Frequently Asked Questions

What is a podcast?

Podcasting is simply a series of audio or video files delivered to your computer via the Internet. However, with a true podcast, users have the option to “subscribe” to the program or course, much like a magazine, but free of charge.
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What is iTunes U?

iTunes U is based on the iTunes Store, where millions of people already get their music, movies, and TV shows. iTunes U is a new area of the Apple iTunes Store devoted entirely to education, where it’s easy to download educational content, including lectures 24/7.
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What is Emory on iTunes U?

Currently, Emory has an internal, iTunes U site accessible by those with an Emory login ID and password. The Emory community can access materials we are continuing to upload and students can access course materials for those courses using podcasting.
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How do I get to Emory on iTunes U?

Go to itunes.emory.edu and click on “Login to Beta”. Enter your Emory Network ID and password and the iTunes application will launch automatically, displaying all community content.
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When will the public/external iTunes U site be available?

Emory is currently building the public site, with a projected go-live date of Fall, 2008. If you’d like to stay up-to-date on the progress of this initiative, join the iTunes U-Announce listserv by going to this link and subscribing:
http://www.listserv.emory.edu/archives/itunesu-announce.html
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Does iTunes U work on both Mac and PCs?

Yes. iTunes U requires iTunes version 6.0 or later for Mac and Windows. Download here: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
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Do I need an iPod to use iTunes U?

No. You can access content on your personal computer through iTunes software. If you do have an iPod, you can sync it with your iTunes to download iTunes U podcasts to your iPod. If you have a non-iPod mp3 player, you will not be able to play .mp4 AAC files, but can play mp3’s.
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How do I create a podcast?

Different kinds of podcasts require varying tools to produce them. Simple audio podcasts may be made using standard computers equipped with a microphone and free audio recording software. More advanced podcasting may involve combining still images with audio (enhanced podcasting) or other digital or video sources. Emory’s Center for Interactive Teaching can guide you on production and help you with post-production. Register for a "How To" session, or email ecit@emory.edu to meet with a consultant or to schedule editing time.
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How do I contribute content to iTunes U?

Emory’s internal iTunes U site is currently being tested by a group of faculty and staff. We are now accepting requests to contribute materials to the internal, Emory Community site. For more information, please register for an informational session or email itunesU@emory.edu.
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What kinds of files can be uploaded to iTunes U?

iTunes U will distribute audio and video content and display PDF files.

Supported formats:

  • Video: M4V, MP4, MP4/H.264, MP4/H.264/Hinted, MOV
  • Audio: AAC, MP3, AIFF, Apple Lossless, WAV
  • For more info, view: Portable Content Formats

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What are Emory’s recommended media formats?

Podcasting or Web Playback/Download Audio
Format: mp3
Sample Rate: 44100Hhz
Bit Rate: 128kbits/sec
Filesize: Small, 1MB/minute

Video Podcasting (Vodcasting)
Format: MPEG-4 (.mp4 for Web or .m4v for iTunes/iPods)
Codec: H.264
Resolution:: 640 x 480 (4:3 source) or 640 x 360 (widescreen 16:9 source) at 24 frames per second
Average Bit Rate: 512kbps
Filesize: Large, 5MB/minute

*H.264 will provide for the highest quality file but will create files that are two to three times larger in data size and can take three to five times longer to encode.

If content will only be played using iTunes or on an iPod then files should be encoded using M4A(audio) or M4V(Video)

If there is a need for the content to be available using a device other than an iPod, then files should be encoded in either MP3(audio) or MP4(video). Files should be encoded at the lowest rate that provides the viewing quality required.

Your video source file should be at least 640 pixels wide and you should use the built-in iPod converters in Compressor ("H.264 for iPod"), QuickTime Pro ("Movie to iPod") or iTunes ("Convert Selection for iPod"). Each of these maintains the aspect ratio of your source file and results in an .m4v file containing H.264 video (Low Complexity version of the Baseline profile) and AAC-LC audio. You can do this in Quicktime Pro in ECIT. You can also do this in the iTunes application by dragging the file into the Movies library. Convert it by right-clicking the video (control-click on Mac) and choose "Convert Selection for iPod".
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Should I keep my own copy of my content?

Regardless of where you publish digital media, you should retain your own archive copies in formats that have minimal loss of quality and can be edited and re-encoded later. This future-proofs your content to some extent if media standards change or you'd like to distribute your content through a new technology.
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Why doesn’t iTunes launch when I login to itunes.emory.edu?

Make sure the iTunes software is downloaded and installed from apple.com/itunes

If you’re using Firefox as your browser, it may need to be configured to handle iTunes U.

1. Launch Firefox

2. Type about:config in the address bar, where you would normally URLs, and press enter. A list of all preference items should display.

3. In the filter text field, type itms and press enter to search.

4. You may see one or more preference items:

  • network.protocol-handler.external.itms
  • network.protocol-handler.external.itmss
  • network.protocol-handler.warn-external.itms
  • network.protocol-handler.warn-external.itmss

5. The value of the first two items should be set to true and the latter two items should have a value of false, if they are present. You should be able to double-click on the item in the list, to toggle the value between true and false.

6. To be sure, you can also add any missing preference items from the list above by right-clicking (control-click on mac) on any whitespace in the list window and choosing New->Boolean from the menu. Cut and paste the Preference Name exactly as it appears in the list above and choose the correct values outlined above.
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How do I learn more about iTunes U and podcasting?

Join our listserv http://www.listserv.emory.edu/archives/itunesu-announce.html or
register to attend an informational session.
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Is there a speaker release form I can use for events happening in my department or school?

Currently, we have a print form you may access here. Have the speaker sign the form and retain the original. Procedures for storing these release forms are being developed.
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May I place copyrighted material on iTunes U?

iTunes U is intended for non-copyrighted material or content for which copyright or distribution rights are held by the institution. For more information, view Apple's iTunes U Copyright Overview.

If you need help determining copyright or securing permissions for materials to be place on iTunes U, please email: scholcomm@listserv.cc.emory.edu.

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