Being unable to attend a key talk or conference can be frustrating. But it is now technically straightforward, with computer software, for anyone to record presentations as a movie for permanent access on the internet. Such recordings can act as an invaluable library and learning resource long after the event is over. They greatly increase the potential reach of a message, aiding medical education, research, and the originators—think YouTube for medicine—as well as potentially reducing the relative carbon footprint and cost of medical education.

The software required is widely available and cheap—even free—and the only additional kit needed is a digital dictaphone with a microphone. Distribution of the recorded talks on the internet is also cheap and increasingly simple, and may be supported by the local hospital or university’s information technology department. In this article, we share our experience of recording 10 conferences in our field—cardiovascular magnetic resonance—ranging from a single local lecture to a large international conference with 1000 delegates, and resulting in an online library of 100 lectures. Although technically straightforward, the process still requires thought and consideration, and a cautious approach for the initial rollout. This guide should point individuals and organisations considering web casting in the right direction to get started.