Web broadcasts are is essentially the transmission of audio or video on the internet. It is usually reserved fro non-interactive live or linear streams. A web cast uses streaming media applications to distribute content (audio/video) simultaneously to many (listeners/viewers). The transmission is either live web casting or delayed versions of the audio and video broadcasts. These web casts that are delivered can either be archived on the viewer’s computer for later viewing or is available on the website for an on-demand viewing. Net talk Live! is one example of a TV and radio delivered via the internet.

Present web casters are usually News radio stations and TV stations as well as many internet only stations. The popular web casting stations include BBC and CNN. CNet and other websites use web cast to show previews of movies. In many scenarios free web casting is used in e-learning and interactive learning. In some commercial applications it is used for keynote address, sales presentations, as well as for media and analysts briefings. Web casting is flourishing due to lower costs and accessible technologies. Technology based web casts related to computers are relatively popular so too is news web casts.

Web casting requires devices that capture audio and video. Broadcasting of the given media is done after the encoding device changes the media to streaming media. The stream is then delivered to streaming players. The basic equipment needed is a processor, sound and video cards, broadband connection, Speakers, broadband connection and the software to record and view/hear the media. Some of the software used to view web casts are Real video, Net Show etc. The steps in a web cast are

•Audio and video feed are acquired from sources or are recorded by the company intending a web cast.

•The media is then converted to internet delivery format using the encoder.

•These files are stored on the streaming server and links to these files are posted on the website

•A click on the link at the users end causes the delivery of the live on-demand feed to the viewers/listeners computer, portable device (iPod) or phone.

Web casting requires licenses to carry out internet broadcasting using copyright material. Licenses are issued by the copyright owner or through a statutory license created by the Digital Millennium Copyright act. With the statutory license the web caster would not have to obtain copyright from each owner. This applies to personalized programming, audio or other entertainment programs that are not sold or promoted. There are other conditions in the statue for the license.

Get a web casting guide to find out the equipment both hardware and software as well as to know more information on licensing. For example there are limits like not being able to play more than three songs from a particular album, prior announcements of the particular titles is not allowed, as well as paying royalty for the songs played. There are many other conditions that are required.

Web casting has taken an all new dimension with various websites and companies offering managed solutions to enterprises so that it could be used instead of video conferencing. The future of web casting is now managed web casting.