*************************************************************** RealAudio Encoder Alpha Release Windows - 32-bit from Progressive Networks http://www.RealAudio.com *************************************************************** Alpha Release Notes The latest support and technical information is available at: http://www.realaudio.com/help.html Overview ======== Progressive Networks pioneered the delivery of live and on-demand audio over the Internet. Our RealAudio 3.0 technology brings broadcast quality audio to the Internet. For the first time, the RealAudio 3.0 product line offers stereo sound for 28.8 Kbps modems. In addition, near CD quality sound can be delivered for ISDN and LAN connections. The RealAudio Encoder lets you translate your sound files into the RealAudio format. For the latest information on RealAudio products and Web sites, visit the Progressive Networks home page at: http://www.realaudio.com This release is an ALPHA release. What's New for this Version =========================== This release included eight new encoding algorithms, including several for connections faster than 28.8 Kbps connections. We have provided multiple codecs at the same bandwidths to enable you to customize RealAudio sound for different content types. The following are descriptions of the new Encoder algorithms and the type of audio they are best at encoding.: * RealAudio 28.8 Mono Voice Use to optimize speech over 28.8 Kbps modems. Frequency response: 4.0 kHz. * RealAudio 28.8 Mono Pop Use for musical selections that include snare drums, cymbals, and vocals. Frequency response: 4.7 kHz. * RealAudio 28.8 Mono Instrumental Use for instrumental, classical and other music needing the widest frequency response. Frequency response: 5.5 kHz. * RealAudio 28.8 Stereo Use for general stereo content. Frequency response: 4.0 kHz. * RealAudio ISDN Mono Use for general mono content over IDSN connections. Frequency response: 11 kHz. * RealAudio ISDN Stereo Use to optimize stereo separation over frequency response. Frequency response: 8.0 kHz. * RealAudio Dual ISDN Mono Use for optimal quality for mono content. Frequency response: 20.0 kHz (CD Quality). * RealAudio Dual ISDN Stereo Use for optimal quality for stereo. Frequency response: 16.0 kHz (Broadcast Quality). Supported Input File Formats ============================ To create RealAudio files, start with a file in one of the formats below: * .WAV Audio: 8-khz, 11-khz, 22-khz, 44-khz in either 8- or 16-bit format, monophonic. * .AU Audio: 8-khz, 22-khz, 44-khz, monophonic. * .PCM Raw Data: 8-khz, 11-khz, 22-khz, 44-khz in 16-bit format, monophonic. Compressed Files: ================= The Encoder does not support compressed variants of the formats described above. If you encounter problems encoding a file, please verify that it is not in a compressed format. If it is, use a sound editing utility to convert it to a supported format. If your audio is in a format not supported by the RealAudio Encoder, you can convert it using a variety of different tools available for the Windows platform. For Live Encoding your sound card must support 8-khz 16-bit recording. To see what kinds of RealAudio content other users of RealAudio are producing, see Timecast: the RealAudio Guide available at http://www.timecast.com/ Installation ============ The RealAudio Encoder is shipped as a self-extracting archive. The default installation directory used by Express Setup is C:\RAENCODE. RealAudio Encoder for Windows consists of the following files: ENCODER.EXE installed in C:\RAENCODE WAVE_REC.DLL installed in C:\RAENCODE RAENCODE.HLP installed in C:\RAENCODE RACUT.EXE installed in C:\RAENCODE RAPASTE.EXE installed in C:\RAENCODE RAX.EXE installed in C:\RAENCODE README.TXT installed in C:\RAENCODE ENCDNET.DLL installed in your Windows SYSTEM directory RA3214_4.DLL installed in your Windows SYSTEM directory RA3228_8.DLL installed in your Windows SYSTEM directory RA32DNET.DLL installed in your Windows SYSTEM directory For the Live Encoder: RACON.DLL installed in your Windows SYSTEM directory Operating System Requirements ============================== This version of the RealAudio Encoder is a 32-bit Windows application that requires * Windows 95 * Windows NT Hardware Requirements * CPU: The Encoder requires a 486-DX or Pentium microprocessor. The Encoder will not run on a 386 computer or 486-SX computer without a floating point co-processor. * Memory: A minimum of 8MB of RAM is required. * Hard Disk Space: The Encoder executable files require 800k of disk space. Additional Hardware Requirements for Live Audio Encoding * CPU: Encoding live audio requires a Pentium processor (P-90 recommended for live audio being sent to Server). * Memory: A minimum of 8MB of RAM is required. 16MB is recommended. * Sound Card: A 16-bit sound card capable of recording an 8 khz signal is required. Known Problems ============== The RealAudio Encoder cannot modify header information in a file encoded with the RealAudio 28.8 Mono Voice, RealAudio Dual ISDN Mono or RealAudio Dual ISDN Stereo algorithms. --------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 1995, 1996 Progressive Networks