PRSS ContentDepot Catalog FAQ

1. What is the PRSS ContentDepot Catalog?
   The PRSS ContentDepot Catalog is a web-based service that provides a single location to find programs, program information, and other related elements. The Catalog facilitates a powerful exchange of public radio program assets and information between producers or distributors and stations. The Catalog makes the most current program information available throughout the public radio community-in particular to station program directors.

2. What special features are in this version of the Catalog?
   The new version of the Catalog has many new features designed to make it easier to use for both program directors and program distributors. Two key features of the new Catalog are:

   • Producer-controlled listings: This version of the Catalog gives you, the program producer or distributor, the opportunity to manage your own program pages in the Catalog-whenever and wherever you want. You have complete control over your Catalog program pages, and you can add pages for new programs, make changes, or delete your existing program information.

   • Electronic submission for broadcast-audio: Using this version of the Catalog, you can submit your episodes and on-air promos for transmission via the System Technical Center (STC). That means no longer having to pay to ship your CD's or tapes to the uplink for transmission via satellite.

3. What does it cost to list my program in the Catalog?
   Producers or distributors who are registered with the PRSS and have an active account may list their program(s) in the Catalog for no additional charge. Producers or program distributors who are not yet registered with the PRSS must pay a $25 registration fee.

4. How do I list my program in the Catalog?
   Before you can log in to the Catalog, you must have a username and password. Any producer or program distributor who is registered as a PRSS customer is eligible for a username and password.

5. How do I get a username and password?
   Contact your Public Radio Services Account Representative or call 202.513.2600 for more information about getting access to the Catalog.

6. What items can be included in a program listing?
   Your program listing can include program information (metadata) such as description, length, broadcast rights, and contacts. Over 50 program metadata elements can be provided, as well as several user-defined fields. Additionally, you can include the following program files:

   Audio
   Program sample-can be full length program or program selections (mp3)
   Streaming sample (Real Audio)
   :15 promo sample (mp3)
   :30 promo sample (mp3)
   

   Graphics
   Program Logo (jpg or gif)
   Distributor Logo (jpg or gif)
   Print-quality graphic for download (tif or eps)
   Producer Photo (tif or jpg)
   Host Photo (tif or jpg)
   

   Promotional Materials
   Promo text (doc, txt, rtf, pdf, or html)
   Producer Bio (doc, txt, rtf, pdf, or html)
   On-air scripts (doc, txt, rtf, pdf, or html)
   Web modules (zip)
   

   Submission guidelines for file formats and extensive Catalog help are available online at www.prss.org/catalog.

7. How do I create audition samples for my program?
   The production software that you use to create your master sound file can most likely save the file to the audition formats (mp3 and Real Audio) used by the Catalog. If you are also planning to take advantage of electronic submission for your broadcast audio files, please refer to question #10.

   An online training module covering digital sound file creation is available at www.prss.org.

8. How do I create graphics for the Catalog?
   Graphics for the Catalog (e.g., program and distributor logos) must meet the size specifications outlined in the submission guidelines (www.prss.org/catalog). Graphics should be resized and saved in the appropriate format using any graphics-editing software (such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Photo Editor).

9. What if I do not have sufficient Internet connectivity to maintain my own program information?
   You can submit your program information, audio files, and graphics files to Public Radio Services for upload on your behalf. While there is no charge for this service currently, it is anticipated that charges will be assessed for these additional services in the future.

10. How do I submit my programs and promos via the Catalog to the STC for satellite distribution?
    The first step for registered PRSS users is to contact the STC at 202.513.2641. An STC supervisor will set up your Catalog account for broadcast submission and instruct you regarding the necessary file formats. The STC will test with you to make sure that your files are being formatted and submitted properly, and then you can start submitting your programs and/or on-air promos for satellite distribution.

11. How do I encode broadcast-quality program audio and promos for submission via the Catalog?
    Files submitted for broadcast must be formatted as follows:

    MPEG 1, Layer 2, 256 Kbps Stereo, 44.1 kHz, 16 bit

    To get the best audio quality, be sure to create each encoded file from the master sound file. If you are using a batch encoder, multiple conversions can be made in one session using the master sound file. You may use the tools of your choice to encode your files, but you must set the encoding parameters correctly for each PRSS file. Batch encoders are available for as little as $50. NPR Distribution is also evaluating other tools that will make encoding easier for producers.

    An online training module covering digital sound file creation is available at www.prss.org. The module includes a list of available batch encoders and other tools you may need to get started.

    For further information about encoding your files for broadcast, please contact the STC at 202.513.2641.

12. How does the PRSS ContentDepot Catalog interact with other websites that distribute public radio programs online?
    The ContentDepot Catalog is the most comprehensive, central location for stations to obtain information about public radio programming. This includes both scheduled and non-regularly scheduled programs from major distributors such as NPR, PRI, and WFMT, specialized services such as AIROS and Satélite Radio Bilingüe, as well as hundreds of programs from independent producers. Many of these programs are also made available in various formats on the websites of their producers or distributors, on station websites, or in other online venues.

    As NPR Distribution continues to move forward with development of the ContentDepot, the Catalog will serve as the portal through which stations will research programs, make selections, and manage program delivery via satellite or Internet to their PRSS-provided equipment. The ContentDepot Catalog also provides links to other websites featuring additional public radio programs and information.

    For example, NPR Distribution is currently working with the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), a new online service for peer review and digital program distribution via the Internet. PRX is one of several emerging "exchanges" or "collaborations" that the ContentDepot will support through its storage and program delivery services.