Hi guys,

Just curious, is there still a lot of demand for real audio/video features on virtual host account ?

RealAudio/Video files can stream via HTTP, and don't require any special server software (other than properly configuring MIME types). I think the standard HTTP streaming fits most users needs, and because of this I don't see a great demand for RealServer, except for specialty users (who are likely to have their own servers anyway).

Hi drhonk,

Yes, there is a big demand for Real Audio/Video capability, however, little users actually need the RealServer capability. This is usually needed for live broadcasting in Real Audio/Video format - but for pre-recorded clips, HTTP streaming is sufficient.

definitely high demand, alot of TV/Radio stations are looking for VERY HIGH powered servers to power their stations, most of them wil want to use servers for a test period before they committ the kind of money it takes for a full system.

Personally, i use ShoutCast for my streaming, simply because Real Server is EXPENSIVE :-(

To me this is very important.

I was able to close a web design deal just today with a client with groups of sites because of Real Audio, and then I found out that this VDI-based host that I was supposed to contract for the Real Audio suddenly removes Real Audio on their list of features.

I wish they could've announced before we bought hosting accounts from them.

Hi skysenshi,

If you are in need of the RealServer software, then you can download the RealSystem Server Basic that supports up to 25 simultaneous connections, and see if you are allowed to install it on your account.

If they disabled the HTTP streaming, you should try to insist for them to put it back (which you can try either way, since it was most likely listed as a feature when you signed up) - since the HTTP streaming does not take up any extra system resources.

Originally posted by SmartHosting
If you are in need of the RealServer software, then you can download the RealSystem Server Basic that supports up to 25 simultaneous connections, and see if you are allowed to install it on your account.


Thanks for the info!

Will try this one. Hopefully the other host allows it, because I already find it unfair that they suddenly yanked the RealServer software off while I was in the middle of signing up.