What is Podcasting?

Guide To Build Computer : Podcast and Software

A Podcast is nothing but an audio magazine subscription. If you are familiar with the RSS aggregator or desktop news aggregator then it is easy to understand the meaning of Podcasting. When you opt for the RSS feeds then you will be informed regularly for updates. You can get the latest information from your feeds.

Podcasting uses the same principle the only difference is instead of reading you listen and instead of PC monitor here you need an iPod or iPod-like device.

In short instead of reading the new content on a PC monitor, you listen to the new content on an iPod or iPod-like device. The Podcasting involves an automatic download and synchronization of audio content.

Adam Curry is the man behind the development and promotion of Podcasting, and he produces and presents "The Daily Source Code" and a daily Podcast in mp3 format.

Once you subscribe this service you have to check a set of subscriptions for regular updates on your ipod. At present there are a limited number of programs available. The format used is RSS 2.0 with enclosures. The enclosures compatible browsers can download the mp3 files.

"Podcasting" is the hybrid word derived from two different words viz. ipod and broadcasting. A Podcast is nothing but an audio magazine subscription where a subscriber receives regular audio programs usually in mp3 format through internet which can be listen by subscribers according to their convenience.

Advantages of Podcasting:

Previously the listeners have had to either tune in to web radio on a schedule, or they have had to search for and download individual files from Websites, now the subscriber to this service automatically gets audio file without searching and downloading them.

Once you subscribe for Podcasting you have...

a) No need to search for audio content every time.

b) No need to download the audio content manually.

c) No need to maintain the schedule for your favorite program.

d) No need to worry about missing your favorite program.

Webcasting Vs. Podcasting:

In Webcasting listeners have to rely on the schedule of a content provider to listen the program and also the listeners have no choice to select the program. In case of Podcasting the listeners are free to subscribe for their favorite audio feeds and there is no need to keep the schedule. Listeners are free to listen their favorite program for later listening.