Recommendations for Formatting Video Podcasts

The iTunes podcasting team has just released some recommendations for formatting video podcasts now that Apple TV is here. Excuse me while I smile....

1. If you're encoding your video podcast at 320x240, please increase the resolution to either 640x480 or 640x360 (depending on the aspect ratio of your source files). Why? Because video podcasts at this resolution look great on Apple TV and still port to video iPods. Lower resolution podcasts might also work on both platforms, but they don't look nearly as good on a widescreen TV. As always, make sure to test any encoding changes you make to ensure device compatibility. QuickTime 7.1's "Export to iPod" function will ensure that a video file is encoded at a width of 640 and is iPod-compatible.

Ah yes, 640x360 is a great resolution for 16:9 content and looks OK on the iPod, your Mac and at a push, Apple TV . Did I mention I've been releasing my free feed in this resolution since October 2005!

2. It's best not to create two different podcast feeds for different resolutions. By doing so, you dilute the popularity of your podcast and reduce exposure in our charts. It's better to have one feed high in the charts than two that are lower.

Noooooo...... Create two feeds, one at 1280x720 and label it - AppleTV HD and then do a second feed at 640x360 and label it iPod. We need to be able to identify which is the good stuff and having a HD feed will give you some Kudos. If the bandwidth is a killer, get a Libsyn account or use a third resolution (960x540) to bring the file sizes down. Call the third feed - AppleTV ED (enhanced definition). As far as diluting exposure via iTunes, Apple - give us a way to aggregate multiple shows together so that people don't suffer from having multiple feeds. Did I mention I've been releasing my premium feeds in 1280x720 and 960x540 via iTunes since October 2005!

3. If your source files are 16:9, stick with that aspect ratio. Don't add letterboxing to make them 4:3. By doing so, you prevent the video from expanding to fill a 16:9 widescreen TV and instead end up with black space on all four sides. Also, your original source files should be at least 640 pixels wide.

Absolutely! Sorry, I know I may be repeating myself but it's great to be proved right and be ahead of the game :-)

Technorati Tags: Apple, Premium Podcasting, Apple TV, iTunes

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Should Apple start manufacturing insulin pumps?

Some people would be happy if Apple designed them. You might wonder: why should the coolest computer company consider a dull but vital gadget that keeps millions of people alive?

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Makes you think doesn't it? What if Apple applied it's awesome design and usability talents to products other than consumer electronics? Not going to happen but perhaps it would be good to see other companies taking a bit of a lead from Apples design philosophy.

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Blackfriars' Marketing: Behind the scenes: why Apple's customer base is so loyal and enthusiastic

The truth behind the scenes is not that Apple has a large group of customers that are too dedicated and passionate about their products, or the company as a whole. The reality is far more simple and obvious: Apple simply has a large group of very satisfied customers — and that's the secret ingredient left out of nearly every analysis or op-ed piece that mentions these "zealots."

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Pretty much nails it!

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HD Content on the Apple TV

Well you probably already know that ScreenCastsOnline produces HD (1280x720) content that's just perfect for the Apple TV (see link) but it's great to see other producers actually stepping up to the plate and publishing true 720p content for the tv There's a lot of rubbish currently available in the iTunes Podcast directory pretending to be HD when they are not 720p Well now the Washington Post have just launched a 720p HD service for the tv and it looks brilliant! They don't seem to have made it to the directory yet but you can subscribe using this link You'll soon see a ton of HD content starting to be produced and distributed this way. Could be the start of something huge!

Technorati Tags: Apple, Apple TV, On Demand TV, IPTV

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Screencasting 101 - Slot at Podcast & New Media Expo Announced

Just noticed that the sessions have been posted for the Podcast and New Media Expo in Ontario. I'll be attending and speaking at the event. My session has been placed in Track 5 - New Media for Special Interests and is scheduled for Friday September 28th @ 3:15pm. There is a permalink to the session here and also a discussion forum for the session here. I'll subscribe to the forum and respond to any specific questions about the session there, plus also take any suggestions for content. I did originally submit two topics for inclusion in the Expo, Screencasting and also Podcast Monetisation. I've got a lot of experience and information in monetising podcasts due to the fact the ScreenCastsOnline is my full time job and has been paying the bills for over a year. The organisers have gone with the Screencasting as the primary session as they had over 700 submissions for 60 slots so perhaps having 2 sessions from me wouldn't be fair. However, they have snuck in a reference to the monetisation angle in the session description so I suppose that this does give me the option to include this as well. I just don't know if that will be appropriate for the bulk of the audience who are coming to see the screencasting bit! I'll throw it open on the Expo forum thread to gauge the response. My flights are booked and my hotel (I'm in the Marriot) is booked so I'm really looking forward to the trip. If anyone wants to meet up during the Expo, just send me a note.

Technorati Tags: newmediaexpo2007

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