If I wanted to startup a "programming related" weekly podcast, what tools would I need to produce quality output (hardware, software) and what hosting options do I have?
Thanks!
A:
why don't you try a small weekly youtube video first or something, see if the interest is there for what you have to offer.
yx
2009-01-09 19:56:23
I'll have to disagree with you. YouTube is not a podcast. Granted it can be a great way to build an audience if you are a visual performer but if you are not then you just might want to stick with the podcast format so you don't have to worry about video.
Mike Bethany
2009-06-02 14:24:26
+1
A:
Presumably you are already familiar with the StackOverflow podcast. Listen to the early episodes where Joel talks about the equipment he is using.
finnw
2009-01-09 20:02:05
+6
A:
Technical point of view
You need a soundcard that can record audio, a microphone and recording software.
Recording software is easy. Either it comes with the OS or you use something free. My wife does a regular podcast and is super-happy with Audacity. Give it a try.
Recording hardware: Most if you have a microphone input on your soundcard you're done. If not get an external USB-soundcard. Don't spend to much: Even budget soundcards that you can buy these days are on par with studio recording technique from the 80th.
Microphone. The most critical part of the signal chain: You may get away with a cheap headphone/mic combo. In your recording everyone will understand you, but there is no guarantee that you sound pleasant. If you want some quality do yourself a favor and buy an SM57 or SM58 mic from Shure (around $80 in every music store around you).
These mics are good enough for the president of the USA, so they should be okay for your podcast as well.
Content point of view:
Before you start: Make sure that you have something to talk about. I'm sure you have something interesting for your first podcast, but how about the second podcast? The third? the following....?
Podcasts are like blogs but with a twist. Readers of blog-posting can skim throuh the content and it may take them half a minute to find out that they're not interested. Not much time wasted. Podcast otho are linear in time. You can't skim through them in the same was as you do with text. You - as the producer dictate the speed of the listeners, and that may become a problem if you bore your listeners. Tease them and keep them interested but never bore them.
You may bore a listener once. They will most likely grant you a second chance if you had a good start. If you don't satisfy them they will stop downloading your podcast as it takes some serious time to listen to them.
Please keep that in mind.
Nils Pipenbrinck
2009-01-09 20:49:02
+3
A:
"What do I need to get started with podcasting"?
Something to say thats worth listening to.
Tim Jarvis
2009-01-09 20:59:01
+2
A:
First, good luck with your podcast! I started one a couple months ago and am having a blast doing it.
Concerning microphones: you definitely need a powered one. Don't use the cheap mini-jack microphones that come with a PC when you buy it. Make sure to read (Amazon, etc) reviews on the particular models that you are considering. The mic doesn't need to be super expensive, a good USB mic can cost as little as $25. I've listened to podcasts that sound horrible even though I know that they use expensive equipment. Personally, I use the Plantronics DSP 500 headset, which works well for multi-player gaming, Skype calls and podcasting.
Audio programs: Audacity is a good open-source audio editing program. Adobe SoundBooth is a low cost program that seems to work well. I use Creative Wave Editor that came with my sound card, it works well for my needs. Podcast editing really isn't rocket science -- you won't need anything complex. The things to look for: Does it allow you to easily copy-n-paste audio segments? Does it "record what I hear"? Does it render to MP3 with decent size and playback quality?
Hosting options: I don't have a lot of experience with different hosts, but many that I looked at seemed kind of expensive for a just-starting podcaster. I found that Amazon S3 is a great way to very cheaply deliver content. You're mileage may vary, but I pay well under one dollar a month for a respectable number of downloads (300+).
Lastly, use Feedburner to publish your feed, and get listed on iTunes. This will help people find your podcast.