Podcasting in Lectopia: iTunes vs. iTunes U

What is the difference between iTunes and iTunes U?

"iTunes U" is a server hosted by Apple in Cupertino, CA on which Duke has a presence.  We offer users at Duke the ability to set up "repositories" or sections in iTunes U, and Lectopia can be configured to automatically send captured files to these repositories.  One of the more common reasons for utilizing this service is the need to feature content publicly, since iTunes U has an international audience.  By contrast, "iTunes" is a desktop application (both PC and Mac) designed for the personal management of media files and podcast feeds. iTunes the application can work in conjunction with iTunes U, but you do not need to place files on the Cupertino server in order to generate podcast feeds in Lectopia. 


Return to Top

How can I generate iPod-compatible podcast feeds using Lectopia + iTunes?

There is a standard iPod-compatible setting in many Lectopia delivery groups called "iPod H.264 320x240 15fps 300Kbps" that is pre-configured for podcasting via OIT servers.  To utilize this format, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure the delivery setting "iPod H.264 320x240 15fps 300Kbps" is contained within the delivery group for the lectures/events you want to podcast
  2. In the Lectopia Administration interface (http://lectopia.oit.duke.edu/lectopia_admin/index.lasso) browse to the Unit Configuration page for your lecture/ event series and select "yes" for the "Show Podcast Link" option under "Delivery Options."
  3. Click "Save Unit."

Once you've done this, users who visit Lectopia pages to access recordings for this unit will see a "Subscribe to Podcast" link at the top of the page.  One of the options they will see when they click on this link will read, "ipod video, 320x240," which corresponds to the iPod-compatible setting indicated above.  To use this feed with iTunes, users will need to:

  1. Copy feed url provided by Lectopia
  2. Open their local iTunes application
  3. Select Advanced/ Subscribe to Podcast
  4. Paste the url provided by Lectopia into the field provided
  5. Click OK
iTunes will then automatically download new content Lectopia captures for this unit.

Note:  additional iPod-compatible settings (i.e., the larger 640x480 size) are available in Lectopia and can be associated with separate podcast feeds.  Please contact OIT if you are interested in additional settings.


Return to Top

How can I use Lectopia to generate iPod-compatible content for iTunes U?

To utilize Lectopia's auto-publish feature, follow these steps:

  1. If your group does not currently have one, set up a repository in iTunes U into which your Lectopia content will go.  You can do this through the Remedy system by calling the OIT Service Desk at (919) 684-2200 or sending an email to help@oit.duke.edu.
  2. Place the "repository ID" for your repository in the "LEID" field in the Unit Configuration page for your unit in the Lectopia administration interface (http://lectopia.oit.duke.edu/lectopia_admin/index.lasso).
  3. Include a delivery setting that publishes an iPod-compatible format (such as the one labelled "iPod H.264 320x240 15fps 300Kbps") to iTunes U in the delivery group for your recordings

If you have questions about any of these steps or would like more information, you can contact the OIT Service Desk, at (919) 684-2200 or help@oit.duke.edu.

Note:  the content you send to iTunes U does not have to be iPod-compatible (you could use other delivery settings than the one listed above), but it is usually recommended. 


Return to Top