The most exciting development in digital music and audio downloads was blown out of the water yesterday, when one elderly man asked for clarification on what was the difference between a podcast and a programme that had been taped off the wireless.

The Emperor’s New Clothes moment came at London’s Software-Expo 07, which showcases all the latest exciting computer and digital software technology. During a public presentation entitled ‘Podcasts – the future of communications’, a sixty-four year old grandfather put up his hand and said; ‘Sorry, could somebody explain to me exactly what is the difference between these ‘podcast’ and a programme on the radio that you recorded on a cassette and then listened to later?’

Chuck Epstein, the American software wizard who had travelled from Seattle to be at Digi-Expo 07, laughingly dismissed the question, saying podcasts were a whole new ball game, utilizing digital technology, downloading MP3 files, typically storing four gigabytes worth of files. But then another member of the public butted in. ‘He’s got a point though… I mean, we understand that how you do it is new. But what’s the practical difference between using the timer on your radio cassette player to record your favourite programme and this big new exciting idea of podcasts?’

Mr Epstein became increasingly tetchy at the interjections.

‘There’s no comparison. Podcasts are like a totally revolutionary concept, allowing you to experience audio files on the move…’

‘What like a Sony walkman, you mean?’ interjected the old man.

‘And podcasts can be made by anyone…’

‘By amateurs, yes. As opposed to producers at Radio 4 who have professional training and experience.’

At this point the presentation broke up amid jeers and catcalls, as members of the public became angry that they’d fallen for all the hype about the ‘Podcast Revolution’. Glossy leaflets were screwed up and thrown at the stage and one of the cardboard stands featuring a giant iPod was kicked over. To cheers from the crowd, one lady leapt onto the stage and shouted ‘If I want to listen to a high quality audio file, I’ll go the library and browse through the talking books section!’ and the humiliated info-tainer was forced to abandon the presentation. He was later spotted looking up the word ‘library’ on the internet.

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