This section explores Progressive's RealAudio plug-in. This application provides live and
on demand audio-based multimedia. Progressive Networks is a Seattle based company
that was founded by Rob Glaser, former vice president for multimedia at Microsoft.
Before Glaser and Real audio came along it could take a user with a 14,400 bps modem
two hours to download a fifteen minute program. RealAudio takes advantage of the latest
advances in digital compression, and delivers AM quality sound in real time. (Quittner
Time) RealAudio allows you to choose segments of a program, pause, rewind, and forward through a program. Real Audio Broadcasts can be found at ABC, PBS, and NPR. RealAudio 2.0 provides several improvements including better sound, support for live broadcasts, and server software improvements.
I think RealAudio brings a wealth of capabilities to the Internet. The ability to listen to live broadcasts provides a strong basis for live multimedia through the Web. Users can also access the sound to many TV shows. RealAudio provides live sound interaction at a level that video has not yet reached. RealAudio marks the beginning of live video and sound which will be soon be available in high quality over the Internet.