Direct Podcast Stream …
I have an interesting idea that I think a handful of producers may find useful. It is possible that the concept is already in existence …This morning I decided to implement a ‘playlist’ stream for The.Point. Not too difficult and surely not that big of a deal. Personally, I appreciate when a program producer provides a streaming option form their site. In this case there is no need to access the audio from my web browser and I am not forced to download the audio file. In case you are wondering, since I spend most of my time here in front of my workstation … I rarely transfer media to my iPod.
I put some thought into this and I realized that it is possible to create a proprietary application or player that serves a single purpose: Launch and Stream - specifically the most current program living on a server. Nothing more.
Here is the breakdown: An .m3u playlist file is actually embedded within the application itself. By the way an .m3u file is simply a text document with a url that points to a specific file on a server. In order to provide access to the media file via the player, the producer must include a snippet of code in the .htaccess file that lives on the same host web server. If an .htaccess file does not exist, this too is just a text document with a few lines of code. The key is that anyone who has interest in listening simply launches the proprietary application and the file streams. No downloading, no web pages. When the audio is completed, close out the player and you are done. Keep in mind that in order to take advantage of this, you must have the player installed on your system.
So again, what’s the big deal? Think about this for a second … I’m sure that you are aware of VersionTracker and/or MacUpdate? Would it be inappropriate to distribute the player as freeware in order to serve one specific purpose - in fact as a method to help generate expousre for your program to help expand your audience? What if you decided to offer pay only programming? Without the player, there is no access to the stream. Lastly, would this concept be useful as a method of direct communication with select groups of associates, business partners, clients, etc.?
RSS? How about an independent RSS feed that specifies new media is available for streaming? Of course updates and references can be included in existing feeds as well. In terms of distribution management, by naming the current and subsequent .mp3 files with a predetermined and static filename, all that is necessary is to upload the file to the server and overwrite the existing copy. The code in the .m3u file and the .htaccess file never changes.
There is a catch … it is necessary to build each player application on a case to case basis. I simplified this concept today. Album art and logos can be integrated based on specified graphic specs. Additional methods of customization are possible. After compiling, I would deliver the application to the producer fully prepared for distribution.
I’m interested in hearing any thoughts that you might have. You can leave a comment, or if you prefer, email directly.
[the image above is the actual size of the application]
-ptfigg.
Users want open media. The claim and backlash against orgs such as the RIAA is that they “don’t get it” as they proceed to push DRM onto users.
So, why would users want a proprietary player that only works for one website? Does that benefit or annoy them? Did youtube create value by making people download a proprietary player? No, it is easy to use, accessible and uses a web standard for playback, Flash.
If you really want to charge money for your streaming content, then just use a server side authentication and a standard like Flash for the content.
In other words, I think there are more creative ways to market your content than a propietary player that works on one site. Then again, I’m the type of person that doesn’t get the value add of the RealPlayer.
Good points. First let me state that I have no intension of ‘charging’ for my content. My guess is that there is a select group of content providers that are considering charging fees. Personally, if I felt that the material was worth it, I would pay for it. Talented people deserve to be paid for their efforts.
In terms of the player, or the concept, it would serve a unique purpose. If someone was ‘annoyed’ by the concept … don’t bother to download or access the player or the stream for that matter. I would not restrict access to my program in any way. The idea is to provide a variation in methods of access, like this:
http://www.newmediaexpo.com/audio.htm
In this particular example, I always listen to the stream or playlist version. Why not run a simple application to access the program instead of running iTunes or Real Player? Real Player is a nightmare.
In terms of access, I’d be alerted via RSS that new content is available and listen in with minimal effort …
-ptfigg.
Hi, I’ll start off by saying maybe I don’t really understand what problem you are trying to solve. Also, I do think content has value and can be monetized.
Maybe I don’t understand what problem you are trying to solve. You say you want to listen to streaming audio without running itunes? I can understand that. So my answer was to use something that is practically universally available, such as Flash, as opposed to some specific branded player to be downloaded.
In fact, the website you mention, does have a play button next to the title that allows playback through flash. The problem they have is the lack of slider controls for playback and volume. For an example of how to do this more properly, just look at what Digg.com is doing with podcasts.
OK, after thinking more about the concept you are expressing. Aren’t you describing podcasts? Audio content + RSS = podcast? Except you want it to stream?
Anyway, as an option you could use the suggestion of flash for playback and perhaps let people be notified of new content via email.
Good Luck and thanks for all your podcast / audio information!
Paul, I get it…I think, and I like it! I ALWAYS want a way to sample the audio file BEFORE I download, if I even need to download. Basically, what I get from your post is that you can make your content - music, interviews, presentations, whatever - available as a stream so listeners don’t have to download the files. On your original posting page, I am assuming the graphic is an illustration of how you would present this material and it DOES include a player, thus NO NEED to download even a player or depend on having the “right” player installed to be able to listen.
Enjoy your resources. Thanks!