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[macfolk]

Hey Rolf,

I ran into a problem with the new video dimensions.  It won't load onto my iPhone (I would assume that any video iPod or iPod touch would have the same problem).  There is an option to convert the video so that it is compatible with the iPhone, but then it appears as a movie and not a podcast.  Also, you have to sync the movie manually rather than the automatic settings that you can use with the podcasts.  It certainly isn't a deal breaker.  I love the show so I will do what I have to do to get it, but I thought you would want to know anything that would change with your viewers.  Hope this helps you in your decision.

Michael

[w_nightshade]

In this forum thread I explain how to use MP3Tag to fix podcast videos so that iTunes recognises them in the right podcast feed. 

If you convert the episode that won't load (as I did) this is even easier - rename the original video, open the MTG directory in MP3Tag and copy the tags from the original file to your converted one. 

You may want to customise the columns in MP3Tag and add columns for:

%itunespodcast%
%itunespodcasturl%
%itunespodcastid%
%itunespodcastdesc%

[macfolk]

Thanks nightshade, but my concern was not how to get it into the podcast feed.  Once converted, it is quicker just to sync it as a movie.  My concern was that now instead of having the convenience of iTunes, where I download the next episode and it syncs up to my iPhone, I have an intermediary step.  Part of the pleasure of downloading your podcasts from iTunes is that it is so easy and streamline.  If Rolf believes the content will be enhanced because of the new video resolution, then I have no problem with that, but he should know how it is effecting his audience.  He did ask for feedback.

I do not know if this is an option, but a lot of video podcasts are starting to provide two separate feeds, one that is HD or computer screen resolution, and one that is for portable devices.  Like I said, with content this good, I will continue to download and convert if that is the way the show will come to me.

Michael

[Rolf]

I think we'll change to wide screen - the format has still to be discussed. I have to make some tests with file sizes, load while recording, conversion times and so on. Then there is the bandwidth question. But it will be wide and at least as large as the trial.

We'll offer a separate feed for mobile devices in a standard iPod compatible format. I can easily produce that too in the production chain. The second feed is easy since I have found out about yahoo pipes. There I can put the standard feed in and just replace the file names. 

This will come in the future, no idea when. ;-)

[w_nightshade]

Part of the pleasure of downloading your podcasts from iTunes is that it is so easy and streamline.  If Rolf believes the content will be enhanced because of the new video resolution, then I have no problem with that, but he should know how it is effecting his audience.  He did ask for feedback.

Fair point.  And I am in total agreement... I would rather have the video streaming directly as well. 

If I understand Rolf, we may have that intermediary step for a while, but eventually we will get a separate feed that will get us back to where we were.  Is that right?

[Rolf]

We'll have everything as it was until we have figured out how to make it new with all the comfort there has been. ;-)

The only necessary step for mobile device users wil be to change the feed.

[w_nightshade]

Thanks, Rolf!  As macfolk said, content this good will survive a few growing pains.  But the easier you make it on us poor iTunes users, the better.  Cheers!