Real Networks has announced the release of Realvideo 8, a product which provides high quality video in both narrowband and broadband environments. The product, co-developed with Intel, promises half-screen VHS quality at 220Kbps, full-screen quality at 500 Kbps and near-DVD quality at 1Mbps.
Streaming video content providers will be able to take advantage of dramatic savings in bandwidth costs as a result of this technology. In addition, the company envisions RealVideo8’s technology having a major impact on business by allowing for the development of true multi-media opportunities in entertainment, advertising and e-commerce. Ben Rotholtz, General Manager of Systems and Tools, believes the possibilities are huge and plans to focus on “helping people to understand how the internet can be the next mass medium.”