New caster...suggestions for getting started? (repost)

This was posted a few weeks ago, during MLG Providence. I just wanted to repost it during a less busy time on reddit. Thanks again for the input!

Hello StarCraft community!

In the spirit of MLG this weekend, I have decided that I really would like to commit more of my free time to casting Starcraft II games, both at the amateur and professional levels.

I just wanted to introduce myself, and what I have been doing. I have been casting for about two months now, mostly with friends during CSL matches. It is something that I really enjoy, and would love to continue, but I need some advice from the SCII community.

I feel that I have a good working knowledge of the games, and I am extremely inspired by the current big names of casting, including Day[9], Husky, Psy, and even the old-school DiggitySC. I feel like I cast in a similar way to Husky (I find it easy to make fun of myself if I make a mistake) and generally try to fill quiet or stagnant portions of the game with a small plug of humor (at least until the action begins!).

My main problem is that I am able to cast replays that I download myself, but the mic on my computer is fairly poor, and cannot really pick up the sound of my voice in the best quality. Also, the files are generally quite large, and I do not have a great technical mind when it comes to formatting files, or adding sound clips to video, etc.

What I need the most advice on are the following questions. If you have any advice or answers to my questions at all, please let me know! 1. What kind of equipment will I need for casting? I have noticed that in MLG and in videos of other casters, they possess headsets with microphones. Is this typical equipment?

Are there any specific programs that I will need for my computer to aid me in casting? I have heard on several occasions that a file-compression program is needed to upload videos to YouTube (which I currently have a channel for).

What is the best way to go about combining video with my audio casting?

Is there a step-by-step thread for new casters?

I currently have a channel on YouTube, and I have been planning on getting a twitch.tv account (to upload casts there as well). Any other recommendations?

How can I get my name out into the Starcraft II community as a new caster without taking advantage of other casters' sites or channels, or without posting in r/starcraft continuously? I don't wish to waste anyone's time or patience.

Thank you so much, Starcraft II community! Have a great rest of MLG, and I hope many of you will be able to help me out! I hope I can post another thread soon with regards to casts that are viewable/audible with ME as the caster!

Play on, ZenChaos :p