What is a podcast?

There are lots of places out there that will tell you they podcast, but what is podcasting and what does it mean?

Well, the easiest definition to give you is that a podcast is (usually) a digitally recorded, multimedia program that is then distributed via digital or online means.

A podcast program can be audio (like a radio show), or visual(like a games review show).

The word 'podcast' is made up of two different words. The 'Pod' half of the word comes from Apple's iPod and the cast from broadcasting. However, despite this, podcasts are not exclusive to Apple or iPods.

How do podcasts actually work?

The podcast is fundamentally different from an ordinary terrestrial television or radio program for one major reason: the listener or viewer can choose when they listen to or view the program once it has been released for distribution. This is possible because the program is digital and can be distributed online ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú via the Internet ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú and available for download.

The show is downloadable as digital information ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú which means that the show doesn't have to rely on reproduction onto paper or celluloid ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú they simply need downloading onto your computer or storage device. Since a podcast is essentially digital information, they can be saved on virtually any device that will allow you to view or hear the podcast, such as on a computer or mobile device like an mp3 player, hand-held console and mobile phone.

How can I access a podcast?

Because of the podcast's history with the iPod, most people believe that the only way you can get a podcast is if you have an iPod or iTunes (the music program or 'software' that allows people to listen to their music on their computer). This is not true. Although iTunes does offer a search for podcasts and allows you to download them, iTunes and Apple do not have an exclusive hold on the production of podcasts.

Podcasts are usually produced by independent media companies like Rinzai Media as well as enthusiasts on many various subjects, ranging from informative shows about music, technology, gardening... to entertainment based shows that may also include music, technology or creative ventures into animation, for example.

Most production companies making podcasts will have links on their websites to their various shows, and you can access them that way, or, use a music player software which has a podcast search function on it.

Where can I find a pod cast right now?

Check out our podcasts!

We do our own podcast's. You can view them here: