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Digital Media > Build Your Own Podcast on Mac or PC |
| What
is Podcasting? Podcasting on a Mac Audio Enhanced Video Podcasting on a PC Audio Enhanced Video Add Your Podcast to iTunes Resources |
| Building a Video Podcast | <-- previous | next --> |
In this tutorial, we will show you how to create a video podcast using a PC with the Windows operating system, free software, and an inexpensive digital video camera. To learn more about the various types of podcasting software that are currently available, check out our Resources page.
Technology Requirements
All of the below items may be available for sale at the UC Computer Store or on loan from ITC – call 974-9670 to learn more.- A PC running the latest version of Windows (specifically, XP Service Pack 2)
- Video capture hardware – such as an IEEE 1394 card
- Windows Movie Maker software –available for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (download here)
- A digital video camera – this tutorial uses the Canon ZR500
- A “firewire” (IEEE 1394) cable to connect the camera to the PC
- Video conversion software
Building a Video Podcast in Windows Movie Maker
The first step is an obvious one -- capture footage with your digital video camera! Then, log in to your account on the PC and open Windows Movie Maker. Connect the camera to your computer with the firewire cable and set it to “Play.”
Once the camera has been connected and set to “Play,” the Video Capture Wizard should launch automatically. If not, click the link to “Capture from video device” located in the left-hand menu in Windows Movie Maker. The Wizard makes video transfer a simple process—just follow the steps as they are presented.
When you reach the “Video Setting options” page, leave the default option selected. This should be “Best quality for playback on my computer (recommended).” Then, select “Next.” You have the option to capture the contents of the entire videotape or you may manually select partial footage. Be sure to deselect “Show preview during capture,” as this may negatively affect the quality of the captured video.
When the capture has finished, you’ll see your collection of captured clips.
To make your movie, simply drag clips to the video timeline at the bottom of the screen.
View footage in the Preview pane by pressing the play buttons located either directly beneath the Preview pane or directly above the timeline pane.
If you recorded audio along with your video footage and you would like to include those tracks in the movie, you’ll have to create the audio layer of your project by dragging clips to the audio / music timeline as well. Be sure to synchronize them properly with your video! Test the results by using the play buttons to move through your footage.
To create still images from your video footage, click the small camera icon beneath the preview pane when the desired image appears in the pane.
The still image will automatically be added to your collection of clips. Drag it to the timeline to insert it in your project!
Adding Titles and Credits
Enter title and credit information into your project by going to Tools > Titles and Credits. Follow the directions. Be sure to re-sync your audio and video if you insert titles or credits into your project!You may also choose to incorporate a title overlay into your final project—this places the title or credits over the images in your video.
Importing Audio and / or Music
Under “Capture Video,” select the link to “Import audio or music.” Browse to find the desired file(s), select them, and click “Import.” The file(s) will be added to your collection of clips and images. To add them to the project, drag and drop them onto the audio timeline and edit by clicking and dragging the edges of the clip.
Importing Pictures
The process for importing pictures is the same as that for importing audio and music.Saving Your Project
Saving the project saves the workspace for continued editing at a later time. This is recommended both during creation of the project and when the project is finalized.Saving Your Movie
This exports a file for viewing. The exported file is a final product and cannot be edited. This step must be completed before the file can be converted for viewing on an iPod or other mp4 or m4v player.When saving the movie, in Setting Options, be sure to select “Other settings,” and choose “DV-AVI (NTSC)” format. This is the file format that can be most easily converted for viewing on a handheld video player.
Converting Your Movie File
Your movie still is not in the correct format for viewing on an iPod or other handheld video player. You will need to run the .avi file through a converter to put it in the proper format (either .m4v or .mp4).To convert your movie file, open it using video conversion software. A free converter from Jodix is available through the Snapfiles.com site (“Free iPod Video Converter”). The same software is also available for free download from C|Net’s download.com website. You may also use proprietary software such as Quicktime Pro to perform the required conversion.
If you’re using Quicktime Pro, open the .avi file that you saved earlier, and from the File menu, select Export as “Movie to iPod (320 x 240). The converted file will be in .m4v format.
If you’re using “Free iPod Video Converter,” just follow the instructions, which are designed to be simple and intuitive. When you’re finished, the converted file will be in .mp4 format.
Please note: .mp4 format will launch in QuickTime from a web browser, while .m4v will launch in iTunes. Both will play on an iPod.
Posting to the Web
Now you’re ready to place your files online for public or student viewing. You have two main options:Volcasting@UT
Visit Volcasting@UT. If you don't have an instructor account, choose Request Volcasting Course and follow the instructions. When you receive a confirmation email (within the next day or so), go to Upload your Podcast. You will be asked to enter information about the podcast. To attach the file, navigate to the file you placed on your desktop and select it. The file appears, with description and RSS feed, under View Courses.
Volcasting@UT can be viewed by the public. UT instructors and their students can upload to the site.
Blackboard (Online@UT)
Post your file to the web. You can upload it to Volcasting@UT, UT's Digital Media Services, or your own site or blog. When done, make a note of the URL.
Log in to Online@UT, choose your course, and navigate to a Content Area. In Edit View, click Add External Link. Give your file a short but descriptive name and add the URL. Under Text, add any necessary details.
Your podcast is online!
Posting Your Podcast in iTunes
Interested in adding your educational podcast to the iTunes directory? Visit our Add Your Podcast to iTunes page.| <-- previous | next --> |
