previous next

Release 8 Update

This section lists additions, deletions, and corrections to the RealSystem Production Guide for RealSystem Release 8. This release comprises RealServer 8, RealProducer 8, and RealPlayer 8. The printed, PDF, and HTML versions of the RealSystem Production Guide for Release 8 reflect these changes.

Additions

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".

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 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:

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" for instructions.

More Background Information on RealAudio and RealVideo

Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 have been expanded to include more background information on RealAudio and RealVideo, respectively.

Deletions

Bandwidth Chapter

The chapter on targeting bandwidth has been deleted. Information on target audience bandwidths is now in the section "Step 3: Develop a Bandwidth Strategy".

Sections on Audio and Video Types other than RealAudio and RealVideo

The sections that listed streamed audio and video formats, other than RealAudio and RealVideo, have been removed. These sections were at the end of the audio and video production chapters. This information will be made available separately.

Corrections

SMIL Transparency Override Works for PNG Images

The SMIL extension that allows you to substitute a background color for transparency in a GIF image also works for PNG images. For instructions, see "Overriding GIF or PNG Transparency".

No Multiple SMIL Files Listed in a Ram File

Previously, the section "Creating a Ram File Manually" incorrectly stated that a Ram file could list multiple SMIL files played in sequence. A Ram file can list multiple clips played in sequence, but not multiple SMIL files.


Copyright © 1998-2000 RealNetworks
For information on RealNetworks' technical support, click here.
Comments on this document? Click here.
This file last updated on 12/12/00 at 15:34:25.
previous next