For years, startup companies have been promising Web users the ability to listen to and view audio and video streams from far off places--a luxury previously not afforded to them without the purchase of expensive high tech equipment. For the most part, these companies have failed to deliver their promises to the masses, focusing instead on high-end users with high speed Internet connections. Times have begun to change with RealNetworks' recent release of the long-awaited RealPlayer Plus 5.0. Using a fast download process, users with standard modems can now access near-CD quality audio and high-quality video normally only available over faster connections.
Using RealPlayer, users can listen to and view thousands of hours of live and pre-recorded clips, including sporting events, live radio stations, news, music, lectures, and RealFlash animation. In addition, RealPlayer includes several different RealPlayer components and provides links to several Web sites loaded with exciting RealMedia content. The RealPlayer enables you to experience RealMedia files over the Internet or over a local area network in real time, without downloading the clip to your hard drive. When you click a RealMedia link from a Web page, your RealPlayer automatically opens and plays the file you have selected.
RealPLayer Plus 5.0 has been built around the new PerfectPlay technology, which creates a special buffer that decreases sound and image loss on poor Internet connections, improving audio and video quality.
RealPlayer's intuitive interface features the 40 RealPlayer Plus preset buttons to take you straight to your favorite news, music, and sports sites, just like a car radio. Choose your own sites or select from RealPlayer Plus Destinations sites. RealAudio & RealVideo content designated recordable by content providers can be saved and played back later without an Internet connection, allowing you to save time online or store content for later replay--just like a tape recorder or VCR.
The RealPlayer Plus' fine-tuned technology and streamlined user interface make for a combination unrivaled by any other audio and video streaming technology available on the Internet today.