Automatic Podcast downloading software?

[Hi Ho]

On my HTC Evo (Android) I use an app called BeyondPod that automatically checks feeds and downloads new podcasts every night. I never have to hook it up to a PC to sync podcasts. All of the updated shows are there every morning on my way to work and I don't have to think about it.

I am looking for something similar in Windows. I want something that will simply check RSS feeds and automatically download shows (video) in the background, maybe at a set time every night. I have tried Miro and it seemed to be so bloated, slow, and just didn't download shows reliably.

I want simple, lightweight, and easy to use. Does such a program exist? I thought Zune would do it but closing the program stops all downloads. I don't want to leave it open all the time.

Ideally, I would simply like to stream Revision3 and TWiT shows directly to my Xbox 360 without downloading them first but that doesn't seem to be possible.

[dcm202]

Try Gpodder. It should be just what you're looking for

[David M]

That's great...thanks for that dcm. I had no idea something like that existed. I have been getting into podcasts lately but only what Apple has available.

[Hi Ho]

That program is almost exactly what I want. It has one major and annoying flaw (to me). It stays in the Windows 7 taskbar at all times when it is open. It has a "Minimize to tray" option but the icon still takes up valuble space in the taskbar. That just doesn't work for me.

Any other possibilities?

[David M]

Boy are you picky.

[Hi Ho]

Hahaha well I like to have the Windwos 7 taskbar set to "expanded" buttons that show text instead of simply an icon and having a program that is supposed to be running in the background taking up 2.5 inches of space on the taskbar is really irritating. I stopped using Live Messenger for that reason and switched to Skype. Then Skype started doing it! Skype actually trys to take up two spaces on the task bar all the time. They call it a "feature" I fail to see how it enhances my experience. Thankfully I can stop that behavior by running skype in Vista SP2 compatibility mode. That trick didn't work with Gpodder.

I think I found the perfect program though. Juice appears to be exactly what I want so far. It can start on boot, run in the background, schedule updates, and not bug me.

[dcm202]

Originally Posted by Hi Ho I think I found the perfect program though. Juice appears to be exactly what I want so far. It can start on boot, run in the background, schedule updates, and not bug me.

Be careful with Juice. I used it for a while and it has some serious glitches. I have a feeling you'll be back to Gpodder sooner or later.

[Hi Ho]

Update: I have been using Juice since I found it and it works perfectly. It downloads new podcasts automatically when they are released. It never bothers me, just works in the background. I can bring up Windows Media Center on the Xbox and watch the podcasts then delete them when I'm done. This is exactly what I was looking for. I have found no glitches as of yet.