For each video podcast, we need a _ipod.mp4 encoding that is no more than 512kbps total data rate.

In addition, the headers of the video file must be formatted for iPod, iPhone and Apple TV playback.

Here are example settings in VisualHub:

The key settings to take note of are:
1) Select iTunes
2) Select “Optimize for All Devices”
3) Check H.264 Encoding
4) Enter 448 as the Bitrate for video
5) Enter 64 as the Bitrate for audio

Please note that you may want/need to make other settings based on the files you’re using (such as crop settings or frame rate). If you have the time, you’ll find that two-pass encoding will provide a slightly better quality file. Also, depending on the file input, you might find that forcing QuickTime decoding improves the quality (although it takes longer). Please spend some time with the VisualHub users guide

Windows users are free to use whatever software they want, but must make sure it outputs to the spec for iPods, iPhones and Apple TV with H.264 encoding and allows for bitrate selection of 512kbps total. Windows users should submit samples for us to test before attempting to publish for the first time.