Automated PodCasting

With the correct set up of equipment and software, it is possible to capture audio, video or data (with audio), send it directly to a webserver and have it available to students within minutes after class.

• An encoder must be set up to capture audio, video and/or data.
• A database must be set up with the appropriate information.
• QuickTime Broadcaster settings must be saved for each type of capture
  • Audio only (e.g. source = line in, compressor = MPEG-4 audio, rate = 48.000, Mono, 16bit...)
  • Video with Audio (e.g. source = DV video, size = 320x240, 15fps, key frame = 90, data rate = 600kbits...)
  • Data with Audio (e.g. source = QuickVGA2usb, size = 640x480, 1fps, key frame = 5, data rate = 600kbits...)
• Scripts must specify which broadcaster setting to open for each capture
  • Example: Classroom 101
  • biology 1 is audio only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays mornings
  • history 80 is data and audio on Tuesday and Thursdays mornings
  • politics 102 is video and audio on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons

• After each capture, a script is run that sends the file to the podcast server and file information to the database
• A php page starts iTunes and subscribes the viewer to the class he or she wishes to view.
• All classes that are available for download are listed in iTunes.
• It can be password protected.