What is a Podcast?
The word Podcast is a combination of iPod and broadcast. iPods are the best known type of portable digital audio players. Broadcast in this context refers to audio or video content being sent not over the airwaves but over the Internet. As one “how-to” book puts it, the new medium “can turn anyone into a broadcaster with a global audience!” Podcasts are not difficult to create, particularly audio ones. Podcasts are even easier to listen to or view. If a Podcast you like is produced regularly, you may be able to have your computer subscribe and automatically download new shows. If you have an MP3 player, you can even automate the process of transferring Podcasts from your computer to your device.
A Podcast also uses RSS feeds to distribute content on the Internet. A Podcast sends audio or video files to your computer or MP3 player, letting you control when you want to listen to the files or view them. By subscribing to the feed once, you automatically get any new content sent to you as soon as it becomes available. You can play the audio or video files either on a personal computer or you can synchronize an MP3 player with your computer to play the files. Podcasts are similar to a television or radio series in some ways. There is a program offered that you enjoy, with new episodes offered frequently. Each episode offers new, unique content that fits within the theme for the program. With a Podcast, however, you don’t have to “tune in” at a certain time of day; you can enjoy each new episode anytime you want, after it’s made available. By signing up for that Podcast’s feed, it’s delivered to you automatically.
