What
is a Podcast?
Podcasts are a new syndication format for conveniently and automatically
distributing audio content across the Internet. Podcasts are based
on the same mechanism as Blogs, which allows for automated retrieval
and aggregation of content. In our case, the content is an MP3
audio file. This mechanism is called RSS technology.
The name "Podcast" was coined because the majority of
users played them on iPods, but you do not have to have
an iPod to enjoy podcasts . Podcasts are files that can
be downloaded and played on your computer with any MP3 player
such as iTunes, Winamp, Windows MediaPlayer and countless other
programs that are out there. Some people transfer the MP3 files
onto their portable MP3 players and listen to them at their convenience
and/or while they do other things.
"Avatar Studios Presents" podcasts
are typically around 30-minutes long and are in the format of
radio show with songs interspersed with comments by a host and
often includes interviews with featured artists.
Subscribing to Podcasts
What makes the process more interesting is that you can "subscribe"
to your favorite podcast using a program that can automatically
check for and download new content. The easiest way to do this
is to use iTunes
that has this capability built in. Other MP3 players are starting
to incorporate similar features. You can also use a free aggregator
programs such as iPodder,
iPodderX and
jPodder.
To look for podcasts, you can browse or search online podcast
directories included in iTunes
or look up directories such as iPodder.org,
Podcast
Alley and podcast.net.
If you like a podcast, you can show your support and appreciation
by leaving positive comments for other people looking for good,
quality podcasts.
Visit Podcast411
for a more thorough explanation.
For
Artists - How do I get my music played on the podcast?
Our aim is to promote artists to a wider audience, particularly
independent jazz artists. If you have a CD you would like us to
consider for the pordcast, please send submissions to Avatar Studios,
441 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019, Attention: Podcast Producer.
