Podcast FAQs
What is a podcast?
A podcast is like a radio broadcast that has been made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player. You can use an iPod, iRiver, Creative Zen or any other mp3 player.
Do I need to pay for the podcast?
No. All the V&A podcast episodes are free.
How do I listen to a podcast?
You will need podcast software installed on your computer. iTunes is popular, free and easy to use. For other available software see http://www.podcastingnews.com/topics/Podcast_Software.html
To subscribe to a podcast in iTunes
- select ‘Subscribe to Podcast’ from the ‘Advanced’ menu
- type, or copy and paste, the url of the podcast (e.g. http://feeds.vam.ac.uk/vam-podcasts) into the blank field and click ‘OK’
- go to the podcast section of iTunes and you will see the new podcast feed has been added. The latest episode should begin downloading automatically
Whenever you start iTunes it should automatically download the latest podcast episode. If this isn’t happening check the settings in the podcast sections of your iTunes preferences (which can be found under the ‘Edit’ menu).
Do I need an iPod to listen to them?
No. You can listen to these podcasts on any mp3 player. However, with more recent iPods you will have the advantage of being able to view any images that accompany the audio. This is particularly useful when the podcast is focusing on a particular object from the museum’s collections. Video iPods will also enable you to view video podcasts, known as vodcasts.
You don’t even need an mp3 player. If you prefer you can listen to these audio files on your computer, either by playing them through iTunes or other mp3-compatible audio software, such as Windows Media Player.
