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RealNetworks(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK), a leader in Internet media delivery, has released RealVideo(R) 9 and RealAudio(R) Surround, bringing broadcast quality video to broadband users and a subscription quality video experience to dialup users. RealVideo 9 provides 30% bandwidth savings over RealVideo 8 at all quality levels. Combined with RealAudio Surround, RealVideo 9 delivers home theatre experiences that require a small fraction of the storage space used by DVD. RealAudio Surround enables multi-channel surround sound starting at 44 Kbps and works with millions of receivers already in consumers' homes. RealNetworks also continued its tradition of standards leadership by submitting components of RealVideo 9 to the Joint Video Team, a joint working group of MPEG and VCEG that will create the next version of MPEG-4.
"Content owners are embracing RealVideo 9 for two reasons," said Martin Plaehn, senior vice president, Media Systems, RealNetworks, Inc. "First, it reduces video storage and delivery costs by 30%. Second, RealVideo 9 provides a dramatically improved experience for both dialup and broadband consumers. When coupled with premium sports, news and entertainment programming, this new video experience makes video subscription services more compelling for consumers."
"We have always recognized that RealNetworks is at the forefront of technology, and is a leading innovator for media delivery on the Internet," said Bernard Gershon, senior vice president and general manager, ABC News.com. "RealVideo 9 at both low and high bandwidths is a true breakthrough. I believe that RealVideo 9 will show modem users, for the first time, how good Internet video can be."
Combined with the interactive, three-pane environment and instant- on capability of the RealOne Player, as well as RealNetworks' subscription management, digital...