In addition to the streaming video channels, RealPlayer Plus 8 includes an integrated radio tuner able to search over 2500 internet radio sites by name, location or format. It also includes presets organized by categories such as Rock, Jazz, Sports, and so on. These can also be organized to suit individual preferences.
Some of the new features introduced in Real Player 8 include:
RealVideo 8 offers near DVD quality video at 1 Mbps or VHS quality video at 500 Kbps. RealVideo technology has been enhanced to create a smoother, more life-like video.
New visualizations have been added which provide cool visual effects during play, with such effects as fire, audio analyzer or nebula--to name a few. Each pulsates in synch with the music or audio stream.
After installation there is a whole host of other free software and plug-ins that can be downloaded and installed. One is iQfx™2.0 Basic from Qsound, which creates 3D stereo effects from your computer speakers
Support is now provided for over 20 digital media formats including MP3, streaming MP3, Flash, Liquid Audio, RichFX.
As with all former releases of RealPlayer, there is a Basic free version and an enhanced Plus version for purchase (currently $29.99). The Plus version adds such features as:
A 10 band graphic equalizer to fine tune your sound quality.
Smart EQ, which automatically detects the type of audio programming, music or voice, and adjusts the settings for highest quality accordingly.
Tint, Brightness and Contrast video controls.
PerfectPlay which will predownload data for uninterupted playback.
My Favorites which can create content bookmarks, personalized with icons and organized for easier reference.
A Selective Record feature to record RealAudio or RealVideo to play back later, offline. For this feature to work, it must be enabled by the content creator.
