Podcast Formats
MP3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mp3
MPEG 3 (MP3) is a audio file format used for digital audio and especially popular with portable digital media devices sometimes called MP3 players. MP3 is the standard for audio podcasts, although other formats are sometimes used. There are many audio editing software programs that can be used to create MP3 files or convert other audio file formats to MP3.
MP3 Player
A device used to store and play MP3 audio files. The Apple iPod is one device capable of playing MP3 files. There are hundreds of MP3 players on the market. If you want a real cheap player, check out Ebay.
MP4
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.264
Mpeg 4 (also known as mp4) is a standard for video and audio compression. It is becoming the standard video format for the web, thanks to Apple, Youtube and Adobe. Mpeg 4 is the video format that the Apple iPod uses. Mpeg 4 is also used by Digital Video Recorders. It is the recording standard for Blue Ray DVDs. Dish Network and Direct TV are converting their satellite broadcasts to Mpeg 4. If you want to do video podcasts, Mpeg 4 should be your standard. If you want to do any video on the web, you should take a serious look at Mpeg 4. This video can be used on CDs, DVDs, Streaming, Podcasts, and on the Internet.
M4V
Another extension for MPEG-4 video.
M4A
Audio-only MPEG-4 files generally have a .m4a extension. This is especially true of non-protected content. The M4A file extension is something Apple started using.
M4P
P = Protected. M4P is an extension on MPEG 4 Audio files that are protected by Digital Rights Management. You will find this on audio files downloaded from the iTunes music store.
M4B
These are MPEG-4 audio files enhanced with bookmarks and/or graphics. If you use Garage Band to create a podcast with graphics, you will find an m4b file extension. This type of audio file is also called an “enhanced podcast.” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enhanced_podcast
