Frequently Asked Questions Podcasting and the IU Podcast Portal (http://podcast.iu.edu) click the links to jump to a question What is podcasting? What is an RSS feed? What is a podcatcher? What is a podcaster, and who makes podcasts? What is the difference between a podcast and streaming media? What is the Indiana University Podcast Portal? How do I make my own podcast? How do I upload my podcast onto the IU Podcast Portal? Who can access, subscribe to, and listen to or watch a podcast that I upload to the IU Podcast Portal? Are there content or copyright restrictions on IU Podcast Portal content? Where can I find podcast production services and assistance? What file formats does the IU Podcast Portal support? Is there a data storage upload quota for podcasts? Why does it take an exceptionally long time for me to upload my file? How can I report a bug, or submit a request for a new feature?
What is podcasting? Podcasting is a way to automatically distribute audio and video files over the Internet. Users who download an audio or video podcast can then listen to or watch this digital media file on their personal computer, or by using a portable media player like an iPod. The term “podcast” can refer to the media files themselves or to the method of delivery— called a subscription—that utilizes RSS and Atom feed technology. Podcasts are unique in that once a user subscribes to a podcast, a “podcatcher” program will then automatically download a new episode when the media file becomes available, so that the user doesn’t need to check for these updates manually. What is an RSS feed? An RSS feed is an online content information stream that, in the context of podcasts, can be used to automatically download new podcasts when they become available. When a user subscribes to a podcast’s RSS feed using a podcatcher, then that user will receive automatic digital media content updates from the source of that content. For example, if a user subscribes to the RSS feed of a daily news podcast, then each day the podcatcher program will automatically download the newest podcast, eliminating the need for the user to check that news site each day to manually download the latest offering. And with a podcatcher program like iTunes, a user can subscribe to numerous RSS feeds simultaneously. What is a podcatcher?
A podcatcher is an application that you can use to subscribe to podcasts. Podcatcher programs, like iTunes for example, will automatically download podcasts as they are posted to the podcast provider’s web site. A podcatcher is a special type of news aggregator that takes advantage of RSS feed subscription technology designed to retrieve newly available information and digital media files from source web sites automatically.
What is a podcaster, and who makes podcasts? “Podcaster” is the term generally used to refer to the host, author and/or producer of a podcast. Podcasters can range from professional broadcasters and mass media representatives, to professors and instructors podcasting course materials and independent enthusiasts discussing the topics of their choice. There is a broad spectrum of podcasters making podcasts today, all of whom have access to widespread online audiences. On the IU Podcast Portal, podcasters can submit content that will advance the university's mission of research and creative activity, teaching and learning, and civic engagement. Podcast quality can vary widely, and while professionalism can be an important factor to consider, a podcast doesn’t necessarily need to meet the standards of, for example, a radio broadcast. What is the difference between a podcast and streaming media? A podcast is a file that is downloaded once in its entirety, and is therefore playable by the user at any time, without the need for an Internet connection. Streaming media, on the other hand, refers to a continuous transmission of data received by a user who is connected to the source of that data, more similar in nature to a television or radio broadcast. What is the Indiana University Podcast Portal? The IU Podcast Portal (http://podcast.iu.edu) is the central online gateway for faculty and staff podcasting at IU. Using the portal, faculty and staff can create new podcasts, submit episodes, and manage their existing podcast content. In addition, any user with an Internet connection can find, subscribe to, and download podcasts from the portal. How do I make my own podcast? There are numerous tools available that make podcasting simple and accessible. Free audio software like Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net) and Apple’s widely available GarageBand (http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/) enable podcasters to produce and edit audio episodes and overlay music. Online tutorial sections with step-bystep guides to recording and producing your own audio files are available from these software publishers. Video podcasting features widely available tools as well, from Apple’s iMovie software (http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/) to PC software like Windows Movie Maker (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx) and Jaycut (http://jaycut.com).
In addition, you will find help documents detailing steps to upload your podcast and episode files, and manage your podcast on the IU Podcast Portal homepage (http://podcast.iu.edu).
How do I upload my podcast onto the IU Podcast Portal? First, you will need to request an account on the portal by filling out the portal request form (http://podcast.uits.iu.edu/portalreq/). Portal administrators will then contact you to confirm that your account has been created. With an account, you will be able to upload your podcast and manage your podcast episodes. The IU Podcast Portal homepage also includes help documents and instructional podcast episodes that can help you to get started. Additional help is available by emailing podcast@iu.edu, or by contacting your campus Support Center. Who can access, subscribe to, and listen to or watch a podcast that I upload to the IU Podcast Portal? Anyone with an Internet connection can access a podcast that has been uploaded to the IU Podcast Portal. Are there content or copyright restrictions on IU Podcast Portal content? IU Podcast Portal content must meet the standards laid out in the Information Technology Policy Office (ITPO) University-wide IT Policy page, and for guidance, please see the Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources (http://itpo.iu.edu/IT01.html). Appropriate use includes the expectation that podcast content “will be used in support of the university's mission of research and creative activity, teaching and learning, and civic engagement.” For more information about IU copyright policy, please visit http://www.iub.edu/copyright/ or email copyright@iu.edu. Where can I learn more about the use of podcasting technology in the classroom? The Teaching and Learning Technologies Centers host a web site with information about using podcasting for lectures and classroom content, which you will find by visiting http://www.indiana.edu/~tltl/projects/ipod.html. Where can I find podcast production services and assistance? There are several fee-based options for those who would like outside help to produce a professional, polished podcast: UITS Media Design and Production UITS Media Design and Production provides podcasting production services, as well as a range of professional audio/video production services, digital editing, lecture and events recording, visual effects and soundtrack recording. multimedia.uits.iu.edu IU Radio and Television Services
IU-RTVS offers a range of assistance for creating and producing high quality original podcasts, whether in audio or video format. Services range from the broad to the specific, from developing an overall design plan to recording, editing and digitizing content. indiana.edu/~radiotv/ Office of Creative Services The Office of Creative Services provides a host of podcast services including writing and interviewing, research, video production, direction and editing, and any necessary audio recording or editing. The Office of Creative Services can also coordinate promotional efforts. http://creativeservices.iu.edu/
What file formats does the IU Podcast Portal support? The IU Podcast Portal supports the MP4 and MOV multimedia container formats. UITS recommends using the Apple QuickTime Player to play these files. The MPEG-4 Part 14 (MP4) format is commonly used for digital audio and video streams, and can also store subtitles and images. It's based on Apple's QuickTime container format, and became an international standard in 2000. The decision to support the MP4 file format is based on its overwhelming acceptance as an international standard, and its flexible support of audio and video codecs. Though not exactly identical to MP4, QuickTime's MOV format is another container format that offers similar benefits. Because of the similarity between formats, the podcast portal lets content producers decide which to use. Note: If you cannot use Apple's QuickTime Player, the VLC media player is a free, multi-platform media player that supports MP4 and MOV files. Is there a data storage upload quota for podcasts? No, there is not currently a limit to the amount of podcast storage space that a user can upload. Why is it taking a long time for me to upload my file? Long upload times could be due to a network configuration issue. Contact your Local Service Provider (ithelp@iu.edu or uits.iu.edu) to check with the network administrator to make sure that the duplex settings on the Ethernet port and the network adapter match. How can I report a bug, or submit a request for a new feature? Podcast.iu.edu welcomes your feedback and suggestions. To submit an idea, or to alert us to a problem or a bug that you’ve encountered while using the site, click on the “Help” link at the top of the podcast.iu.edu homepage, and fill out the form at the bottom. You
will be asked to provide your name, email address and your comment, and we will respond to your concern as soon as possible.