About Podcasting  Criteria for Content  Formats & File Size

The University System of Georgia (USG) podcast server provides centralized Podcast hosting services for USG institutions and designated organizations or units. As a part of the iPod initiative, the server is available to Franklin College faculty and staff for the distribution of audio and video content for a variety of educational and information purposes.

About Podcasting

Podcasting is the distribution of audio or video files over the Internet using an RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feed.  RSS enables people to subscribe to a particular podcast and have it automatically download any new podcasts that come out. 

Podcasting has been associated with Apple Computer and iPods.  The name podcast comes from iPod and broadcast, meaning a broadcast that can be played on an iPod.  However, podcasting requires neither an Apple computer nor an iPod.  A podcast can be downloaded to any computer that has an RSS feeder to subscribe to the podcast.  A podcast will play on most MP3 players, although it doesn’t even require one to listen. 

It does not require a lot of fancy equipment to create a podcast.  The most basic podcast is a simple MP3 audio file that can be recorded with a regular microphone attached to your computer. 

Both Podcasting and streaming media allow audio and video files to be made available.  The primary difference with Podcasting is that, with a Podcast, the file is actually downloaded to the viewer’s machine and they can then keep it.  With streaming media, the file does not download to the viewer’s machine.  For materials that are copyright protected, or that are very large files, streaming is the best solution.  For materials that are not copyright protected, or that the faculty member does not mind the student’s keeping, a podcast may be a good solution.

Criteria for Content

As a part of the iPod initiative, Franklin College is interested in providing rich media to our visitors. Departments of Franklin College may submit their content for review by the Franklin Web Group. If this content meets the criteria set forth by Franklin Web Group, it will be organized and posted to the web. Once the media is uploaded, it will be provided to the visitor via a streaming media server. iPod detection is also available for visitors to view media via iTunes.

Content provided to the Franklin Web Group should meet the following criteria:

• Quality of audio/video must be clear and legible.
• Content will be viewed by the general public and must be clean and non-controversial in nature.
• Content should be appealing to the visitor and should entice them to continue to visit this section of the Franklin College website.
• Content should support the mission and vision of the Franklin College Office of Information Technology.

Formats & File Size

When possible, please provide files in QuickTime format (.mov)

Audio: 32,000 Hz, Stereo
Video: 320x240, 250 Kbps

File upload will only work if the file extension is .aif, .aiff, .mp3, .wav, .m4a, .m4b, .mov, .mp4, .m4p, .aac, .m4v or pdf.

File size must not exceed 1173741824 bytes. If your file size exceeds the limit, you may choose to slice your audio/video into separate clips.

Contact Franklin Web Group for more information.

Click here to view Podcasts