Knowledge Forums

The Showroom: Setting Video Cover Art

2008-12-18T17:17:13-07:00

In episode 007 of The Podgineer, Chad Clark covered some unique production value found in the Passage to Peace podcast. Chad specifically mentions that this group of creative types embedded artwork into their video clips and how important that can be to presentation in iTunes. This is in response to that comment to ensure podcasters know how to do it.

The process of integrating a cover art into video is quite easy. In fact, it’s the same process one would use to embed podcover artwork into an audio file, which by the way, should always be done. Why more people do not embed podcover artwork into their media is beyond me since I believe it is so critical. Maybe it’s just not seen as important? Maybe it’s because nobody has taken the time to show how simple the process is? Whatever the reason, the following step-by-step process will allow you to embed the proper artwork into a video or audio file.

Before we begin though, it must be said that the result of not using an embedded graphic in the meta-data is a simple frame extraction from the video known as a posterframe. The posterframe represents one frame in the video and used in iTunes to represent the content. You’ve seen result before on YouTube and other like sites. When a posterframe is used in a podcast episode and displayed in CoverFlow in iTunes - it does little to inform the subscriber. It is also my opinion, that it’s also very unprofessional and I think that it has a negative affect on branding.

It should be noted, the following example uses iTunes to embed the graphic. Other applications can accomplish the same thing.

Step #1 - Import a final version of the video file into the iTunes player. The video will be located in the “Movies” library.

Step #2 - Select the video file and either do a Command-I or select Get Info from the File menu - either will work.

Step #3 - Once the Get Info pane is visible, select the artwork tab.

Step #4 - You have two options for importing the graphic into the now blank image well. The most obvious method is to select the Add button. The other is to simply drag ‘n’ drop a graphic file into the image well. Be sure to use 300x300 or 600x600 resolutions appropriate for your target audience.

Step #5 - Now that an image is in place, select Done and the image is embedded into the video file.

Step #6 - The next order of business is to move the file from iTunes back into an asset folder and the process is complete. Select the adjusted file and drag out of the iTunes player. The file will be copied to the location and it is now ready for uploading.

See, that’s not so bad! More and more podcasters are using embedded artwork in their media. I think its great and hope more will do it as it polishes off the media. Now that you know how simple this process is use it to properly brand your show and to create a better experience for the listener.

If anyone would like share other ways of embedding graphics into media files - please share them on this thread.

Engineering a Podcast Experience

2008-12-10T15:22:42-07:00

Everything that we do on a daily basis results in an experience. Some of those experiences are bad, others are good. Some of those experiences are the result of our decisions or planning, and sometimes they are forced upon us. In fact, from the time we wake in the morning to the time we go to bed at night we have experienced hundreds of stimuli. These effect our moods, language, attitude, and believe it or not—our health. If we apply this concept to products we seek out and purchase in the mass-market on a regular basis, it should become evidently clear that more often than naught we find the experience lacking. What causes this to occur?

Many times as designers, we assume the product is wrapped around our own desires or we place ourselves as the “Persona” to which design decisions will gravitate. Nothing could be further from the truth. While we may fit into the category of the “Audience”, we must first take ourselves out of the equation—completely. Digital media products must be tailor-made to fit a customer. As the designer, we must stand on the opposite side of the aisle of options as a unique observer in the selection and utilization process. We are also obliged to first respond to the needs, desires, and thoughts of our audiences, and then design around them.

Good experiences are planned and well thought out. Everything we do, weather it be reading a book, watching the television, going to the local GAP store, or enjoying a fine lunch at a local eatery; all requires that we enjoy our experience. If we don’t, well, we won’t go back—right? Why then is a podcast treated any different? I’ve prepared a sample section from the “The Podcast Engineer’s Guide to Podcast Experiences” to explain how an experience can be properly developed to attract and enhance the subscription environment. You may be surprised at the example used to make my point. I know that NME 2008 attendees in our hands-on training were. [see attachment below]

Finally, A podcast is definitely a bona fide product in the digital media market. Furthermore, it most certainly has an audience that has needs and specific desires that must be accounted for when developing the product. Moreover, the audience has a choice in what and when they decide to listen making it all the more difficult to plan and execute a winning strategy. However, if we’re paying attention to our development efforts, a good product will make our customer come back for more every time. Thus, our goal must be to produce a product that is an experience worthy of repeating.

For the community:

What specific aspects of podcast “experiences” are lacking? Which are attractive?
What aspects are in our control? Which are not?
What role does meta-data, i.e., title, description, summary, etc., play in the podcast experience?
As a designer of an “experience” what do you feel you most lack in your quest to create a unique product?

I’d love to hear your comments on this topic and your thoughts on this unique approach to media development. Please post questions, comments, your own experiences, and even rebuttals as it helps us to better attack the problem of achieving the “average.” As a community we need, in fact we must, create a working partnership in educating one another about unique develop strategies. At least this is the hope of Podcast Tuneup -

Note:Content taken from “The Podcast Engineer’s Guide to Podcast Experiences”. This guide will be available to all paying members in the Podcast Tuneup Community -

Pit Pass: iPhone Firmware 2.2 Update

2008-12-10T13:08:31-07:00

Episode 007: Discussion Segment - Michael Harper [00:16:30]

Podcasters rejoice! We finally have podcast subscriptions on the go - yeah. Well, sort of. In the Pit Pass segment of The Podgineer I discuss the iPhone 2.2 update and that Apple has finally allowed iPod Touch and iPhone users to search and download individual podcast episodes. You can’t subscribe! I won’t rehash that dumbfounded omission on Apple’s part here but you can listen to the segment by subscribing to The Podgineer from iTunes or download Episode 007 to catch the details.

The question I propose in this forum is: How does the long sought after functionality to download podcast media to Apple devices affect podcasting? Does it even matter? It is my opinion we cannot understate the importance of downloadable media, specifically podcast content, in an on the go connection as our listeners and potential customers demand it - anywhere and at any time. That’s always been the mantras of podcasting -

In episode 003 of The Podgineer, our 0 to 60 News segment “Wifi in the Friendly Skies” covered the airlines industry moving ever closer to full access to the Internet on flights. This is just one example of many that are now coming to fruition. The combination of wireless access and freely downloadable media bring to mind endless opportunities to distribute independent sources of content unfettered by sync connections. Of course, the magic won’t happen without us getting out and promoting it - no sir! We must become highly engaged in the topic and educate the consumer just as any other company will do with their products. That’s another segment for The Podgineer and a forum thread, but we must grasp the significance of what has now become another opportunity to spread the word about podcasting, its virtues, and the need for more plentiful independent content accessible to an ever expanding customer-base.

Do you agree, disagree, or silent? Now that I’ve said my peace, have your say! Start a new thread on a related topic. Be vocal and passionate -

Zune Development: Conversation with Rob Greenlee - Zune Team

2008-10-01T11:41:28-07:00

Phone Interview with Rob Greenlee - Zune Development Team

I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Rob Greenlee from the Zune Development Team concerning all things Zune and podcasting. Even though I knew the answer, from the conversation I sense that not only is Microsoft committed to the podcast industry, they’re making every effort to provide a robust experience as they continue to advance the Zune Software. So, as was twittered to followers and open for discussion by our community please consider the following questions. You may also add to the discussion to bring new ideas and information to the community -

Question: Rob would like to know if Enhanced Podcast Episode functionality is desired by podcasters and should be supported on the Zune?

Question: How many of you podcasters spend extra time fine-tuning your xml and embedded meta-data and testing it in various aggregators?

Question: What specific features are you interested in Zune supporting that may not be offered at this time?

Question: Have any of you tried the Zune Software and devices? What is your opinion of them overall and the podcast experience specifically?

Question: What is needed to advance the podcast industry as a whole? What are your needs and how can they be satisfied?

Ideas -

Interactive Podcasts?

2008-09-12T12:12:03-07:00

The idea of interactive podcast media has barely been discussed in the community. At Podcast Tune-Up we think it’s an important aspect of the future of the industry and a topic that should be openly discussed to bring much needed focus to the features and format support. Without podcasters nudging the industry we stand to loose out if our voice is not heard! Looking at new technologies such as Musicnaut’s MXP4 we get a glimpse of what could be. QuickTime has long held the promise of interactivity in downloadable media but has been stagnant due to leadership in promoting it. This has been witnessed by the demise of Totally Hip’s LiveStage Pro and no response from Apple to fill the void. In fact, Apple has always done a poor job at promoting QuickTime’s unique features and providing tools to exploit it. COuld it be that new technologies like SilverLight from Microsoft or Musicnaut will eclipse Apple? Maybe Flash-based media files offer a potential foundation for moving forward?

Who knows what the future holds but I think the podcast community needs to take notice and take a leading role in shaping its future! What do you think -

Links

Article link - http://www.macworld.com/article/135423/2008/09/format.html
Musinaut - http://www.mxp4.com/
QuickTime - http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/technologies.html
SilverLight - http://silverlight.net/
LiveStage Pro - http://www.totallyhip.com/livestage.html

Special Edition: New Media Expo Rap Up

2008-09-06T01:12:59-07:00

Episode 006: Special Edition - Review of New Media Expo 2008

All the Podcast Tune-Up team members took turns commenting on training events, the Podcast Tune-Up Booth, interesting people, and impressions of the New Media Expo 2008 held in Las Vegas August 14-16.

Highlights from the Expo - Risto Koski from Nokia attended the training session on RSS feed meta-data optimization. New PCTU online member David Gonzalez attends every topical session - way to go Dave! Jason Van Orden sees first hand why Mike Wisland and Michael Harper are two nutty professors of digital media as Twist Pop Fizz “caps off” a successful first round of episode planning. Glenn Gaudet from Treedia Labs/Podcast.com visits the team in the booth and learns first hand how Podcast Tune-Up seeks to influence the adoption of “standards” to help move podcasting forward. Rick Calvert from BlogWorld Expo invites Podcast Tune-Up to participate in speaking session Sept. 20th on the topic of “Ten Rules for an Effective Podcast.” The Zune Development team are treated to a four-pack of Jackson Hole Soda and an introduction to the PCTU philosophy. John Braun from Mac Observer, Adam Christianson of MacCast, and many others visit the PCTU booth. The list goes on -

Did you attend any training events in the hospitality suite? Thoughts on RSS descriptive data anyone? We put the juice on the Lou Dobbs Commentary feed - subscribe and see for yourselves why. How about the “Five Essentials to Rule your Video Camera or the session on Design Principles? Impressions on Twist Pop Fizz and the Jackson Hole Soda Co.? How about the PCTU booth? Your comments welcome!

Samsung Devices - P2

2008-05-15T13:51:51-07:00

Discuss Samsung P2 specific development and implementation strategies related to meta-data optimization.

Nokia - Nseries

2008-08-20T23:18:40-07:00

Discuss Nokia specific development and implementation strategies related to meta-data optimization.

Creative Devices - ZEN

2008-05-15T13:50:26-07:00

Discuss Creative specific development and implementation strategies related to meta-data optimization.

Apple Devices - iPod/iPhone

2008-05-15T13:49:47-07:00

Discuss iPod specific development and implementation strategies related to meta-data optimization.