- What is podcasting?
- How often can I play a podcast?
- How much does it cost to download a podcast from Antietam Cable?
- What do I need to download and listen to podcasts?
- How can I subscribe to a podcast?
- I've subscribed to a podcast, but it is not working - what is wrong?
- How do I play the video podcasts on antPod?
- Why are you using the M4V format for video?
-
Podcasting is a method of distributing audio or video files via the Internet. Typically, they are mp3 files that are downloaded to a portable media player or personal computer. Audio podcasts are just like radio shows, but instead of tuning in a radio station on a particular day and time, podcasts are available whenever it is convenient for you to listen.
How often can I play a podcast?
As often as you like - whenever and wherever you like.
How much does it cost to download a podcast from Antietam Cable?
Nothing! Our podcasts are FREE for you to use. All of our podcasts are copyrighted, so use is only for personal, noncommercial purposes. See our terms of use for details.
What do I need to download and listen to podcasts?
You will need podcast subscription software, such as iTunes, iPodder, or Odeo, loaded onto your computer. That's it! As long as your computer has a sound card that can accommodate mp3 files, you can listen to podcasts right on your computer. Then, if you want to take your podcasts with you, simply transfer them from your computer to any portable mp3 player, such as an iPod.
How can I subscribe to a podcast?
Click on the "subscribe to podcast" button next to the podcast you want. Then select the button for the software tool you are using. If you don't see a button for your software, highlight the URL in the box, cut and paste it into your podcasting software. After that, your software will automatically download to your computer new editions of the podcast as they become available. If you want to make the new editions portable, transfer them from your computer to your portable device.
I've subscribed to a podcast, but it is not working - what is wrong?
Here are some things to check:
- Do you have podcasting software? If so, was the correct show downloaded?
- Are all of the settings in the podcasting software correct? Do any need to be updated or changed?
- Is there a new podcast available? If not, then nothing would have been automatically downloaded.
To find out more, go to the Wonderful World of Podcasts at http://www.ftpplanet.com/blog_guide/podcasting.htm
How do I play the video podcasts on antPod?
A "filmstrip" icon appears next to podcast episodes which are video, rather than audio, programs. Almost all of them are in M4V format, and are meant first and foremost to be played on portable devices such as Apple's iPod and iPhone, Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP), and many next-generation mobile phones. To view the videos on one of these devices, either navigate to antPod.com using the device's built-in web browser and click on the link to the episode, or subscribe to the podcast's RSS feed and then sync the the device to your computer to load recent episodes onto it.
It is also possible to view the episodes on your desktop computer, although most computers do not come with a player which is capable of playing M4V videos. You may have to install a third-party media player such as VideoLAN or QuickTime Player.
Finally, with the exception of external video podcasts such as those from HBO and National Geographic, the video podcast episodes can also be viewed within your web browser via an Adobe Flash-based player. Simply click on the link labeled "PLAY IN BROWSER" which appears to the right of the episode date. Most users will probably find this the easiest way to watch video podcast episodes.
Why are you using the M4V format for video podcasts?
The M4V (MPEG4) format is the de facto standard for video podcasting and for video on mobile devices. It offers higher video quality than other video formats, at smaller file sizes. While support for M4V is currently less robust on desktop computers than on mobile devices, that is expected to change as a number of major software vendors have announced forthcoming support for the standard.
