RealVideo

RealVideo is a proprietary video compression format developed by RealNetworks. It was first introduced in 1997 alongside the RealPlayer media player. RealVideo is designed for streaming video over the internet, aiming to provide acceptable video quality even at low bandwidths. The format uses a variety of codecs that have evolved over time, with newer versions offering improved compression efficiency and quality.

Early versions of RealVideo were crucial in the development of internet video streaming, allowing for playback of video content in near real-time without requiring lengthy downloads. This was a significant advancement for online media consumption. The technology was widely adopted by content providers in the late 1990s and early 2000s for distributing news clips, music videos, and live events.

RealVideo's effectiveness is dependent on the specific codec used and the bitrate of the stream. It typically employs techniques like motion compensation and adaptive intra-frame prediction to reduce data redundancy. While it was once a dominant format, its prominence has diminished with the rise of more efficient and widely supported open standards like H.264 and VP9, which are now prevalent across web platforms and streaming services. RealNetworks continues to develop and offer RealVideo technology, often integrated into their broader media solutions.