Real Audio

1
Real Audio

• Real audio is a file format for sound and video
  files on the web.
• Real Audio files are files with either a .rm or
  .ram extention.
• Real Audio format is a popular way to encode
  sound files, but can also be used to show video,
  or to broadcast low-bandwidth music or radio.

2
How does it work?

• Usually, Real Audio is a streaming format,
  which means that it doesnt download an actual
  file on your machine. Instead, what happens is
  that the host computer sends information to an
  audience members computer in real time. (The
  exception is archived files these have to be
  downloaded.)

3
Using Real Audio

• In order to use Real Audio or Video, potential
  audience members must have Real Player installed
  on their machines (more on this later).
• Once you have it installed on your machine,
  however, you can use it to play any Real Audio or
  Video file.
• Its a great way to share audio files with
  others. You can either encode your own files or
  find websites with applicable files.

4
Advantages

• Commonality used by many as a default format
  for sound/video files
• Works on all operating systems (Windows, Mac,
  Linux)
• Allows user to control playback

Click to hear sound file.
5
Disadvantages

• Requires Real Player
• Real Player is free, but is supported by ads,
  which will occasionally pop up on your computer.
• Proprietary cant play other types of files

6
How do I get it?

• If you dont yet have Real Player installed on
  your computer, you can download a basic version
  for free at
• http//www.real.com/

7
Archived Files

• Youll note that the assignment I gave you is to
  listen to two files from an NPR show called The
  Connection. NPR archives its previous content,
  so well have to download the files.

8
Archived Files (continued)

• First, follow the links to the two shows we need.
  Then, click the link that says Listen to the
  show.
• A dialog box will pop open and ask you if you
  want to save this file. Choose a location to
  save your file (the desktop is fine) and click
  Save.
• Repeat for the other file.
• Once your files have finished downloading, click
  on the file(s). Theyll pop open in Real Player.