FAQ about Podcasts...
from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
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Q: What IS podcasting?
A: Most commonly, the term podcast refers to audio shows that can be downloaded from a web server. According to Wikipedia, "A podcast is a series of digital-media files, which are distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds [e.g. RSS] for playback on portable media players and computers. The term podcast, like broadcast, can refer either to the series of content itself or to the method by which it is syndicated..."
Podcasts are free and can be automatically downloaded (subscribed) to your portable media player or computer for your enjoyment whenever it's convenient.
Q: Do I need an iPod or a Mac?
A: No. Early podcast software was developed for iPods (only), but that is no longer the case. Software is now available that allows you to subscribe to a podcast using most portable digital audio players, and personal computers -- whether Windows, Mac, or Linux. Plus, most podcasters offer their episodes for download individually and directly from the podcaster's web site (without subscribing).
Q: So, do I really need special software to listen to podcasts?
A: No. Podcast software (an "aggregator") is used to automate the downloading process, but is not always required to hear the episodes. You can often listen to a podcast episode as streaming media directly from the podcaster's web site, but you won't have the automation of a podcast subscription.
Q: How do I subscribe to the RSO's podcast?
A: Read more about subscribing to the RSO's podcast on this page: Getting started w/Podcasts.
Q: Where can I find other podcasts?
A: Apple's iTunes Store and PodcastAlley.com are two popular examples of podcast directories, but there are others. Of local interest, read about news podcasts at WVTF.org/mobile. Many podcast applications also include a directory of podcasts.
Q: What is RSS?
"RSS feeds" are text files (residing on web servers) that contain information about content available at a particular web site. A web site administrator updates their own RSS file whenever they have something new to syndicate, like a news release or a podcast episode. Your podcast/news feed software routinely reads the RSS files to which you have subscribed, looking for any new content at the web site where each RSS file is located. In the case of a podcast subscription, the RSS file is what confirms the existence of a new podcast episode for your software to download, and prompts it to do just that, without you having to go look for it!
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