Thread,
This sounds like a breakthrough for video on/from the Internet, and Intel is in the middle of it. The following PR doesn't say it, but the WSJ this morning said the video could be full screen on a PC. Note that it requires a Pentium III, is this a killer application that will create an upgrade cycle?
Wednesday May 24, 6:01 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: RealNetworks, Inc.
RealNetworks and Intel Collaborate to Deliver Breakthrough Video Quality and Performance on the Internet
Significant Technology Improvements Enable RealVideo 8 to Deliver Across-the-Board High Quality Streaming Video for Connections Ranging from Modem Through Broadband, Including Superior Quality in "Download-and-Play" Applications
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- RealNetworks©, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK - news) and Intel Corporation today announced innovative technology that provides a new level of quality and performance for streaming and download-and-play video for a range of Internet users.
As a result of a continuing strategic relationship to develop world-class Internet video technology and to accelerate broad-scale deployment of next generation Internet media, Intel and RealNetworks jointly developed the next generation of Intel© Streaming Web Video software technology which is now an integral component of RealNetworks' RealVideo© 8 and RealSystem© 8.
``We are pleased to have worked closely with RealNetworks on this next generation of Intel Streaming Web Video,'' said Craig Kinnie, vice president and director of the Intel Architecture Labs. ``New speed optimizations written for the Intel Pentium© III processor, along with new algorithms that significantly reduce typical Internet video artifacts, will greatly raise the quality bar for the delivery of Internet video at all connection speeds.''
``We are thrilled to deliver dramatic and compelling video benefits to millions of Internet users from our collaboration with Intel,'' said Jeff Pancottine, senior vice president, Media Systems, RealNetworks, Inc. ``Our world-class technology and intensive focus on the needs of Internet broadcasters and Internet media consumers continues to produce enormous breakthroughs such as RealVideo 8. For the first time, VHS quality for broadband streaming video and near-DVD quality video is available on the Internet for streaming and download and play high capacity Internet applications.''
Consumers Gain Improvements in Video Experience
Intel Streaming Web Video software includes new algorithms that improve smoothness of motion, enhance readability of text and graphics and reduce common video artifacts, such as ``blockiness'' (a blocky appearance in most portions of the video, ``ringing'' (distortions near the edge of objects) and ``mosquitoing'' (a flickering appearance in stationary objects over time). The software is also performance-tuned to take advantage of the instructions found in Pentium III processors, and is enhanced for better multiprocessor support.
Internet users with broadband connections (200Kbps - 500Kbps) can experience near-VHS-quality video with RealVideo 8. RealVideo 8 also provides dramatic improvements in quality for users connecting to the Internet using standard dial-up modems (56Kbps), enabling modem users to experience a level of clarity and smoothness of motion not possible with prior generations of Internet video.
Broadcasters Gain Accelerated Business Opportunities, Broadcast Efficiencies
For broadcasters, RealVideo 8 immediately enables a substantial improvement in consumer experience, and provides the opportunities to introduce new classes of programming not practical with prior generations of video technologies simply because users of streaming video did not have the bandwidth required to access this new level of quality. The incredible efficiencies of RealVideo 8 provide for a dramatic reduction in bandwidth costs, far and away the major cost of any digital media delivery business. Additionally, and for the first time, broadcasters are able to deliver download-and-play video programming that delivers quality comparable to broadcast television. Achieving this milestone opens the door to online video business models for pay-per-view, subscription, sporting events, and concerts. RealVideo 8 enables an entirely new class of downloadable video applications in which movies and music videos can be delivered to digital entertainment devices for playback on televisions.
About RealSystem 8
RealSystem 8 is the only standards-based, operating system-independent, fully scalable and highly extensible media delivery platform. RealSystem 8, which includes RealServer(TM), RealProducer©, and RealPlayer©, runs on all major server platforms and supports more than 40 media data types. More than 200 developers have created applications for the platform. Over 85%* of Web pages containing streaming media content use RealNetworks formats. (*Source: Inktomi Search Engine accessed through iAtlas.com)
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks, Inc., based in Seattle, is the recognized leader in media delivery on the Internet. It develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computers and other consumer electronic devices to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the Web. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks consumer software on the Internet at real.com. RealNetworks' systems and corporate information is located on the Internet at realnetworks.com.
About Intel
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
NOTE: RealNetworks, RealSystem, RealServer, RealProducer, RealPlayer and RealVideo are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. All other companies or products listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE: RealNetworks, Inc. |
