The client/server model is the core of Progressive Network's audio-video software. The server provides the content to the client (the Player) over networks such as the internet. You create content such as audio or video -- like radio or TV -- and encode it into RealMedia formats. These formats, from various codecs, are highly condensed. The enduser clicks on a website file, then the RealPlayer client requests your encoded content over the internet via a server, the RealServer sends it, the Player plays the file and the enduser hears, or sees & hears, (or interacts) with your content. Real Audio or Video streams on demand live over the internet, the files do not need to be downloaded. A good resource page explaining the technical differences between Server-less and Server-based video streaming. Take a look at Progressive's white paper on client/server software for more info. The advantages of the client /server model are:
Progressive sells both clients and servers, but also provides demo models of both for free.
The following sites have implemented RealMedia on the web in an innovative way, for such things as long distance learning. You need the RealAudio or RealVideo Player for these sites. The free RealPlayers are on the right side of the Real.com download page, the enhanced clients are on the left. These webpages provide documentation on their use.
3. Integral RealVideo Elements
RealMedia Formats
File extensions for RealMedia:
The Content Creation Guide is the place to get started creating RealAudio and RealVideo.
The Library page contains a download site for the 4.0 beta RealVideo Content Creation Docs in Acrobat Reader.
5. RealEncoder
To create RealMedia content you need the Encoder. It's easy to learn to encode files. The Encoder requires a juicy machine to do the compression algorithms, the 2.0 RealAudio Encoder version requires a Pentium 75 MHz, the 1.0 video Encoder version requires a video capture card and a P166 at minimum. A Dual Pentium Pro 200 is recommended for Live encoding of RealVideo clips. The Encoder creates RealMedia content for the RealServer to deliver to the client, the RealAudio and RealVideo Players. For developers it features -
We provide specialized development tools. Also take a look at the multimedia content tools.
It is possible to stream RealAudio files via HTTP streaming without using the RealAudio Server or RealServer.
6. RealAudio Codecs
Do you want your RealMedia files to sound better or do you want to use the bandwidth on the video portion of the clip? The new Encoder templates assist you in making decisions about which codecs, and video frame rates to use based on the quality of your content and the target bandwidth of your end viewers. The Content Creation Templates guide displays all the choices so that you can easily create your own new templates based on the following considerations:
RealAudio Codecs
Progressive sells Audio and RealServers based on the number of streams they produce. All the pricing is available online, you may purchase and download Servers from the website. A 30-day free trial version is available. If you wish to obtain only a few RealAudio or RealVideo streams many ISPs lease streams to individuals. I asked a server customer why he was purchasing the RealServer from us, what made it compelling? He said,
Progressive's site provides a ton of documentation online about using RealMedia tools, and how to overcome potencial difficulties. are extensive sources of information so you don't have to wait for someone to give you the lowdown. If you have technical questions, feel free to ask questions through a support request.Hard copies of the manuals are provided when you purchase Progressive Networks products, otherwise it is all online.
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designed and written by Linda Lane
Questions?Comments?
Last updated Wednesday, April 30, 1997
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