REALSYSTEM™ PRODUCTION GUIDE
`Release 8
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`NEULION 1014
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`Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Companies, names, and data used in
`examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted. No part of this document may be reproduced or
`transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written
`permission of RealNetworks, Inc.
`©1998-2000 RealNetworks, Inc.
`The Real logo, RealNetworks, RealAudio, RealVideo, RealText, RealBroadcast Network, RBN, RealServer,
`RealPlayer, RealJukebox, RealPresenter, RealStore.com, RealProducer, RealPublisher and RealSystem, Real.com,
`and Real.com Take5 are registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc.
`RealG2 with Flash is a trademark of Macromedia, Inc. and RealNetworks, Inc.
`Macromedia is a registered trademark and Flash and Shockwave are trademarks of Macromedia, Inc.
`All other products and companies listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
`owners.
`
`RealNetworks, Inc.
`2601 Elliott Avenue
`Seattle, WA 98121 USA
`
`http://www.realnetworks.com
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`CONTENTS
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`INTRODUCTION
`How this Manual is Organized ............................................... 1
`Conventions in this Manual ................................................... 3
`Additional RealSystem Resources........................................... 4
`Technical Support................................................................. 5
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`1
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`1 WHAT’S NEW IN REALSYSTEM?
`What’s New in RealSystem 8? ................................................ 7
`What’s New in RealSystem 7? ................................................ 8
`RealPlayer 7 New Features ................................................. 8
`RealServer 7 New Features ................................................. 9
`What’s New in RealSystem G2?.............................................. 9
`New Streaming Possibilities ..............................................10
`Advancements in RealAudio and RealVideo .......................10
`Easier Presentation Assembly ............................................11
`Enhanced Protocol Support..............................................12
`Compatibility with Previous Releases.....................................12
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`PLANNING A STREAMING MEDIA PRESENTATION
`Step 1: Decide How to Deliver Clips ......................................15
`RealServer Streaming........................................................15
`Web Server Downloading .................................................16
`Local Playback .................................................................17
`Step 2: Choose Clip Types and Gather Tools .........................17
`Audio and Video ..............................................................17
`SMIL ...............................................................................19
`Animation .......................................................................19
`Images.............................................................................19
`Text.................................................................................21
`RealPlayer’s Update Features ............................................21
`Step 3: Develop a Bandwidth Strategy ...................................22
`Buffering .........................................................................23
`Audience Bandwidth Targets ............................................24
`Clip Bandwidth Characteristics .........................................25
`Reaching Multiple Audiences ............................................27
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`Step 4: Organize the Presentation Timeline ............................29
`Timeline Considerations...................................................29
`Timelines for Multiclip Presentations ................................30
`Timeline Management......................................................31
`Step 5: Create Your Clips ......................................................32
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`PRODUCING AUDIO
`Understanding RealAudio.....................................................33
`Bandwidth and Audio Quality ..........................................33
`RealAudio Bandwidth Characteristics ...............................34
`RealAudio Codecs............................................................35
`Steps for Streaming RealAudio .........................................38
`Capturing Audio ..................................................................40
`Source Media ..................................................................40
`Recording Equipment ......................................................40
`Input Levels .....................................................................40
`Volume Levels for Live Broadcasts .....................................41
`Sampling Rates................................................................41
`Optimizing Audio ................................................................42
`DC Offset ........................................................................42
`Normalization .................................................................42
`Dynamics Compression....................................................43
`Equalization ....................................................................43
`Encoding RealAudio with RealProducer.................................43
`RealAudio in MultiClip Presentations................................44
`Compatibility with RealPlayer 5 ........................................45
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`PRODUCING VIDEO
`Understanding RealVideo .....................................................47
`RealVideo Bandwidth Characteristics................................47
`RealVideo Frame Rates.....................................................49
`RealVideo Clarity .............................................................50
`RealVideo Window Sizes...................................................51
`RealVideo Codecs ............................................................53
`Scalable Video Technology ...............................................54
`Steps for Streaming RealVideo ..........................................54
`Recording Video ..................................................................56
`Source Media Quality.......................................................56
`Video Staging ..................................................................57
`Scene Changes and Movement .........................................57
`Colors and Lighting..........................................................57
`Digitizing Video....................................................................58
`S-Video Output................................................................58
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`Color Depth ....................................................................58
`Digitized Video Formats ...................................................58
`Video Capture Frame Rates ..............................................58
`Video Capture Screen Sizes ...............................................59
`Computer Speed and Disk Space ......................................59
`Encoding RealVideo with RealProducer .................................60
`RealVideo Streaming Speeds.............................................61
`Compatibility with RealPlayer 5 ........................................61
`RealVideo Filters ..............................................................62
`RealVideo Options ...........................................................63
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`PRODUCING ANIMATION
`Understanding Flash ............................................................65
`RealSystem Software Versions for Flash .............................66
`Flash Bandwidth Characteristics .......................................66
`Flash Clip Size..................................................................67
`Flash CPU Use .................................................................68
`Adding Audio to Flash..........................................................69
`Bandwidth Division Between Flash and RealAudio .............70
`Tips for Choosing RealAudio Codecs ................................72
`Using Flash Interactive Commands........................................72
`Flash Clip Timeline Commands.........................................72
`RealPlayer Commands......................................................73
`Go To Commands ...........................................................74
`Load Movie Commands ...................................................75
`Secure Transactions .........................................................77
`Mouse Events ..................................................................77
`Streaming a Flash Clip..........................................................78
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`ASSEMBLING A PRESENTATION WITH SMIL
`Understanding SMIL ............................................................81
`Creating a SMIL File .............................................................83
`SMIL General Rules..........................................................83
`Specifying Clip Locations......................................................85
`Linking to Clips on RealServer...........................................86
`Linking to Clips on a Web Server.......................................88
`Linking to Local Clips.......................................................88
`Grouping Clips.....................................................................89
`Playing Clips in Sequence..................................................89
`Playing Clips in Parallel.....................................................89
`Ending a Parallel Group on a Specific Clip.........................90
`Combining <seq> and <par> Tags.....................................91
`Specifying Timing .................................................................92
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`Setting Begin and End Times ............................................92
`Setting Internal Clip Begin and End Times .........................93
`Setting Durations.............................................................94
`Setting a Fill.....................................................................95
`Clip Timing Example ........................................................96
`Repeating a Clip or Group....................................................97
`Repeating Playback a Specific Number of Times ................97
`Looping Playback Indefinitely ...........................................98
`Laying Out Multiple Clips .....................................................99
`Creating the Root Layout Region ....................................100
`Defining Playback Regions..............................................101
`Adding Background Colors.............................................103
`Defining How Clips Fit Regions.......................................104
`Ordering Overlapping Regions with z-index .....................106
`Assigning Clips to Regions..............................................107
`SMIL Layout Example.....................................................108
`Switching Between Alternate Choices ..................................109
`Setting Language Choices...............................................109
`Setting Bandwidth Choices.............................................110
`Linking to Other Media ......................................................112
`Making a Source Clip a Link ...........................................112
`Targeting RealPlayer or a Browser ...................................112
`Defining Hot Spot Links .................................................113
`Linking to a SMIL File.....................................................116
`Adding Presentation Information ........................................118
`Managing the Playlist.....................................................119
`Using Coded Characters.................................................121
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`EXTENDING SMIL
`Defining Image Options .....................................................123
`Setting Image Bit Rates ..................................................124
`Overriding GIF or PNG Transparency ..............................125
`Linking to a Web Page or Clip.........................................125
`Controlling RealPlayer....................................................125
`Ensuring Reliable Image Transmission.............................126
`Popping Up New RealPlayer Windows.................................127
`Creating a Link for a New Window..................................127
`Examples of Opening New RealPlayer Windows...............129
`Caching Images Files ..........................................................131
`Using the “CHTTP” Caching Protocol .............................132
`Controlling the RealPlayer Cache ....................................133
`Authoring SMIL Files for Caching....................................134
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`PLAYING CLIPS IN A WEB PAGE
`Choosing the Netscape Plug-in or ActiveX Control ...............137
`Using <EMBED> Tags for the Netscape Plug-In................138
`Using <OBJECT> Tags for the ActiveX Control .................139
`Setting Basic Parameters.....................................................139
`Adding RealPlayer Controls ................................................141
`Basic Controls ...............................................................142
`Individual Controls and Sliders .......................................143
`Information Panels.........................................................146
`Status Panels .................................................................146
`Linking Multiple Controls ...............................................147
`Controlling Image Display ..................................................150
`Setting Automatic Playback ................................................152
`Laying out SMIL Presentations ............................................153
`Defining the Layout with SMIL ........................................153
`Defining the Layout with HTML ......................................153
`Parameter Reference...........................................................155
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`INSERTING ADS IN A PRESENTATION
`How Ad Streaming Works...................................................157
`Displaying Banner Ads........................................................158
`Laying Out the Banner Region ........................................158
`Setting Banner Ad Properties ..........................................160
`Interleaving Media Ads with Clips .......................................161
`Creating a SMIL File for a Media Ad................................161
`Disabling the RealPlayer Playlist ......................................162
`Playing Interstitial Ads....................................................163
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`DELIVERING A PRESENTATION
`RTSP and HTTP .................................................................165
`Which URLs use RTSP or HTTP.......................................166
`Streaming Clips from RealServer .........................................166
`Linking your Web Page to RealServer ...............................168
`Using Ramgen................................................................169
`Playing Clips from a Web Server ..........................................170
`Limitations on Web Server Playback ................................171
`Configuring Web Server MIME Types ..............................173
`Creating a Ram File Manually .............................................173
`Setting a Presentation’s Starting Mode............................176
`Adding Comments to a Ram File.....................................177
`Testing your Presentation ...................................................177
`Advertising on RealGuide....................................................178
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`C
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`Using RealNetworks Logos .................................................179
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`BROADCASTING A PRESENTATION
`Broadcasting vs. On-demand Delivery.................................181
`Broadcasting Tools ........................................................182
`Preparing a Broadcast ........................................................183
`SureStream Broadcasts ..................................................184
`Archiving Broadcasts......................................................185
`Broadcast URL and RealServer Parameters ......................185
`Trial Runs......................................................................185
`Advertising an Event.......................................................185
`Using SMIL with a Broadcast ..............................................186
`SMIL Limitations for Broadcasts .....................................186
`Including On-Demand Clips with Broadcasts ..................186
`Synchronizing Multiple Broadcast Streams ......................187
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`QUICK ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
`Creating Streaming Clips ....................................................189
`Getting Production Tools ...................................................190
`Using SureStream...............................................................191
`Writing SMIL Files..............................................................192
`Streaming Clips..................................................................193
`Advertising ........................................................................195
`Broadcasting .....................................................................196
`Getting Technical Support..................................................197
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`QUICK STEPS FOR STREAMING CLIPS
`Streaming a RealAudio or RealVideo Clip ............................199
`Embedding a RealVideo Clip in a Web Page.........................201
`URL Reference ...................................................................202
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`205
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`ADVANCED PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
`Viewing SMIL Source Markup .............................................205
`Smoothing Transitions between Clips..................................205
`Hiding Regions with z-index................................................207
`Writing Complex SMIL Switch Statements ...........................209
`Switching with SureStream Clips.....................................209
`Switching for Different Video Window Sizes.....................209
`Switching with Multiple Test Attributes ...........................210
`Switching Presentations for Different RealPlayer Versions .211
`Displaying Captions for the Hearing Impaired .....................215
`Filling a Captions Region when Captions are Off .............216
`Resizing the Playback Area for Captions ..........................216
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`SMIL QUICK REFERENCE
`Header Tags ......................................................................219
`<meta.../> .....................................................................219
`<layout>...</layout> ......................................................220
`Clip Source Tags ................................................................221
`Image Source Tag Options..............................................223
`Group Tags........................................................................224
`<par>...</par>...............................................................224
`<seq>...</seq>...............................................................225
`<switch>...</switch>......................................................226
`Hyperlink Tags ...................................................................227
`<a>...</a> .....................................................................227
`<anchor.../> ..................................................................227
`Pop-Up Window Commands..........................................228
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`SMIL LANGUAGE CODES
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`FILE TYPE REFERENCE
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`GLOSSARY
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`INDEX
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`INTRODUCTION
`
`RealSystem gives you the power to stream compelling multimedia
`presentations over a network. It includes RealServer, the most
`advanced streaming media server available, along with RealPlayer
`and RealPlayer Plus, the world’s most popular desktop applications
`for playing streaming media clips. This manual will help you
`produce your multimedia presentation, whether a simple video on
`your home page or a multimedia extravaganza.
`
`Tip
`To experience the many possibilities of streaming media,
`download RealPlayer from http://www.real.com, then
`visit http://realguide.real.com.
`
`How this Manual is Organized
`This manual tells how to assemble a RealSystem presentation. Although it
`gives tips on producing great content, the more you know about producing
`audio, video, and graphics in general, the faster you’ll put together a great
`streaming presentation. If you know the basics of HTML, you’ll find it easy to
`pick up SMIL, the language used to assemble RealSystem presentations.
`
`Note
`This manual does not explain how to use RealSystem
`tools like RealProducer. For specific information about
`using a tool, refer to the tool’s manual or online help.
`
`Chapter 1: What’s New in RealSystem?
`If you’re familiar with previous versions of RealSystem, this chapter will give
`you a quick update on the many changes in this version of RealSystem.
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` Introduction
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`RealSystem G2 Production Guide
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`Chapter 2: Planning a Streaming Media Presentation
`If you are new to streaming media, this chapter walks you through the steps
`you take to put together a RealSystem presentation, explaining bandwidth
`and timeline concerns.
`
`Chapter 3: Producing Audio
`This chapter gives you the background you need to create a RealAudio file. It
`then provides pointers on capturing and digitizing high-quality audio.
`
`Chapter 4: Producing Video
`Read this chapter to learn how to capture high-quality video and optimize it
`for conversion to RealVideo.
`
`Chapter 5: Producing Animation
`Macromedia’s Flash produces dazzling animated presentations. This chapter
`explains how to stream Flash clips with RealSystem.
`
`Chapter 6: Assembling a Presentation with SMIL
`After you create your multimedia clips, you write a SMIL file that pulls the
`presentation together. This chapter explains how to use SMIL to specify when
`and how each part of your presentation plays.
`
`Chapter 7: Extending SMIL
`RealNetworks has developed several extensions to SMIL that enhance its
`media streaming capabilities. This chapter explains these extensions, which
`work only with RealServer and RealPlayer.
`
`Chapter 8: Playing Clips in a Web Page
`If you want to integrate your presentation seamlessly into your Web page,
`follow the instructions in this chapter.
`
`Chapter 9: Inserting Ads in a Presentation
`This chapter explains how to use SMIL to insert ads into your streaming
`presentation.
`
`Chapter 10: Delivering a Presentation
`This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for moving your streaming
`clips to RealServer and linking your Web page to them. It also explains how to
`use a Web server to deliver simple presentations.
`
`Chapter 11: Broadcasting a Presentation
`Refer to this chapter if you plan to broadcast an audio or video event.
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`Appendix A: Quick Answers to Common Questions
`If you are new to RealSystem, this appendix answers basic production
`questions and points you to additional resources on the Internet.
`
`Appendix B: Quick Steps for Streaming Clips
`This appendix lists the basic steps you take to get a clip to stream from
`RealServer or a Web server.
`
`Appendix C: Advanced Production Techniques
`For advanced users, this appendix conveys useful production techniques that
`help you get the most out of RealSystem.
`
`Appendix D: SMIL Quick Reference
`Once you understand SMIL as described in Chapter 6, use Appendix D as a
`reference when writing SMIL files.
`
`Appendix E: SMIL Language Codes
`If you create clips in different languages, you can use these codes in a SMIL
`file to indicate language choices.
`
`Appendix F: File Type Reference
`This appendix provides a quick reference for common file types used in
`RealSystem streaming.
`
`Conventions in this Manual
`The following table explains the conventions used in this manual.
`
`Convention
`variables
`
`Notational Conventions
`Meaning
`Italicized text represents variables. Substitute values
`appropriate for your situation.
`Bolded text is used for emphasis.
`Square brackets indicate optional values you may or may
`not need to use.
`choice 1|choice 2 Vertical lines separate values you can choose between.
`...
`Ellipses indicate nonessential information omitted from
`the example.
`
`emphasis
`[options]
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`RealSystem G2 Production Guide
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`Additional RealSystem Resources
`Most RealNetworks manuals are available in both PDF and HTML formats
`from the RealNetworks documentation library. The library’s main page is at
`http://service.real.com/help/library/index.html. In addition to this
`production guide, you may need the following resources:
`
`(cid:127) RealText Authoring Guide
`This manual explains how to create streaming text. You can use RealText,
`for example, to create a stock ticker or provide video subtitles. Get this
`manual at http://service.real.com/help/library/encoders.html.
`
`(cid:127) RealPix Authoring Guide
`With RealPix you can create streaming slideshows of still images. RealPix
`Authoring Guide explains how to put a RealPix presentation together with
`special effects such as fades and zooms. You can find this manual at
`http://service.real.com/help/library/encoders.html.
`
`(cid:127) RealServer Administration Guide
`The basic reference for the RealServer administrator, this manual explains
`how to set up, configure, and run RealServer to stream multimedia. You
`need this manual only if you are running RealServer yourself. It is
`available at http://service.real.com/help/library/servers.html.
`
`(cid:127) Embedded RealPlayer Extended Functionality Guide
`This guide supplements RealSystem Production Guide. Available at
`http://service.real.com/help/library/encoders.html, it explains how to
`use JavaScript or VBScript to control RealPlayer functions for a
`presentation embedded in a Web page.
`
`(cid:127) RealSystem Authoring Kit
`The Authoring Kit contains production tools, utilities, and manuals in a
`single, convenient bundle. It is available through registration at
`http://www.realnetworks.com/products/authkit/index.html.
`
`(cid:127) Software Development Kits (SDKs)
`RealNetworks offers SDKs for RealServer, RealPlayer, and RealProducer.
`Designed for programmers, SDKs help you integrate applications with
`RealSystem, or create new plug-ins for RealServer and RealPlayer. SDKs
`are available through registration at http://www.realnetworks.com/
`devzone/downlds/index.html.
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`Technical Support
`For technical support with RealSystem, please fill out the form at:
`
`(cid:127) http://customerrelations.real.com/scripts/rnforms
`/contact_tech_service.asp
`The information you provide in this form will help technical support
`personnel to give you a prompt response. For general information about
`RealNetworks' technical support, visit:
`
`(cid:127) http://service.real.com/help/call.html
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` Chapter 1: WHAT’S NEW IN REALSYSTEM?
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`1
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`The open, end-to-end architecture of RealSystem changes the nature
`of streaming multimedia, giving you more possibilities for creating
`Web-based multimedia than before. If you’re familiar with past
`versions of RealSystem, this chapter gives you a quick look at
`changes in the latest releases of RealSystem.
`
`What’s New in RealSystem 8?
`RealSystem 8 builds on RealSystem 7, introducing new features for RealServer
`8, RealPlayer 8, and RealProducer 8. This section describes new features in
`RealSystem 8 that affect content authoring.
`
`New RealVideo 8 Codec
`RealProducer 8 introduces the RealVideo 8 codec, which creates RealVideo
`clips that have significantly better visual quality than clips encoded with
`previous codecs. Only RealPlayer 8 can play RealVideo 8 clips. For more
`information, see “RealVideo 8 Codec” on page 53.
`
`Flash 3 and Flash 4 Support
`RealServer 8 can stream Flash 4, 3, and 2 clips to RealPlayer 8. This lets you
`create RealPlayer animations that use Flash 4 interactive commands. If you
`have worked with Flash 2 in RealSystem before, note that Flash 4 commands
`work differently in RealPlayer. See Chapter 5 for more information.
`
`Additional SMIL Attributes Supported in RealPlayer 8
`RealPlayer 8 now supports the following SMIL 1.0 attributes, which have no
`effect on earlier RealPlayers:
`
`(cid:127) The dur=“indefinite” attribute makes a clip play indefinitely, mimicking a
`live broadcast. For more information, see “Indefinite Durations” on page
`95.
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`(cid:127) The repeat=“indefinite” attribute makes a clip or group loop indefinitely.
`For more information, see “Looping Playback Indefinitely” on page 98.
`
`(cid:127) The fit=“scroll” attribute adds scroll bars to a clip that displays in a SMIL
`region that is smaller than the clip’s encoded size. See “Defining How
`Clips Fit Regions” on page 104 for more information.
`
`RealPlayer 8 Opens in Compact Mode
`Through a Ram file, you can open RealPlayer 8 in its compact mode. See
`“Setting a Presentation’s Starting Mode” on page 176 for instructions.
`
`What’s New in RealSystem 7?
`RealSystem 7 is based on RealSystem G2 technology. It has all the capabilities
`of RealSystem G2, and introduces new features for RealServer 7, RealPlayer 7,
`and RealProducer 7. This section describes the new RealSystem 7 features that
`affect content authoring.
`
`RealPlayer 7 New Features
`The following features may affect how you produce streaming media for
`RealPlayer 7. See the RealPlayer 7 online help for information about changes
`to the RealPlayer 7 user interface.
`
`PNG Images Supported
`RealPlayer 7 includes support for the Portable Network Graphics (PNG) image
`format (.png file extension) in addition to JPEG and GIF formats. You can now
`use PNG images in both SMIL and RealPix presentations.
`
`Pop Up Multiple RealPlayer 7 Windows
`You can write hyperlinks that open content in new RealPlayer 7 windows. This
`lets you pop up a new RealPlayer window when a viewer clicks a link in a SMIL
`or RealText presentation.
`
`Additional Information
`See “Popping Up New RealPlayer Windows” on page
`127.
`
`Cache Graphics with RealPlayer 7
`You can instruct RealPlayer 7 to cache image files downloaded through HTTP.
`This is useful for SMIL presentations that RealPlayer 7 users repeatedly view.
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`On reloads or revisits, RealPlayer uses cached images instead of downloading
`the images again from the server.
`
`Additional Information
`See “Caching Images Files” on page 131.
`
`View SMIL Source Markup for Streamed Presentations
`RealPlayer 7 has a View>Source command that displays the markup for the
`presentation’s SMIL source file in your Web browser. This helps you learn how
`other content authors have assembled their presentations.
`
`Additional Information
`See “Viewing SMIL Source Markup” on page 205.
`
`RealServer 7 New Features
`See RealServer Administration Guide for full information about new features in
`RealServer 7. The following RealServer 7 features may affect how you produce
`streaming media presentations.
`
`Ad Streaming
`RealServer 7 has an advertising extension that lets you display banner ads in
`RealPlayer during streaming presentations. You can also stream media ads in
`formats such as RealVideo and Flash. This feature works with all major ad
`serving systems. The RealServer administrator configures most features of ad
`streaming.
`
`Additional Information
`For information on creating SMIL presentations that
`include ads, see Chapter 9.
`
`What’s New in RealSystem G2?
`RealSystem G2, introduced in 1998, is a complete streaming media platform
`based on a new software architecture. Fundamentally different from previous
`versions of RealSystem, such as RealSystem 5, it uses an open architecture that
`allows software developers to add new features to RealPlayer and RealServer by
`developing plug-ins. It is also the first streaming media system built to use a
`standards-based streaming protocol (RTSP) and timing language (SMIL).
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`CHAPTER 1: What’s N