, acoustic, urban, jazz, electronica and world music, among others. Subscriptions start at $299.95 while individual tracks can be bought for as low as $9.95 and compact discs starting at $99.95.

Audio Micro (http://www.audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music)

Audio Micro boasts of having more than 65,000 royalty free music. In fact some tracks are composed by Grammy Award-winning artists.  The website counts some of the biggest companies as its clients like Microsoft, Cisco, Discovery Channel and CBS. The website also counts advertising agencies, video bloggers, website design agencies, international manufacturing firms and video production agencies as among its loyal customers. A royalty free track can be downloaded for as low as $29.95. Royalty free music is categorized into various groups like aerobics and workout, animation and video games, blues, children, Christian and gospel, corporate, disco, dramatic, electronics, film scores, news, opera and vocal, reggae and rock, among others.  There’s also an advanced search function that makes it easier for users to find the right music track.

Shock Wave Sound (http://www.shockwave-sound.com)

Established 10 years ago, Shock Wave Sound is considered as a pioneer of online royalty free music.  The website prides itself for promoting music of young and talented producers and the addition of new music every week. Since its inception, the website has chalked up 130,000 orders from more than 30,000 repeat customers.  Aside from downloading of royalty free music, the website also offers delivery of CDRom as an option.

Smart Sound (www.smartsound.com)

Smart Sound advertises itself for being the only fully customizable royalty free music website. The website allows users to customize a track by selecting the length of the music as well as varying its variation and mood. The customization offered by the website makes it a top choice for customers because it saves them a lot of time while making the music tracks tailored to their requirements.

Posted by Admin - October 12, 2012 at 4:31 pm

Categories: News   Tags: , , ,