Some downloaded podcast files restart in the middle

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Some downloaded podcast files restart in the middle

Hi,

Every so often, an audio podcast file (from any of a bunch of series I subscribe to) that iTunes downloads has the correct duration, but the contents are oddly corrupted: In mid-playback the audio starts over again. Say it's a 15 min. episode - after 5 min. it starts from the beginning, and it's missing the last 5 minutes.

The problem is in the file, so it's either:

1. Corrupt from the source - doubtful, as I've encountered this from various sources, and such a significant problem wouldn't go unnoticed.

2. Occurs during downloading.

Anyone seen this? Is there a solution? How can I delete an episode and redownload it in iTunes to test hypothesis #2?

Thanks much,

L.

iPod nano (7th generation), Windows 8

Posted on Jan 1, 2014 7:05 AM

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Answer 1

the fiend

Level 7

22,446 points

Jan 1, 2014 10:40 AM in response to agatsu

If you can download it from another source, do so. Then import it into iTunes and see if it plays correctly. It will import as a music MP3, but that won't prevent you from testing your theory.

However, you should note that the producer of the Podcast may have different host sites for the same Podcast, one for each different Podcatcher. So it may download correctly through one Podacatcher, but not another.

If all else fails, try contacting the Podcast's producers. It's in their interest to have the Podcast working correctly and they may be able to identify the problem more easily than you.

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Answer 2

agatsu Author

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Jan 1, 2014 11:00 AM in response to the fiend

Well, downloading it directly from the producer's site has been my workaround for this so far whenever this has happened. So I know it's not a general problem at the producer's end. Since this happens very irregularly and sporadically across various podcast series (from different producers), with no known correlation to anything, I suspect that iTunes causes it during download. Maybe something to do with momentary disconnects from the internet?.....

Is there a way to force iTunes to re-download a podcast file?

Thanks in any case for taking the time to answer. Much appreciated!

L.

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Answer 3

the fiend

Level 7

22,446 points

Jan 1, 2014 11:07 AM in response to agatsu

I download lots of Podcasts and I am not experiencing your problem. Which Podcasts are giving you the problem?

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Answer 4

agatsu Author

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Jan 1, 2014 11:49 AM in response to the fiend

I encountered it with a couple of episodes of the History of Rome podcast:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-history-of-rome/id261654474

Just had it with episode 9 of "A History of: Hannibal and the Punic Wars":

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/history-hannibal-punic-wars/id557854144

Likewise, 1 or more of the short episodes (under 2 minutes) of Scientific American "60-Second ..." (Space, Health, Science...), for example: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/60-second-science/id189330872

(not sure which of the several series this occured in)

From the files accumulating on my computer it looks like it also happened in episode #408 of Snap Judgement:

https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/snap-judgment-radio/id283657561

There may have been others. It's been happening sporadically over a good span of time (give or take a year).

Thanks,

L.

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Answer 5

the fiend

Level 7

22,446 points

Jan 2, 2014 11:58 AM in response to agatsu

I'm not familiar with any of those Podcasts, but the couple of them that I've tried have not given me any issues.

I cannot see a "contact us" on any of the producer's websites (blog sites), but if you go to the Podcast itself in the iTunes Store, there is a Report a concern and under reasons for concern there is Difficulty playing episode. You could try reporting them and see what happens.

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