Streaming media, such as RealAudio sound files are a great way to enhance to your Web site, but there are some specific items that are required in order to put them up and have them work correctly.
- server software that supports streaming media
- file types that can be streamed
The Web Server
In order to put streaming media on your Web site, the Web server needs to support streaming. One of the more popular servers is the "RealServer" by RealNetworks. Many hosting providers now offer streaming media support. Talk to your hosting provider for more information. There is an option to run RealAudio or RealVideo files from the Web using HTTP, which I will explain on page 2.
Preparing to Create the Files
If you are going to create a sound file for your site, you'll need a program to create your sound files. The one I have used is RealProducer. RealNetworks offers many tools for creating streaming media.
If you're making a sound file of your voice or music you have performed, you'll need a microphone. The better quality your microphone is, the better your sound file. (Note: it is never a good idea to publish other people's work without getting permission first. This applies to recordings of music as well as public speeches and so on. Music companies are very serious about protecting their copyrights on the Web.)
Make sure that your recording studio is free of extraneous noises. Poor recordings can be worse than no recordings when you want to make a good impression on your site.
Creating the File
Use RealProducer or your preferred tool to record your sound file, or convert an existing sound file to streaming media file, a .rm file.
Next Page > Setting Up Your File for Streaming > Page 1, 2
