Streaming Media for Your Website: A Guide to RealAudio and RealVideo

Preparing for the Process

Before you begin, ensure that:

• You have an audio or video file in AVI, MOV, WAV, or AU format. If your file is not in one of these formats, you will need to convert it.
• Your internet service provider or web space provider supports streaming media. This is crucial for the technique to work on your site.
• You are not violating any copyright laws by placing copyrighted material on your website. It's best to use files you've created yourself to avoid legal issues.

Step 1: Downloading the RealProducer Encoder

The current version is RealProducer 7.0. You can download the encoder here. After downloading, execute the file and install RealProducer.

Step 2: Preparing to Encode Your Music File

Open RealProducer and choose 'record from file'. Enter the name of the file you want to encode, and provide details like the title, author, copyright, and a brief description of the track. Select "Multi-rate SureStream for Real Server G2" as the target audience and choose 56k Modem as a target Audience stream format.

Step 3: Encoding the File

In the "RealEncoder" screen, click the "Start" button. The encoding process may take a few minutes, depending on the length of the original file. Once encoding is complete, you can upload the destination of your file to Real Server Janus.

Step 4: Uploading the File

To upload the file to your website, use an FTP program or Site Manager. Remember to upload the file in "Binary" mode.

Step 5: Creating a Text File Linking to the Real (*.rm) File

Create a text file with the address of the .rm file. This file acts as a signpost to the .rm file, directing RealPlayer to the .rm file when a visitor clicks on the link.

Step 6: Uploading the Text File

Use an FTP program or Site Manager to upload the text file to your website. This file should be uploaded in "Text" or "ASCII" mode.

Step 7: Linking to the Text File on Your Website

Edit one of your HTML files on your website and place a link to the *.ram file. This link should be to your website, not to the file on your hard drive.

Step 8: Testing Your RealAudio File

Visit your website and click on the link to the RealFile (the *.ram file). RealPlayer should open and play the RealAudio file. If there are any issues, check the addresses you used and ensure they are accurate.

RealVideo

To create RealVideo, use the same method but be prepared for a longer encoding process as video is more memory-intensive than audio.

Enjoy the process of creating and sharing your own audio and video content!