Podcast
From TreoCentral
Contents |
Overview
Although it's relatively simple to transfer mp3s to a Treo and a podcast is often little more than an mp3, automatically transferring a podcast can be more difficult.
The first thing you will need is a podcast client - most use desktop software to automatically download podcasts. The most popular software for this purpose is iTunes. It is also possible to download podcasts directly to the Treo, although this is much more time-intensive.
The first requirement is that you have an SD card to store the files on. You will also want to use headphones to listen to your music, although there are other options. Finally, you will need software capable of playing the files. Some Treos come with these players by default, others need to be installed later.
Manually getting podcasts to your Treo - All Platforms
- remove your SD card and place it in a card reader.
- drag and drop the podcast files from either iTunes or Windows Media Player (10 or later) into a folder on your card, ideally the Audio folder.
- Unmount your card and insert it into your Treo.
- Refresh the media library in your mp3 player of choice.
Automatically getting podcasts to your Treo
PalmOS Treos
On the PalmOS, the most popular software is PocketTunes, although mOcean will be also discussed below as it makes automating the podcast process slightly easier. You may also play podcasts on TCPMP, which may be advantageous because it is able to handle a wide array of audio formats, including AAC, FLAC, and some Video as well.
mOcean - iTunes and Windows or Mac
The simplest solution is to install mOcean on your desktop and your Treo. Once that is done, you can open up mOcean's desktop client (OS Tiger+ required to work properly) and select the playlists you want to synchronize to your Treo. If you want to sync all of your podcasts, simply check the box next to "Podcasts."
If you'd like to sync only a few podcasts, you can set up a Smart playlist in iTunes that automatically includes recent podcasts - simply set the criteria to:
- match all of the following rules
- Podcast = True
- Artist contains "the name of your podcast"
- One recommendation is to enter a unique word, like "mOcean" into the Comments section of the ID3 tags, then set up a smart
- Limit to the most recent 2 or 3 songs by most recent to conserve space
The final step is to open mOcean on the Treo and tap the Sync button. The software will dim your screen, mount your SD card as a drive, and then automatically sync all of your checked playlists.
The Missing Sync - iTunes and Mac
The Missing Sync for PalmOS desktop syncing desktop software is able to automatically transfer playlists you choose to your Palm's SD card - as with mOcean, you can either transfer all of your podcasts or set up a smart playlist in iTunes to just receive the ones you want. These files will work with any mp3 player's software.
Windows Media Player 10 - Windows
First you must import your podcasts into WMP- you may either have WMP search your HD after your podcast aggregator (ex. iTunes has downloaded them or manually add them to your library.
Once the podcast files are in your library, Windows Media Player 10 is able to automatically sync with PocketTunes. There are extensive instructions available at the PocketTunes website. Briefly, however, you must plug your Treo in and then open PocketTunes in order for Windows Mobile to recognize it. See especially this knowledge base article.
Automatic Playlist Converters - iTunes and Windows
Developer Tea Vui Huang has created a program called "Mass Storage Synchronizer," available for download here. Originally developed for Sony Ericsson phones, there is a Treo version available.]
There is also the song list to m3u .net wizard which accomplishes much the same thing, although this playlist needs to be exported from iTunes and then importored into Windows Media Player 10 in order to be synchronized. This software also requires .Net.
Direct Download - Treo Only
On data-enabled Treos, you may use Blazer to navigate directly to the mp3 file of any given podcast. Most of these files are not set up for streaming, however, so this method is rather tedious.
RSS Reader - Treo Only
There are several RSS readers available for the PalmOS Treo. One popular reader is quick news, which can automatically download podcasts or other RSS feeds directly to your Treo for play by any compatible music player.
Windows Mobile Treos
Windows Media Player - Windows
First, you must be sure to install Windows Media Player 10 and in the ActiveSync options for you device you must check the box next to Windows Media.
Then you must import your podcasts into WMP- you may either have WMP search your HD after your podcast aggregator (ex. iTunes has downloaded them or manually add them to your library.
You may then configure your settings by clicking the arrow under "Sync," choosing "Storage Card" (or your device name if you wish to move files to the Treo itself" and then "Set up Sync." You may need to do this twice in order to set up which playlists you wish to use.
Automatic Playlist Converters - Windows and iTunes
The above-mentioned song list to m3u .net wizard will convert an iTunes playlist - although this playlist needs to be exported from iTunes and then importored into Windows Media Player - in order to synchronize it with a Treo. This software also requires .Net.
Direct Download - Treo Only
On data-enabled Treos, you may use Internet Explorer to navigate directly to the mp3 file of any given podcast. Most of these files are not set up for streaming, however, so this method is rather tedious.
RSS Reader - Treo only
It is also possible to install an RSS reader directly onto the Treo 700w. One popular solution is Hubdog, which combines a desktop client, a website, and a 700w client. Adding a podcast to Hubdog will allow you to directly download the podcast file.
