How to create and broadcast your own shows over the Web.
Concepts
Webcasting is the production and distribution of digital media files over the internet using streaming technologies. It is most commonly used in the creation of web radio.
Basic Needs
A budding webcaster will need at least the following to produce a quality webcast.
digital recording medium
You will need to record your show/monologue/music/diatribe/video into a format that you can then stream over the net. There are multiple ways to do this, and you don’t need a full on recording studio. You can use a computer and a microphone, or any digital recording device. Many Portable Media Players, mp3/mp4 players, iPhones and other handhelds allow you to record audio and in some cases video files. You could also use a digital camera, or the video recording feature in many cellphones.
editing software
Once the file has been recorded, you could stream it as-is. A much better idea, however, is to edit your media file before sending it out for public consumption, especially if you are trying to produce something that sounds/appears somewhat professional. Even viral media have some production standards; better quality recordings circulate much more widely.
internet connection
If you are streaming directly from a portable device, and not making use of editing software, then you likely already have this covered. Many portable media devices and cells come web enabled. If not, then you will need to transfer your file to a device that has an internet connection (your laptop or PC).
Production
Development
Broadcasting
Considerations
Adoption and Popularity
A notable example of the concept of webcasting is podcasting, in which audio and video files are syndicated via web feeds using specific software designed for portable media players (most commonly mp3 players). Podcasting became popular among users of early iPods, and the word podcast is a portmanteau of ‘iPod’ and ‘webcast’. Podcasting has proved so successful that it has become synonymous with webcasting.
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