Podcast Academy – The #1 Source for Podcast Education

Today I spent a few hours studying the documentation posted on various websites discussing the new Adobe Flash Player spec. and support for the h.264 video codec.

Before I continue, let me stress the new Adobe player is beta software with potential compatibility and stability issues. If you intend to install the new player, make sure you read the documentation provided by Adobe, specifically the importance of removing any previous installs of the Flash Player. In terms of compatibility, please be advised that embedded h.264 video will not play in a browser unless the new version of the Adobe Flash Player is installed on the local system. If you are distributing your media using this browser plugin, my suggestion would be to hold off migrating until the player is released on a mass scale minus the beta classification. What I do suggest is that you familiarize yourself with a few important issues.

As Doug Kaye points out in his latest post – this is a must read article , written by an Adobe Flash Player engineer. Besides the surface data and specifications, I found this particuarly interesting:

You can load and play .mp4,.m4v,.m4a,.mov and .3gp files using the same NetStream API you use to load FLV files now. We did not add any sort of new API in the Flash Player. All your existing video playback front ends will work as they are.

As long as they do not look at the file extension that is, though renaming the files to use the .flv file extension might help your component. The Flash Player itself does not care about file extensions, you can feed it .txt files for all it matters. The Flash Player always looks inside the file to determine what type of file it is.

Keeping this in mind, I removed the prior version of the Adobe plugin on my system, downloaded and installed today’s release as well as this popular Flash Media Player. I tweaked the source code for the XML playlist file as well as the destination html page, and uploaded the files to my server. I then encoded a short clip consisting of DV NTSC video using the h.264 codec within the MPEG-4 container. I maintained the native frame rate [29.97 fps], sized the video accordingly based on the html code reference that I specified, and set a data rate of 1500 kbps. On the audio side … AAC, mono, 44.1kHz, 128 kbps. Upon completion of the encode session, I renamed the file test.mov and sent it up to the server.

No luck with playback.

A snippet of the html syntax in the media player reference page points to a jpeg image that acts as a poster-frame for the player. Poster-frames offer a pleasing static visual introduction prior to the commencement of playback. Well my poster-frame was visible, but as I said, no luck with playback of the embedded video file. I assumed one of two issues: unsupported encoding parameters or compatibility issues with the media player.

Guess what? Changing the video file extension from .mov to .flv solved the problem. As soon as I edited the source code and re-saved the file on the server, the file played back perfectly. I was able to view high quality h.264 video and listen to high quality AAC audio as expected. Now I am far from a Flash expert, but I’m guessing that my media player of choice is limited to supporting files with the .flv extension – just as our Adobe engineer stated. The Adobe Flash plugin could care less about file extensions. As long as the embedded video meets the spec., the Adobe plugin will sense what is embedded in the media player source code and support playback.

** Remember: Beta Software. Install at your own risk.

We are pleased to announce the first release in a new series of Podcast Academy™ books. Late last year we were approached by Focal Press (the same publisher who does the National Association of Broadcasters book series) to do a series of professional level books geared towards how businesses, organizations and charities can use podcasting. It sounded like a great project and one we felt would support the goals of the Podcast Academy. These are books aimed at the podcasting professional.

The People:

We were able to assemble an awesome line up of contributors for this first book. Greg Cangialosi has done an outstanding job in the role of lead author. Greg runs Blue Sky Factory and has been involved with some impressive podcast projects including those for Disneyland, Pontiac and Verizon among many others. Greg is joined by an incredible group of contributing authors: Ryan Irelan of Airbag Industries & Podcast Free America, Colette Vogele of Vogele & Associates and Rules for the Revolution podcast, and Tim Bourquin of TNC New Media, producer of the Podcast & New Media Expo.

The Idea:

The book is written for businesses and organizations of all sizes. When we began to put together the outline for the book it was clear that there was no resource on the market for businesses and organizations and how they can leverage podcasting as a communications medium. This book is not another podcasting how-to or technical book, but rather a practical overview of the medium and how you can go about deploying it within your own organization.

The Book:

The book is broken into three sections and is roughly 400 pages. First is an overview of podcasting, examples of corporate podcasting, podcasting’s role in the social media landscape, and what organizations need to consider before jumping in.

The second section is an overview of the podcast production process. We cover everything from planning decisions, all the way through to the production of a podcast and the power of RSS. Also, in this section, we cover the legal issues organizations need to consider before they delve into a podcasting initiative.

The third section of the book focuses on podcast distribution, building an audience/community, monetizing content, and measuring success. Not only do we cover specific strategy for distribution but also include detailed chapter on podcast monetization.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to personally thank all the contributors for their tireless efforts, it certainly shows in the finished project.

The book is available for pre-order now at Amazon.

Internal data storage has reached the point where it can be considered ridiculously inexpensive. For example: I ordered my MacPro with the stock 250 gig hard drive. I have since added an additional 750 gigs [Western Digital 250 x1, Western Digital 500 x1] at a total cost of $170. This translates into a total of 1 TB of internal storage, with one drive bay available for an additional disc. Unbelievable.

How many of you store or backup data on removable media, specially DVD’s or CD’s? This method is a handy option in certain situations. The problem with this concept is indexing, especially if an abundance of small files are stored across a multitude of discs. I found a wonderful application that will maximize efficiency with external media management tasks.

On the surface Media Catalog is slick. The user interface has a clean design and it is 100% intuitive. Simply drag removable volumes onto the application, and the contents of each incorporated disc is embedded into a database. The disc contents will be catalogued for future reference. The key is that searching for and locating data does not require the discs to be mounted. Simply search for a file/folder/movie and Media Catalog will point you to it’s parent disc. One cool additional feature is a Statistics view that offers all sorts of valuable metadata, including information on files, folders, and searches.

Keep in mind specific file or data references are not required for efficient searching. The application does an excellent job anticipating exactly what you are looking for. Lastly, the application documentation makes reference to network compatibility. At this point I haven’t tested this feature.

Feel free to take Media Catalog for a spin. It is available for download on a trial basis or for purchase, priced at $24.99 US.

You will be impressed.

I was just reading through the Keynote ‘08 features on the Apple site. I’m excited about this new version. Besides slide creation, I find Keynote to be an extremely useful tool for graphics design.

You may be familiar with my Telos One Mix Minus article and diagram that is currently available on this site as well as on the forum. I’ve had a few people contact me asking what application I used to design the graphic. Guess what? I used Keynote to get it done. It’s just fantastic for design work. Completed projects can be used for slide presentations or captured as high resolution tiff’s, sent to Photoshop, and finished for various methods of distribution.

Keynote ‘08 has a new feature that I’m sure will come in handy for online media producers: Voiceover Recording. Think about this for a second … If you plan to create a self contained presentation with embedded narration, this is really going to come in handy. Let’s not forget that you can export a Keynote project as a self contained Quicktime movie. With this new recording option, Keynote now provides an easy method to create web tutorials, podcasts, videocasts … you name it. In fact, using high quality export settings, the exported movies can easily be incorporated into an elaborate Final Cut sequence. The key is full synchronization of audio and video right out of the box.

For example: create a slide presentation with elaborate graphics, builds, and transitions. Sit back and record your voiceover in perfect sync based on the project attributes. Render a high quality output source and import the clip into Final Cut for finishing. In fact, it’s possible the Keynote segment may be just a small aspect of a large scale video project. The key is you will be be working with audio and video that is pre-synchronized.

This is fantastic.

I’m not entirely sure how Apple has implemented this feature. I’m sure the application manual is currently available on the site. I should be receiving my box in a day or two. I’ll report back when I have additional information to share. For now I say nice job Apple.

Before I forget, have you seen the new keyboards? Talk about slick. I couldn’t resist. I ordered the full sized wired version. I should have it in seven days,

I have been recommending the KEL HM-1 microphone to media producers for over two years. In fact, we continue to include the HM-1 as part of our Entry and Intermediate Podcastrigs™ systems. The mic is the perfect choice for producers who are looking for a forgiving condenser mic that shares common sonic characteristics with established broadcast dynamics. Well I’m happy to report our good friend Kelly Dueck of KEL Audio Design is preparing to introduce the next member of the HM condenser microphone product line. Enter the HM-2d.

The first descriptive reference in the site text says it all: “The HM-2d is a unique large diaphragm condenser mic voiced to sound big and beefy — like a quality dynamic mic.” Prior to reading this I contacted Kelly. I wanted to make sure this new edition to the product line would be a good choice for online media producers, podcasters, or broadcasters. Kelly responded and was nice enough to offer a bit of insight. What I found most interesting is that he specified based on a flat frequency response and efficient control of sibilance, the HM-2d shares similar characteristics with another one of my favorites, the SM7B. Very intriguing.

Here are the Detailed Specs:

• Element: 1-inch externally biased center-terminated capsule
• Polar Pattern: “Small Supercardioid”
• Frequency Response: 30Hz-16kHz Sensitivity: -35dB±2dB (0dB=1V/Pa)Self Noise: ≤14dB A
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Max. Input SPL: 135dB (at 1kohm)
• S/N Ratio: 80 dB(A)
• Output Impedance: 200Ω
• Phantom Power Requirement: 48V

** The frequency response varies only about 2 dB between 70 Hz and 12 kHz.

I suggest that you visit the link at the top of this page. I think you will be extremely impressed with what you are about to hear. I was. In fact, I’ll be receiving a HM-2d as soon as they begin to ship. Look for a detailed review.

The HM-2d will ship in a foam lined box with a high quality shock mount. Besides the 1- year unconditional warranty, KEL Audio offers a 21 day satisfaction guarantee. Not satisfied? Return it in it’s original condition and you will receive a full refund.

The mic will sell for $149 US, and it is expected to ship in late August/early September. Currently there is a pre-order special. [$129] US.

Many of us have successfully migrated over to Final Cut Studio 2. I think it is safe to say that in this space Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack Pro are the most utilized applications in the bundle. What is the bottom line in terms of the learning curve? If we assess the suite cumulatively, I would be the first one to agree with the following statement: the studio suite is intimidating, especially if you are experiencing these applications for the first time, or if you simply had limited past exposure.

Have no Fear! The one thing that fascinates me about this toolset is how the incorporated applications can be used at various levels of complexity. For example: If you are a Mac user, and you are a podcast/videocast producer, the required $1300 fee for the box is probably one of the smartest investments one could possibly contemplate. Shoot some HD video, edit in Final Cut, tweak the audio in Soundtrack Pro, export to Compressor. Finish up by encoding a distribution video, an enhanced podcast, and a simple MP3. It’s all done seamlessly. Final Cut Pro is also gaining popularity in Hollywood. This software was used to post produce the motion picture Zodiac and many others. Need I say more? You now have the opportunity to own the software used by the industry’s leading professionals. Super cool if you ask me …

Prior to the latest FCP Studio release, I had no experience working in the fascinating world of 3D graphics and compositing. Now, thanks to Motion 3, I find myself totally consumed in this virtual environment. For me this is typical. If something catches my interest, it’s a done deal. I become totally consumed until I feel that I have reached a comfortable level of understanding and knowledge in order to enhance my own personal creativity. As for Motion, I have a few suggestions that I hope will help you to accelerate the process of acclimation.

First, grab a piece of stock footage or a clip from your personal media collection, and incorporate it into a Motion project. Place the playhead at the point where you would like text to appear. Activate the Text Tool, draw a text box over the video clip, and type a simple text reference. Now grab a random Behavior from the Library and drag it over the incorporated text. Play the clip, and watch the magic of Motion in RT. This movie can be exported and incorporated into a video sequence, or it can be used on a stand alone basis. The point is – the process is dead simple. By practicing simple work-flows, your proficiency will improve in no time.

If you are currently experimenting with 3D Compositing in Motion, you may have noticed an absence of detailed documentation included in the Motion PDF manual. [accessible from the Help Menu]. It turns out Apple provides a 100+ page supplemental PDF that focuses on all aspects of 3D animation featured in Motion. This document is a fantastic read, and it will definitely help you to develop a full understanding of all the new features.

Many experienced producers use Live Type for lower thirds, titles and text animation. This is another fantastic option. In my honest option I believe as long as you keep things simple and pace yourself, you will find that Motion is a wonderful tool. It is easy to grasp and fun to work with. Use it to enhance your video productions, and don’t be afraid to experiment.