RealPlayer - Worth My Video?

blurb87 wrote on 11/23/2002, 2:20 PM

I figured out the other day that in some cases, The Real Media option provides a little bit better (estimated) file size for my rendered video. I have always stayed away from Real Player due to numerous reports of all the spyware, ad-ware, tracking components, etc. I has also read many things about how the Real Player steals all media file extensions and does not give them up very easily. So, it was always common knowledge to me that Real Player was a piece of crap.

I had a friend tell me recently that Real Networks had cleaned up their act - is this true? Is their software something that is quality and will not do things behind my back? I am looking for input from anyone who will give it.
Thanks!

Comments

IanG wrote on 11/23/2002, 5:49 PM

I've no idea what Real Player gets up to, but you could install a firewall like Zone Alarm or Sygate Personal Firewall. Both of these will notify you if a program on your PC tries accessing the outside world. You've then got the option of allowing or denying the access.

Cheers

Ian G.

BillyBoy wrote on 11/23/2002, 6:51 PM

Just for laughs, check out the Real Media video I just put up.

The "spyware" thing is only if you let the Real Media player phone home by giving it permission to access the Internet. I can't do anything as configured on my web page, it just embeds the player.

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~wvg/real-player.htm

It should play good on anything but a slow dial-up, in which case it will drag and spoil the effect.