it depends on the show, in-dept formats like triangulation would be perfect for audio only but most other shows i just want to watch. i also love the visual ad format, like demonstrating how digitalocean works and such. hard to beat with only audio.
I love to watch although I do switch to audio when on the move. I like to watch while I get ready for work and then switch over to audio while on my commute. Same video podcast stream by the way.
Depends on the show, I watch This Week in Google because there is more media content the hosts mention during the podcast, more things to āseeā.
On the other hand, I do listen to Security Now, since itās less visual.
@Leo - I replied to the survey - audio only. That being said - Iām an audio mostly follower of TWIT - with IOS today and Hands on tech being 2 shows that I have gone back after listening and watch the content.
I appreciate having the option, depending on how I choose to consume each show based on what Iām doing. Some shows have a lot of visual stuff that I appreciate, particularly photos or videos that come up in conversation that arenāt always in the show notes.
Used to listen to the shows with audio only, but once I realized twit had HD video podcasts, I havenāt listened to an audio only version since. Kind of not feeling Mikahās new show cuz I wonāt be able to always catch the live stream cuz of life. Iāve just come to prefer seeing the hostsā faces while listening. Now I do think there should be both a video and audio version of the podcast so every type of person could view/watch. Viewing in the windowed video panel on the iPad while doing other things is just more fun for me.
99% listed to audio while Iām doing other things. Only watch a minute or two of video when thereās something in particular that I want to see.
Depends on the show. If itās an interview-style show where visuals are not critical to understanding whatās being discussed, then audio-only makes complete sense. Could help TWiT trim some of the production expense without letting quality suffer. When I see a one man show like Jason Snell who is able to participate in, edit and post dozens of shows on his own, it should give Leo pause about all of the money flowing out of his company. Bigger is better, except when it isnāt!
I enjoy having the option of video. As Leo has said in the past it helps with building a connection with the hosts. And some shows are obviously very visual and itās necessary there. That being said I realise that adding video (especially in the studio) is expensive, so if I had the option between a new audio podcast and no new podcast Iād still be happy with audio.
Obviously content is more important than production value. But Iāve always appreciated the professional approach Twit takes.
I use RSS Radio podcast player app to watch/listen to your video podcasts. You have never mentioned this app, as far as I know. It has been supporting video podcasts since I discovered it some years ago. If other people know of any podcast apps that play videos, feel free to mention them, as I think they are few and far between. Although I have told the developer that I think it is a terrible name for a podcast app, it is a very capable audio and video podcast player, with all the features you might expect, and then some.
Pocket Casts works with video podcasts. It also has Chromecast support, so you can watch on bigger screens.
On the original question I much prefer watching Twit shows. Any that are audio only Iām unlikely to engage with.
Been watching shows on TWiT for over 10 years. I even teach IT courses at a college and at the beginning of every course suggest all of my students to check out TWiT. Everyones favorite part is the availability of video and audio. Obviously, shows such as Triangulation would be just fine as a audio only podcast based on the interview-type show it is setup as. However, almost every other show on the network leads to a lot of visual interaction and I have found connection to most of the hosts by being able to see their faces. I have attempted to go audio only so I could listen as I do yard work or in the car, but find myself just going to music until I can watch on the computer or Apple TV. It works great in the background or on a second screen or iPad next to my workstation as I work. Would be really sad to see the majority of the shows go audio only.
While I primarily listen to the audio versions afterwards due to my hectic schedule, I can absolutely see how a video version to some are a real need. A perfect example is the new Hands-On Photography. If Iām only able to listen, thereās much that Iām sure I will not truly be able to grasp without actually seeing what they are discussing at various times.
Agreed! I like to watch the video and canāt always watch live! Please continue audio and video options for all shows!
I appreciate the care taken to make sure audio sounds good across the board.
I started by downloading the MP3 file of what is now known as TWiT episode 0 from the Leoville website. Later, I got iPodderX so I could conveniently load subsequent files onto my iPod. I enjoyed listening as Leo built his business one step at a time. In my head, it was an audio version of Pournelleās Chaos Manor.
While all the video work at the TWiT studios was exciting for a time, the heart of TWiT is Leo talking knowledgeably with his friends. That works great on audio.
So, I like going back to the roots, and quality over quantity. I agree video helps build a connection, but I think it can be limited to special occasions or special guests.
I need to see and hear people talking in order to better comprehend them so Iām very sad about not being able to keep-up with @mikahsargentās and @matthewcassinelliās new show. I am subscribed though in hopes of eventually being able to see it.
Iām subscribed to a lot of podcasts, but the twit shows are the only ones I watch in video format. I used to just do audio, but over the years I transitioned to the videos. Normally I am doing something else while I watch, even if only playing a game on my phone. I was disappointed to hear that new shows are audio only, but I understand why. I will try them in audio format and see how it goes.
When I watch the videos - about 15% of the time - itās usually on a second/third screen or via PIP/always-on-top window. I can listen while working on other things, and glance when something demands or catches my attention visually.
Almost all shows on the network benefit from occasional glancing at the video, either because of website content being displayed, or product shots, or commentary over video coverage (like keynotes). Video isnāt always āessentialā - and in most cases it shouldnāt be, given Leo/TWiT is very accessibility-conscious - but it is helpful.
I am always more likely to watch This Week in Tech because it helps me remember and identify guests. Thereās also a lot more news stories, and many stories have video or photos.
Being able to see Iain Thomsons āfloating cowā picture when it gets brought up in phone camera discussions is a vital part of the TWiT experience.
Being egotistical, Iād say audio only is fine. I donāt live in the US time zone, so never watch live and I donāt have time to sit and watch the video, I usually listen (at 1.5x speed) in the car or whilst out and about walking the dog, in the gym, doing housework etc. So it really doesnāt bother me.
But for those that do watch video, I can see it being a big change for them, if certain shows are audio only.