A "podcast" is simply an audio or video program that has been recorded, uploaded to an internet site, and made available for download, usually free, by interested subscribers. The term "podcast" specifically refers to "iPod broadcast" but is used generically to describe any kind of internet broadcast. Apple's iTunes software offers a convenient, organized directory of most podcasts and automatically synchronizes them onto an iPod.
Start By Downloading iTunes
Apple makes it easy to synchronize music, TV shows and podcasts with an iPod via the iTunes software. Conveniently, iTunes can be used with or without an iPod and all content can be played on the computer, which is good for large size video podcasts. Click here to download iTunes, which downloads quickly and does not install spyware or generate spam.
Podcasts are just one many types of content, and under the "LIBRARY" heading, the following content is grouped together:
- Music, purchased via iTunes, or copied ("ripped") from a CD;
- TV shows and movies purchased via iTunes;
- Images; and
- Live radio streamed from stations around the world.
Use the Podcast Directory to Browse and Subscribe to Available Shows
iTunes surprisingly makes the directory a challenge to find. Either click iTunes Store under the STORE heading and hunt for the Pocast box, or on the bottom-right part of the screen, click "Podcast Directory." An amazing little world opens. The store is organized in a helpful fashion to show "New content", "Staff favourites," etc.
Most podcasts are audio, but a growing number of video shows are available for large capacity, video iPods. These shows take longer to download because of their size, but iTunes can be configured to limit the number of shows placed on the iPod. Video podcasts have a small television screen icon next to them and are grouped together in the directory.
iTunes is configured for the user's country and language, so local content will appear, e.g. BBC shows in the UK, CBC shows in Canada, etc. To change this simply change the default language and location in the iPod setting itself and iTunes will redirect to the local site.
Navigating the podcast directory is also unusually tricky for an Apple product. Toward the top left, under the Volume Control slider bar there is a small bar that displays the current location in the directory, similar to the way that a computer's contents are shown. It begins at "Podcasts" and expands as shows are browsed.
Browse the Huge Amount of Content
Podcasts are produced by a range of broadcasters, from the largest media companies in the world like CNN to individuals at home who talk about local topics or personal interests.
The organized directory is a good place to start, because it allows browsing by broadcaster, type of show, favorites, etc. The large companies offer repeats of previously broadcast material like news programs and interviews, which are professionally produced with the added bonus of fewer commercials. However, there is also a huge of internet-only content that is somewhat more inconsistent in professionalism.
The "Search" button in the top-right allows for a broad search of topics that wouldn't appeal to the mainstream audience using the directory.
In summary, the challenge is not finding a podcast that meets one's needs, but in selecting from the vast amount of available choice.
To see more detail on managing content, read the associated article here.
