Video podcasts, also known as vodcasts, are basically video files that you can download for free from the Internet. The term “vodcast” can also refer to video files in a series, not just individual files.
Vodcasts are distributed in the same way as their audio counterparts, podcasts. There are basically two ways to receive them:
- Direct download. Click on the “direct download” link on your favourite podcast’s website and save the file to your computer. You can then listen to or watch the podcast on your computer using a free media player like iTunes or Windows Media Player. Alternatively, you can transfer the file to a portable media player like the iPod. Advantage: Watch videos offline as many times as you like. Disadvantage: Downloads might take a long time depending on file size.
- Streaming download. Click on the “play” button on the podcast’s website to begin watching it straightaway. Advantage: You can fast forward through the video without having to first download the entire file. Disadvantage: Slow transfer speeds might disrupt the flow of transmission.
You can keep up with the latest releases of your favourite vodcasts by using free programs such as iTunes, Juice and Doppler to subscribe to their RSS feeds. If you are living overseas and would like to keep up to date with news in Singapore, you can do so by downloading vodcasts from websites like omy (www.omy.sg), The Straits Times (www.straitstimes.com) and STOMP (www.stomp.com.sg).
How to make your own vodcast?
Are you inspired by the vodcasts you have watched and want to try making your own? Just follow these simple steps to get started:
- Record short videos with your digital video camera, digital camera or webcam.
- Use your favourite video-editing program to tidy and clean up all those unnecessary shots in your videos.
- When you are satisfied with the results, upload your video files to a server so that your viewers can download them.
- Set up an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed for easy subscription to your videos.
- Start telling your friends and family about your vodcasts and ask them to help you spread the word around.
Video podcasts, also known as vodcasts, are basically video files that you can download for free from the Internet. The term “vodcast” can also refer to video files in a series, not just individual files.
Vodcasts are distributed in the same way as their audio counterparts, podcasts. There are basically two ways to receive them:
