Special Topics Questions

1. Where can I get information about creating RealVideo Content for live broadcasting?

   There are several places to obtain information about how to create RealVideo content for a live broadcast. One place which offers multiple sources of information about RealVideo and live broadcasting is the DevZone.

   An additional source for information is the RealEncoder 5.0 Content Creation Guide, available from the Documentation Library.

2. Can RealAudio and RealVideo files be streamed without a RealServer?

   Yes, in a limited fashion, RealAudio and RealVideo files can be streamed via the HTTP protocol without using a RealServer. To stream the files via the HTTP protocol, the metafile must specify http rather than pnm, and the Web server must be configured for the correct MIME types.

   There is documentation about the protocol and the process in the Knowledge Base and the Documentation Library. Another page with HTTP streaming information is available at http://www.realstore.com/source/source.html

3. How does the Web server need to be configured before files can be streamed using the HTTP Protocol?

   Before you can stream RealAudio and RealVideo clips via HTTP, the Web server must have the following MIME types defined:

   audio/x-pn-realaudio (files with a .ra, .rm or .ram file extension)
   audio/x-pn-realaudio-plugin (files with a .rpm file extension)
   

   Some Web servers are pre-configured with these MIME types. If you are using an ISP to host your site, send them email requesting that they configure their Web server with the MIME type information above.

4. How are synchronized multimedia presentations created with RealAudio and RealVideo?

   Synchronized multimedia presentations with RealAudio and RealVideo are created using the RMMerge tool included with the Encoder. For information about the RMMerge tool and instructions on creating synchronized multimedia presentations, read the Knowledge Base article - Creating Synchronized Multimedia with RealVideo Encoder 1.0 and later - found at, http://service.real.com/solutions/rve00017.htm

   Also, see the appropriate section of the RealEncoder 5.0 Content Creation Guide, available from the Documenation Library.

5. Can synchronized multimedia presentations be streamed without a RealServer?

   Synchronized multimedia will not work with HTTP streaming because the Web page and RealAudio stream occupy the same port. The loading of the Web page will knock out the RA stream. A RealServer is required to successfully stream synchronized multimedia.

   For further information about HTTP streaming, please see the following URL: http://www.real.com/help/content/httpstream.html