I have just attended a promotional activity on the podcasting server which is now almost available from Apple. It was a very interesting concept, there are a number of things I do have to think about though, certainly as we are considering using the technology for straightforward recording of lectures.
The output generated is based around podcasting, you can easily create a number of different format outputs (audio, iPod ready video, streaming video). This is flexible enough to meet most demands. You can turn recordings on and off from a distance. In fact, you can even plan these in advance through a link with iCal. This is attractive from the perspective of the audiovisual department who do not have to be present to start and stop every recording. You do need a system administrator who is used to Apple or Unix servers.

The recording sets are extremely simple and cheap: a Mac Mini with a video camera and mike attached are sufficient. Recording is managed through a web interface on the podcasting server. A drawback is that you cannot check what the quality of the recording is like. This certainly is a limitation if you are using a set in a mobile setting. You cannot drop a recording set and hope for the best…

Although Quicktime movies offer multiple layers and chapters the solution offered today did not make use of these facilities. This definitely is a limitation as lectures are almost always accompanied by Powerpoint presentations. If the titles of the slides can be added automatically as chapters and the slides are available as a parallel stream this would certainly make the output a lot more valuable for students.

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