Bruce,
Good decision on considering distributing via podcast. A podcast is simply these two things: 1: An audio file of the podcast hosted on webspace somewhere - usually mp3, sometimes m4a 2: An RSS file in XML (XML is like HTML but has definable tags) pointing to the mp3/m4a.. RSS files are basically 'headline feeds' - client programs such as iTunes get set up to check them regularly for updates, and in the case of podcasts, automatically download the linked podcast if it's new.
The trick is dynamically updating the XML file to match the latest MP3 you've uploaded. Think of iTunes simply as a directory service. You'll need to sort out hosting and the XML file but after you do that, you just submit it to iTunes for inclusion to their directory.
You don't *have* to list it on iTunes but it is recommended for listener exposure and easy access by iTunes/iPod users.
I've not delved into it beyond the basics, but there should be many guides and apps out there that let you create the XML files from your mp3 filenames, and tag/describe them. Beyond that, all you need to do is get people subscribing to it. They'll get sent new episodes the next time they poll the RSS feed every time you update it.
On Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 1:16 PM, Bruce kk5do@arrl.net wrote:
Someone suggested that I provide the Houston AMSAT Net as a podcast. I am not familiar with how Apple does this, can someone shed some light on how to send my mp3 files to them? I found a link on their website for using iTunes to set it up but it says that it requires XML and I do not have anything in the XML language.
Can you just send them the file and they take care of it? Or is there a repository that you can send the file and that's it?
73...bruce
--
Bruce Paige, KK5DO
AMSAT Director Contests and Awards
ARRL Awards Manager (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE
Houston AMSAT Net - Wed 0100z on SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 @97° West, Transponder 23 (12115 Vert), Symbol Rate: 22425, APID: 1794 (DVB Free To Air) Also streaming MP3 at http://www.amsatnet.com
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