Free tools for vidcasting

This is a great list from Vidcast School on free tools to help create your own video podcast or show:

1. Windows Movie Maker – This nifty editor comes free with any version of Windows sold today.  It’s very easy to use, and outputs to WMV files which are simply transported into our next piece of software.  TIP: Make sure to upgrade to the latest version of the software.  Older versions lack certain features that may be useful.
2. Handbreak – This freeware encoder will convert from any major format into Apple compliant MP4 files. It also renders fast, saving you time.   Handbreak is a must have!
3. Audacity – As I outlined in my e-book, having top-notch audio quality is a must.   Audacity if a free audio editor that will work with many different formats.  Its noise reduction and effect plugins can raise your sound from “Ok” to “Wow!”
4. Blip.TV – If you can not afford to provide your own hosting, Blip is really the only free solution.  They will give your show its own page, send information to iTunes and even cross-publish to services such as YouTube. As well, they give you options for advertising that pays you a portion of the revenue. Of all the free video solutions on the Internet, they are the only company focusing on good quality vidcast shows.
5. XSplit Broadcaster – If you want to switch between multiple cameras, screen captures and even video games, this software is for you.  It is currently in Beta, so the developers are making it freely available.  Once the project is finished in beta, it will cost you $97 per year to register.  I know that moves it out of the “free” section, but if there is one piece of software you need to be a video podcaster, XSplit is the only choice!  To make up for the fact XSplit won’t be free forever, I’ve included a bonus!

Check the original blog post here: Vidcast School - Top 5 Free Tools for Video Podcasting

Know your limitations

Chances are, you want to make the greatest video podcast in the world.

Well, you do have to manage your expectations of what your final product will look like.

Cameras, lighting and processing all come together to give that big “Hollywood” feel to modern programs and movies. Unfortunately for most of us, that equipment is way too expensive to afford.

That being said, the modern availability of applications dedicated to “the little guy” who wants to start a video podcast which utilized properly, can deliver a “polished” product.

You just have to remember that you do not have a multi-million dollar budget (yet!) and as your audience grows, you can constantly make small tweaks that will amount to a more professional production.

Even if you only have a computer microphone and a web-cam or are going to record via an iPad or on a smart-phone, you can make an entertaining video for an Internet audience looking for original content.

As long as your content is entertaining, people will continue to watch while shamelessly sharing your show to all their friends.

Excerpt from the E-Book:  Top Ten Tips for Video Podcasts

Tips for getting the proper camera for the job

In my years of producing videos, learning camera techniques have helped my skills grow exponentially.

Although you don’t need a $5000 camera, you won’t be able to record a moving camera shot with your laptop.
You need the proper camera for the job!

If you plan on recording “on location” you will need a portable camera. You can use almost any camera that is hand-held including a cell phone video camera.

If you plan on recording a “talk show” type format, stationary cameras are preferred (Imagine holding your iPhone through the entire show!).

For my own video podcast, I have 3 mounted HD web-cams in my office - keeping the entire setup under $300!!

Excerpt from the E-Book:  Top 10 Tips for Video Podcasters

What is a video-cast?

A “Vidcast” is a buzzword to describe a very simple concept: a video file available on the Internet for you to watch. A vidcast can also refer to a series of these video files (similar to how a TV or radio “show” can be a series of shows or just one show).


ConwayCorp.tv

A “vidcast” is video content distributed via the Internet. It had originally meant video content distributed via an RSS feed (or iTunes), but has now grown to include YouTube, Blip.TV and other such services. This also includes “set top boxes” like the Boxee Box, Apple TV, etc.


VidcastSchool.com

Flixwagon brings Vidcasting to the iPhone

One thing I'm sure a lot of iPhone fans were upset about this week was the lack of an announcement of video broadcasting capability in the 3G iPhone. I mean, OMG, how else are we supposed to make obsessive fan videos of Britney Spears?!

Don't worry, the brilliant folks at Flixwagon are demonstrating live vidcasts from a jailbroken iPhone and are apparently working towards a true iPhone app that will work "as long as your battery lasts."

TV networks? Who needs 'em! We'll make our own entertainment.

Now learn how to do it!  

Free E-Book on Vidcasting

The guys over at Vidcast School just released this free e-Book of tips for video podcast.  They drop some great tips!   Here's a bit from the intro:

I have spent years learning these techniques and countless hours tweaking the method of producing a video podcast.

In this e-Book, I will detail some of the most important tweaks, tips and hints that can bring your program’s quality from amateur to professional just by following a few steps.

At the time of this writing, Video-casting is posed to be the “next big thing” on the Internet as more devices become available to watch the best content available in the world.

Are YOU going to be one of the pioneers of video podcasting?

Download the e-Book here!  Its free!