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Classic ASP Create XML for Podcast

Classic ASP VBScript
MS Access

Hello, all.

I have been scouring the net for a step-by-step on how to create a dynamic XML for a podcast, and I have found bits and pieces, but I must be missing a connection somewhere.

So - starting from scratch.

I have a site of a church with audio files for their sermons.
(http://islandchurchofwhidbey.org/sermons-videos.asp)

These audio files are dynamically pulling from an MS Access db via a simple recordset.

They would now like to have these audio files as podcasts.
The audio files are already edited and are MP3.

I guess my main hangup is regarding the XML Feed page.

1. How do I create the XML page? (Is there a template, etc.?)
2. Once created, do I just upload it to a directory of my choice on the hosting server?
3. Once uploaded, how does the XML feed get registered to, let's say, iTunes for users to subscribe to it?
4. Once registered, will the XML Feed point to the actual MP3 for a user to hear via iTunes?

I figure I will have to loop through the db with a recordset and dynamically populate specific fields in the XML list... just not sure of the format/template that is needed.

There may be a couple more questions I have, but these are probably the main ones.

Help please?

Thanks!
Shane

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Scott Fell

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lshane

ASKER

Thanks, padas.

I will definitely get started on working with what you gave me, but...

Once the XML is created, how is it "registered", or is it?

So, the idea would be for users to go to iTunes and "subscribe" to the church's podcast, where they would see a list of all the audio files (sermons).

So, I'll loop through the recordset to dynamically create the XML file, but I'm lost as to what to do with it after that. LOL

Scott Fell

For each feed you want to submit, the entity consuming the feed could have different requirements. You should check with iTunes http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1819 and the dirty details on how to set up the feed http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/specs.html

Check out soundcloud too for hosting your content. Or host your mp3's on google drive or a public dropbox or some other cdn. I wouldn't suggest hosting on your own site.

lshane

ASKER

Thank you, padas.

I'm working on it now - will hopefully have it ready to test tonight-ish.

ALSO - does the feed file have to have an ".xml" extension when submitting to iTunes for a podcast, or does it matter.

It seems I have to have the ".asp" extension in order for the server to perform the ASP function of looping through the db to output the XML data, but... will iTunes be "ok" with that, or will it be looking for an ".xml" extension?

Scott Fell

The file structure has to be xml. The extension can be anything the web server will interpret.

lshane

ASKER

Oh, ok, right... so the XML is INSIDE the ASP file... so I can just submit my podcast with the "link" to the INDEX.asp file, which will contain the XML feed information.

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Scott Fell

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lshane

ASKER

Thank you, padas.

Very helpful!