Chapter 3. Using RealMedia

RealNetwork's RealAudio is a popular and easy-to-use format for streaming audio. The name RealAudio defines the audio component of the RealMedia streaming system. RealMedia is, in turn, one portion of the company's RealSystem iQ platform, which allows users to create, stream, and archive all manner of media-related file types including video, slideshow, text, and pictures (all with their standard Real prefix). The platform also includes e-commerce and digital rights management components.

One of RealNetworks' advantages is its SureStream technology. SureStream provides a simple way to encode a file only once to be delivered at optimal quality for users with different connection speeds. The SureStream technology is incorporated during the encoding process by embedding multiple audio streams in the encoded live stream or on-demand file. SureStream also enables the RealMedia player to switch bit rates in real time, offering some insurance for a smooth delivery of the stream across networks of fluctuating bandwidth.

NOTE

SureStream should not be delivered via HTTP/Progressive streaming. Refer to Chapter 1, " Introduction to Streaming Audio," for more information.