Podcasting Experience

Postcasts are rapidly increasing in popularity because they are simple to produce and very inexpensive to deliver. Podcasts refer to the automatic downloading of MP3 audio files to a computer or MP3 player in a data structure called RSS 2.0 envelope. The term podcast is somewhat misleading because it implies that an ipod is required to podcast. Actually, podcasts can be used with a variety of digital audio formats and played on almost any MP3 player or portable digital audio device, as well as desktop or laptop computers. In contrast Vodcasting is the same as podcasting except that it uses video content rather than audio, and the content is played on personal computers or an updated digital device with video capabilities.

The two Audio podcasts that i listened to were:
a) official podcast of the Barclays Premier League, episode 11
b) a history of the world in 100 objects, episode; AHOW 30 - chinese bronze bell

I did enjoy listening to these podcasts and am continuing to use them, because audiobooks as such provide adequate resource to people who dont have time to read and want information on current events or personal interests. Podcasts can also be a helpful tool in education and business, that is can be used to listen to an instructor's lectures if missed or to create an advertisement that help draw visitors to a website respectively. This method provides better information when compared to things like blogging or formal methods like magazines and newspapers. Podcasts also has some disadvantages which include that podcasts cannot be used for two way interaction. Questions and comments cannot be added by individuals through this type of media. Secondly, individuals with a low bandwith will have a difficulty downloading podcasts.

The two Vodcasts that i watched were:
a) the avatar podcasts from absolute radio, episode: James Cameron at the BAFTAs
b) 2012 featurette: the end of the world, the actor's perspective

I did enjoy my experience with vodcasts and would surely continue to engage in watching vodcasts but personally i found Youtube and Google video much easier to use. The success behind Youtube is that individuals can upload and share videos with one another and secondly even unregistered users are allowed to use this engine, hence it makes it one of the most social and user friendly place.



The pros of vodcasts are as similar to those of audio podcasts. In addition, vodcasts allow people to download all their favorite shows and enjoy them at a convenient time slot. The disadvantage of vodcasting is that, although many people have mobile devices, not everyone does. Thus podcasting may alienate this segment of the market, leading them to look elsewhere for their entertainment and information needs. And once again according to my experience, i felt that vodcasting provides better information when compared to things like blogging, magazines and newspapers.

References:
a) http://podcasting.mynichereports.com
b) www.brighthub.com