PODCAST

SOURCES: Google       Article By: Mariani          Posted By: Munirah

Podcasts are audio files published as RSS or Really Simple Syndication feeds, using XML file format technology to deliver MP3s to computers or portable music players. Podcasts are most often listened to on an MP3 player, but they can also be heard on a computer using media player software.

Podcasts are a little like TiVo, which allows television watchers to download only the programs they want to watch and to skip the advertising. However Podcasts are most often audio format but there are video Podcasts available as well.

Podcasts are automatically delivered directly to your personal computer, and can be transferred to your iPod or other MP3 player. They are often conversations, and include co-hosts and discussions or interviews. Podcasts are downloadable audio programs and are a simple way to automatically get regular audio broadcasts which you can then listen to at your leisure from your computer or MP3 player.

Podcasts are available with RSS feeds that allow listeners to select files they wish to download or set software to automatically download new content when it's available. They are different in that most people will listen to a show from start to finish and are popular for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that they're free. 

The two main advantages of Podcasts are their ease of use and the availability of many free or low-cost software and hosting options to run them. For the small business, Podcasts are a great way to attract new customers. And for those of us with little time to spare, Podcasts are one of the most valuable tools available for staying on top of trends in technology and keeping up with current events. 

 Some other advantages of Podcasts are their ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added. Many Podcasts also allow users to direct download by giving a link to the audio file in an RSS feed or web page. 

The number of people interested in Podcasting,or who have downloaded a Podcast, is increasing according to Nielsen Net Ratings. The estimate is 56 million by 2010. This provides a great internet marketing opportunity using Podcasts with the added bonus of their ease of distribution through RSS feeds.