What is a PodTrip?
A PodTrip is an audio tour that you can play back on your digital music portable, like the Apple iPod. Participating PodTrip locations will have the audio tour available for download on the PodTrip Web Site, or the attraction's own web site. Download the audio tour to your digital music portable and bring it with you to the attraction. A PodTrip audio tour is the convenient and easy way to enhance any travel experience. Using your own player will often reduce the cost of your tour, and provide you with a clean, safe and comfortable audio tour experience.
Are these digital audio players really that popular? Aren't they just a fad?
According to a February 2005 article on MP3NEWSWIRE.NET, 22 million people in the U.S. already own a digital music portable. Industry experts predict another 20 million units will be sold this year alone. Very soon, a digital music portable will be in everyone's pocket or purse, right along side the cell phone and digital camera.
Do I need an iPod or can I use any .mp3 player?
A PodTrip will play on any digital music portable that can handle .mp3 audio files. Almost every digital music portable on the market can play back .mp3 audio files.
How do I get the PodTrip into my player?
Next to the description of every PodTrip, there are different file formats listed for download. By clicking one of the links, the audio file is downloaded to your computer. Using the software that came with your digital music portable, you can import this file into your player. iPod uses the iTune software.
If you would like to see a more detailed Playlist on your iPod or MP3 player's screen:
(1)Create a new folder on your computer called PodTrip.
(2)Download the .ZIP file to the PodTrip folder
(3)Double-click on the .ZIP file to "un-zip" the file. You should soon see numerous files now in the folder, mostly .mp3 files and one Playlist file. (ends with .m3u)
(4)Open the iTunes program, click the 'FILE' menu, select the 'IMPORT' option. Change the "files of type" box to "M3U Files."
(5) Go to the PodTrip folder and select the Playlist file (ends with .m3u).
(6) Select this and the PodTrip will appear as an iTunes playlist that can easily be copied to your iPod.
I see different file formats available. Which one should I choose?
.mp3 is the most universal format for audio files. This format should work on every player. Every format listed also includes the file size. You may want to choose the audio file based on how much room is available on your player, or if you are connected to the Internet via DSL or dial-up. We also have files in a compressed .ZIP format. This format provides a Playlist that your player displays on the screen. The Playlist allows you to quickly select different "tracks" of the PodTrip tour.
Can I play the PodTrip tour on my computer?
Yes.
Depending on what audio software you have installed (e.g. Quicktime, MediaPlayer), clicking on the 'single .mp3 file' link should play the PodTrip tour on your computer.
Some browser settings may cause the Podtrip tour to be downloaded first, then played.
Is there a charge?
There is no charge to download the PodTrip audio tour files. When you bring your PodTrip tour to the actual destination, most participating PodTrip attractions offer a discount on your admission ticket.
How can I get a PodTrip for my business?
You can contact us by phone at (650)347-2301. You can contact us via e-mail at podtrip@spectrumnet.com. The cost of producing a PodTrip despends on a variety of factors. If your attraction is currently using an audio tour on tape or CD or short-distance broadcast, we can transfer your existing tour to .mp3 format. If you would like us to produce a PodTrip tour or a PodCast for your business or attraction, please contact Gary Doss via phone or e-mail.
What is the difference between a PodTrip and a PodCast?
A Podtrip is an audio tour that you download into your digital music portable. A PodCast is an audio program, often updated daily or weekly, that features talk on a wide variety of topics
including sports, movies, technology or simply an individual's daily experience.
