What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is the merging of two technologies: Downloadable media (audio, usually) and RSS.

The term podcast, a combination of "iPod" and "broadcast", originated sometime in 2004. After only about a year, podcasting has already been described as "the next generation of radio" by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer, Inc. (www.podcastingnews.com). Though Apple is embracing the concept (the latest version of iTunes has built-in support for Podcasting), podcasting is platform independent, with a variety of software tools available for Windows and Linux as well as Mac OS.

Podcasting, a means of distributing audio files through the Internet, is rapidly becoming a popular alternative to radio. Podcasters describe the ability to listen to audio content anywhere, anytime using a personal mp3 player as a distinct advantage over other forms of broadcasting. Podcasting clients, such as the open-source JuiceReciever, allow individuals to subscribe to audio "feeds" using an XML-based syndication protocol called RSS. Adding a feed to a podcasting client is a simple matter of copying a link into the program. After that, the software checks for new podcasts automatically.

A quick look at the ever-growing list of podcasts listed on sites such as www.podcast.net reveals an eclectic assortment of topics, ranging from music to technology to politics. Recently made available is alt^I 's own podcast, Knowledge Revolution (RSS). Knowledge Revolution has interviews with teachers and technologists on the developing edge of current educational technology and knowledge media.

Suggested Reading:  Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Podcasting by Michael Geoghegan and Dan Klass

Recording Equipment

Download the "PodcastGear" PDF

These equipment packages are viable for recording quality audio to be used for podcast programming. Content may include educational programming, public presentation materials, as well as research and/or other distributed media applications.

Simple, effective, and inexpensive recording of a Single Source

• Existing personal computer with audio input capabilities (most all newer computers meet this requirement) $N/A
• Audio Recording and Editing Software such as Audacity ($Free)
• Built in microphone, or inexpensive digital USB or Analog headset/microphone ($10.00 - $20.00)

Presenter Audio Only

• Wireless lavalier (lapel) mic (Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 Series - $499.99)
• Multi-channel audio mixer (Yamaha MG102 - $99.00)
• Digital audio recorder (Marantz PMD660 - $499.95)
• Assorted cabling

Mixed Recording of Presenter and Audience Questions

• Wireless handheld mic (Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 Series - $499.99)
• Wireless lavalier (lapel) mic (Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 Series - $499.99)
• Multi-channel audio mixer (Yamaha MG102 - $99.00)
• Digital audio recorder (Marantz PMD660 - $499.95)
• Assorted cabling

Podcast Host Only

• Studio mic (Heil PR40 - $269.95)
• Multi-channel audio mixer (Yamaha MG102 - $99.00)
• Digital audio recorder (Marantz PMD660 - $499.95)
• Assorted cabling

Podcast Host and Interview Subject

• Two studio mics (Heil PR40 - $539.90)
• Multi-channel audio mixer (Yamaha MG102 - $99.00)
• Digital audio recorder (Marantz PMD660 - $499.95)
• Assorted cabling

These recommendations are provided as a general guide, and do not represent all possible or reasonable options. Similar equipment is available from a wide variety of manufactures and vendors. Generally, the suggested price ranges will be fairly consistent among different manufactures of similar equipment.