Sidepodcast

Refreshing F1 Torrents

Way back in August of last year, we announced plans to make every Sidepodcast show available for download via peer-to-peer networks. At first we started slowly to ensure it was a viable and effective means of distribution and then as we've grown more confident with the tools, we've integrated them better into our work flow.

Each time we upload a new show nowadays, we'll release a corresponding torrent file at the same time. Additionally, after much effort on Christine's part, we've also managed to make the entire back catalogue distributable via P2P too.

Synchronicity I

One of the suggestions we received from Alex after originally announcing plans to support file sharing, was to provide a subscription feed for shows available in Torrent format.

This gave us headaches for a while, but we've now found a way to sync the Torrent feed with the traditional podcast feed, meaning subscribers will now be able to receive the latest show via P2P at the same time as iTunes users download directly.

Torrents are becoming a key part of our distribution solution, and if you've never tried subscribing in this way before, we highly recommend giving Miro a try.

The software runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. It can be downloaded for free and our podcasts sync and play seamlessly. We originally promoted the software back in 2007, but that was before Scott informed us it doubles as a peer-to-peer client too.

Synchronicity II

One thing we can do with torrents that we're constrained by within the Apple / iTunes ecosystem, is put out larger video files. Currently iPods are limited to a 640x480 pixel screen resolution and if we want people to be able to watch videos on the move, we can't go any larger.

No such restraint exists with desktop software though, so if you subscribe to the Sidepodcast Torrent Feed you'll be able to grab the 2008 Season Review in 720x405 pixel resolution. Bigger than you'll get on this site, or on iTunes.

As ever, do let us know if there are other delivery formats we should be considering. Falcon let us know this week that we're sort of accessible via a TiVo box in the US, even though we've never seen one before, nor have any access to one.

There's bound to be other formats and platforms we've yet to come across and we're always keen to throw more into the mix.

Bits and Pieces

Following up on an earlier post relating to torrent support at Sidepodcast, I figured it might make sense, having covered the reasons for using peer-to-peer technology, to also look at how it works from a user perspective.

Within the past couple of weeks, links to torrent files have been appearing all over this site. You'll find them beside episode names within the archive pages, in the small panel to the right of audio shows and beneath the transport controls in videos.

In order to use these .torrent files, you'll need some client software and recently we've been getting a lot of mileage out of Vuze. The software runs on Linux, Mac and Windows operating systems and it's free to download from the homepage.

Once installed, you can click on any of the torrent links on this site and Vuze will download the associated episode, partly from our server but additionally pieces will come from any other user who's also done the same.

You can track progress using the Download tab on the dashboard, and once complete the episode will play within the application. We've mostly been avoiding P2P software because until recently Vuze (formerly Azureus) was a bit geeky to work with, and to see just how geeky it used to be, try hitting the Advanced button. I'm sticking to simple windows for the time being.

Additionally, by using the integrated search bar, entering sidepodcast will bring up a list of audio and video that we've uploaded onto the Vuze network. It'll take a very long time to get everything published though, so for the time being we recommend using the various links dotted around this site.

There are of course other torrent clients available, and if you know of any good ones please do let us know. Also if you use Vuze, tell us what you think of it and feel free to add us as a friend by looking up sidepodcast.