"Podcast"?

[DeadLily]

Speaking as one who does not yet own an iPod, could someone tell me the difference between a "podcast" and "a show-length mp3 that contains the content of a show"?

I have downloaded several radio broadcasts as mp3 files, but none identified themself as a podcast. Now my iTunes has a sub-library specifically for "podcasts", yet all my radio shows live outside of it. Are they breaking some kind of law? Are they podcast outcasts?

[Faustus]

I thinka podcast is a show you "subscribe to" it doesn't cost you money but (that I know of) but it automaticlly grabs new episodes for you.

[thecoalman]

Coincidentally I came across this the other day, it's simialr to a RSS feed.

[shelbyGT]

I have just 3 podcasts that I subscribe to via iTunes. CNN headlines, MSNBC news update and NPR story of the day. Listen to them on the way into work each morning since talkshows here suck.

[DeadLily]

So do podcasts exist as save-able mp3 files that I can throw into a standard playlist? Or does an older podcast file disappear once a newer show is created? Is the Podcast sub-library like Tivo?

[shelbyGT]

they are just standard mp3 files that iTunes will auto-download for you. You can save past episodes or have iTunes auto-delete them. You can search for podcasts on iTunes just like you do songs.