Module 1: Introduction

What is a podcast?

Podcast is a portmanteau word (= two words that are combined to make a new word) that was invented in 2004. It combines the words iPodTM, a well-known music player and broadcast. Podcasting usually involves more than just copying a recorded programme from the Internet. Special software can automatically find and download the latest podcasts to your computer as soon as they becomes available. A growing number of radio stations and newspapers are making their content available in this way. The technology to do this is very cheap when compared to traditional radio and television broadcasting. This has meant that a small organization, or anybody with a website, is now able to make programmes than can, in some cases, reach a very big audience.
Source: Oxford University Press

What is RSS?

Image: RSS logo
RSS Logo
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually.

RSS content can be read using software called an "RSS reader", "feed reader" or an "aggregator". The user subscribes to a feed by entering05/06/2008 3:14 PMrowser that initiates the subscription process. The reader checks the user's subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading any updates that it finds.
Source: Wikipedia

Why do we use Flash player?


Flash Player Example

Flash player provides convenience for those users who did not subscribe to your RSS feed. Using a player on the page, gives user ability to listen to podcasts directly from the page. Users do not need to leave your site in order to listen to podcast in iTunes or any other player that supports podcasts.

Examples of  sites using podcasts syndication: