Hardware
 
There are three things we need in order to do video podcast: Video camera, microphone, and A/D converter that sends video and audio signals to an iPod.

Video Cameras
Polycom PowerCam Presenter ($6,233)
The unit consists of four components: Video camera, control unit, ultrasonic transmitter, and remote.
The instructor wears the transmitter that sends three-dimensional coordinates to the camera assembly. Through triangulation, the camera determines the location of the instructor and pivots the camera accordingly.


Microphone
An ordinary unidirectional microphone is placed near the camera. Audio is routed to the D/A converter through hard wire. However, for best results, a high-quality wireless microphone should be used.


A/D Converter
iRecord Media Recorder ($199)
The unit accepts S-video from PowerCam Presenter. It also accepts analog audio from a microphone. Then, it converts both signals to a digital stream and feeds an iPod through a standard USB connection.
Note that iRecord Pro is now available that offers higher video resolution.

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