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Why Choose Streaming Media? Introduction Analog media (VHS tapes, cassette tapes, etc.) can be converted to digital computer files. Using sophisticated techniques, the quality of the original video is preserved while the file size is dramatically reduced. It is this unique type of compression that enables files to be small enough to stream over a modem connection. In the first years of digital video, only the fastest computers could handle the massive amounts of data needed to deliver smooth video to the desktop. New advances in video compression technology, however, have enabled just about any modern computer to receive and playback streaming video over the internet. Streaming Media with RealNetworks RealNetworks has established itself as a pioneer and leader in the field of streaming media. Take Note has chosen the Real Audio/Video format for a variety of reasons. Among them is the cross-platform availability of the player software and its widespread distribution. In addition, a free version of the player software is available. The latest versions of the RealNetworks client and server software offer dramatic improvements to audio and video quality when compared with earlier generations. Using the new "SureStream" technology, several versions of an audio or video file are placed into a single RealMedia file. The server software dynamically chooses which stream to send, based on the user's connection speed to the internet and current level of network congestion. If a fast connection is available, the highest quality media is delivered. If network speeds are less than optimal, the software automatically delivers a smaller file to keep the video running smoothly. We have provided a sample video to demonstrate the kind of content deliverable via a web browser. Our sample streaming media is an instructional video demonstrating how to fuel a natural gas powered transit bus; a perfect application for online education. To view the sample streaming media files, a 56k connection to the internet is recommended. Please choose a sample streaming media file based on your connection speed to the internet. High bandwidth (T1, LAN, DSL, or Cable connection) Medium bandwidth (ISDN, 56k dialup connection) Low bandwidth (28.8 dialup connection)
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Real Networks
An Introduction to Streaming Media
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