Other Media File Types

If your hosting provider does provide a special media server, then they will most likely also provide instructions on how to use their server (as well as create the appropriate files). However, here are some further documentation on other media file types, in case you need them. Note that all of the types listed below offer free player software, but not all free players are installed on your web visitors computers, so you may want to provide links to the websites (as I have done below) to allow people to get a player if they need one.

RealMedia by RealOne

In order to create RealMedia files, you will need a copy of RealOne's Helix Producer. Don't pay lots of money, since there is a cut-down free version called Helix Producer Basic. You have to hunt around on their website to find it; last time we looked it was available here (but it keeps moving, so you may have to do a search).

If you want to read more about RealMedia files, or Helix producer, try the following links:

• WebDeveloper.com Secret Guide to RealAudio
• Helix Producer tutorial

Windows Media by Microsoft

Windows Media files are used by Windows Media player (which comes standard with Windows operating systems). Note that while this media type is of decent quality, this media type is only supported by default on Windows platforms - all others (such as Mac OS) will need to download a separate package of software (a player) before they can use the files.

Some other links about using Windows Media files or Encoder:

• Windows Media Encoder
• Windows Media Player for Mac OS X
• Windows Media Streaming Video tutorial
• Creating and hosting Windows Media files

Quicktime

I currently have no information or links that I feel I can properly recommend on the subject of creating Quicktime video (or audio) files . Your best source of information will be the Quicktime website. However, I suspect that if you are going to use this format, that you or someone on your team will already be familiar with this format.