E-Tricks - Podcasts - Editing and Making an MP3 or MV4

Suggested Audio Editing Software:

• Sony Sound Forge - Many different versions depending on what you want to do with it and what you want to spend. Windows based. Not good for multi-track, but really easy to use audio editing software. www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/soundforgefamily.asp
  
  
• Adobe Audition - Solid piece of audio editing software. Can be expensive. www.adobe.com/products/audition/
• Garage Band - Apple users only. Part of iLife. Can add images for an enhanced podcast. www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/
• Audacity - Free audio recorder and editor. Works on Macs/Windows/Unix/Linux machines. Very basic, can't even save as an MP3. http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/

• ProTools - Super expensive. Meant for advanced non-descructive multi-track audio editing. Takes forever to export audio. www.digidesign.com

Many of the recording options record in the MP3 format and most of the editors simply have an option to "Save as MP3". If either one of these is the case you should be able to move to the next step in the process.

If not you can use the LAME MP3 Encoder to turn other audio files like .wav and .aiff into an MP3. www.free-codecs.com/Lame_Encoder_download.htm

Suggested Video Editing Software:

• iMovie - Apple users only. Part of iLife. Limited, but very user friendly. www.apple.com/ilife/imovie
  
  
• Final CutPro - This is meant more for actual filmmaking. It is expensive, so unless you are thinking of making films this might be more than you'd want to invest. www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/finalcutpro/
  
  
• FinalExpress - Same as Final Cut Pro, however, it is less expensive and is best for standard definition video. FCE is not good for editing HD video, but great for web video. www.apple.com/finalcutexpress
  
  
• Vegas Video - Many different versions depending on what you want to do with it and what you want to spend. Windows based. www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/vegasfamily.asp

Most of the software listed above can export to MPEG-4, MP4 or MV4 - the formats that are used for iPods. If your software doesn't export to these formats, you can use QuickTime Pro for converting a file to be "iPod ready" or you can drag into iTunes and convert (Advanced > Create iPod or iPhone version) and then find the iTunes folder and copy out of there. QuickTime Pro gives other options and is easier to use than going the round about way with iTunes. QuickTime Pro costs about $30. www.apple.com/quicktime/pro/

Please also note that some of the subscription podcasting services will automatically convert your .mov file into "iPod ready" format as well.

Additional Tips:

Don't forget to check for educational versions or other discounts when shopping for software. If you have a friend or organization that has the software, see if you can "test-drive" before buying your own version. Make sure that your system meets all the requirements before purchasing software.

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