2072 BBC Radio 4 Podcasting

If, like me, you miss having the reassuring babble of BBC Radio 4 in the background once in a while, you may be interested to know that, as NeilMCN has said, you can get a streaming feed on your computer from the following address;
[url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/mainframe.shtml?http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/radio4.shtml?fm[/url]

The BBC is also 'podcasting' a number of programmes, which means that you can have your computer automatically record the latest edition for you to listen to at leisure - either on the computer or your MP3 player or iPod. Bliss!

The best way to set yourself up for this is to download and install [url=http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/]Apple's iTunes[/url] programme - its free and its easy to use - just look for the purple 'Podcasts' button and go and find the programmes in the Podcast Directory. At the moment, the selection of BBC programmes is limited (due to antiquated rights issues with recorded music), but my favourite is 'From Our Own Correspondent' which frequently features Italy, amongst other places the world over. This week, there's a report about the survival of the corner shop grocery in Italy, against all the odds.

The reason that I'm banging a drum for this is that the Podcasting service is experimental and due to be reviewed soon. It obviously costs them money to run and they get nothing back, because its free. So, the more people that use it, the more they'll be persuaded to keep the system and expand it.

Category
Culture & Entertainment

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/03/2005 - 20:28

I have been trying to download some of these MP3 files to listen to offline too, but on my standard RTG phone line and with my wee 56k modem it takes FOREVER ... I gave up after an hour or so. I downloaded some freeware called FlashGet but that also takes AGES so I have NEVER managed to do it and it's SO frustrating. Any tips for the lay person? I will try the Apple software ... At the moment I can't justify the phone costs to download even the limited programmes on offer in the trial

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/04/2005 - 04:24

Very good Marc - thank you - however, if you don't have an i-pod or other portable digital player - does this service have any advantage over going directly to bbc or npr web page ?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/04/2005 - 05:12

[QUOTE=sdoj].....does this service have any advantage over going directly to bbc or npr web page ?[/QUOTE]

Not really, but it allows you to 'listen again' & so not miss those killer programmes. As you say though, it's just as easy as going to their site..... it depends how mobile you are.

I have some podcasts that I listen to in the car...... I like the BBC R4 plays, but used to missed them as I was working. Now I can listen again on the M25 in the rush hour & get whistful when listening to things like [url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4485842.stm]From Our Own Correspondent[/url]

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/04/2005 - 05:19

[QUOTE=tuscanhills]Not really, but it allows you to 'listen again' & so not miss those killer programmes. As you say though, it's just as easy as going to their site..... it depends how mobile you are.

I have some podcasts that I listen to in the car...... I like the BBC R4 plays, but used to missed them as I was working. Now I can listen again on the M25 in the rush hour & get whistful when listening to things like [url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4485842.stm]From Our Own Correspondent[/url][/QUOTE]

have you hooked up an i-pod to your car stereo or do you listen with ear piece?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/04/2005 - 06:41

There are things that allow you to transmit your i-Pod output (or any digital device) that is then picked up on any FM stereo (you get nominated FM stations to dial into).

It basically turns your i-Pod into a mini radio-transmitter (so it's [b]not[/b] legal in the UK) but seeing as I bought mine outside the UK, I reckon I'm OK.

Try [url]www.eBay.co.uk[/url] & search for "I-pod & transmitter" & you'll get a bewildering array of them (usually supplied from outside the UK ;)) and if you get one that hooks to the cigarette lighter it's even better.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/04/2005 - 07:08

thanks for that this site is very good value for money!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/04/2005 - 07:46

[QUOTE=selva]I have been trying to download some of these MP3 files to listen to offline too, but on my standard RTG phone line and with my wee 56k modem it takes FOREVER [/QUOTE]

I suffer from the same problem too, Selva. At least with the Podcasting route, you avoid the continual jerky stop-start effect of the BBC's streaming feed as the buffer falls behind the speed of the phone line. I have an ISDN line and it takes about 25 minutes to download a 25-minute programme.

I have a friend who has a fruit-packing plant in the middle of the Ghanain jungle and it has an ISDN line. Here am I, 25 miles from the provincial capital of Perugia running a web-based business on a narrow-band line :-(
(and have you seen the price of mangos here?)