Chapter 4: Customizing Recording Options

RealEncoder comes with a variety of options that allow you to create RealMedia suited to your needs.

Because there is no single best process for delivering all types of streaming audio and video, RealEncoder provides several ways in which you can customize and streamline your recording.

This chapter discusses how to:

• consider your target audience
• record for multiple audiences using Stream Smart
• change other recording preferences

Considering Your Target Audience

Whenever you create a RealMedia file or broadcast RealMedia content, you should always keep in mind the connection speed of your audience. Are they using lower-speed modems, or are they streaming your file over a high-speed network?

By selecting a specific target audience, you are actually specifying a maximum bandwidth for your RealMedia stream. Bandwidth, measured in kilobits per second (Kbps), is the amount of data that can be sent through an Internet or network connection during a set period of time. Standard modems are commonly referred to by the bandwidth they are able to receive--for example, 28.8 and 56 Kbps.

In addition to these standard audiences, you can record clips for connection speeds of 100 Kbps, 200 Kbps, or higher. These higher bandwidths, however, are generally more typical of corporate Local Area Networks (LANs) or entertainment-based Web sites.

Keep in mind that the maximum bandwidth a connection is capable of is greater than the average bandwidth carried across it. For that reason, 28 Kbps connections actually only use approximately 20 Kbps, while a 56 Kbps connection actually uses about 34 Kbps.

Normally, these constraints can affect your recording in many ways. You would sometimes have to compromise between reaching the largest audience (with the lowest-speed connections) and the quality of your work. Fortunately, RealEncoder enables you to record for a number of audience simultaneously using Stream Smart.

Using Stream Smart

With Stream Smart recording, you can reach the widest possible audience while still providing high-bandwidth users with the best listening and viewing experience. Stream Smart RealMedia files combine several different streams, each optimized for different connection speeds.

For example, you can provide optimal sound for both 28 Kbps and 56 Kbps audiences, and RealPlayer will automatically use the correct stream based on the user's connection speed. The 56 Kbps audience will experience the better stream, while the 28 Kbps audience will experience a lower-quality stream. But if a 56 Kbps user's Internet connection degrades, the RealPlayer switches down to the 28 Kbps stream without rebuffering the clip.

You can only use Stream Smart files with a RealNetworks RealServer G2.

To record a RealMedia file using Stream Smart

1. Set up a new recording session. You can use either the recording wizards or the New Session dialog.
2. Select Stream Smart as a file type.

   	Note
   	For this release, you can only create Stream Smart files from existing media files.

3. Select as many target audiences as you wish.
4. Record the session as usual.

RealPlayer Compatibility

Using Stream Smart, RealEncoder allows you to record RealMedia files that are compatible with older versions of the RealPlayer. During the recording process, RealEncoder creates a separate stream for the specified version.

To change RealPlayer compatibility

1. From the main RealEncoder window, choose Stream Smart Settings from the Options menu.

   The Stream Smart Settings dialog opens.

   

2. Select the version of the RealPlayer you want your RealMedia files to be compatible with from the Player Compatibility drop-down list.

   	Note
   	Video files are only supported for RealPlayer version 4.0 or higher.

3. Click OK to close this dialog.

Changing Preferences

RealEncoder also gives you the option to modify other settings that affect your recordings. This section describes how to allow your clips to be copied with RealPlayer Plus and how to change the recording speed.

The Preferences Dialog Box

Recording Preferences

By changing these preferences, you are allowing users to download your RealMedia file to either their hard drive or to a mobile player. If you don't want users to download and copy your files, make sure these options are not selected.

To allow users to download to a Mobile Player

1. From the main RealEncoder window, choose Preferences from the Options menu.

   The Preferences dialog opens.

2. Select the Mobile Download option.

   When this option is selected, users can download your RealMedia file to a Mobile Player.

3. Click OK to close this dialog.

To allow users to record your RealMedia file

1. From the main RealEncoder window, choose Preferences from the Options menu.

   The Preferences dialog opens.

2. Select the Selective Recording option.

   When this option is selected, users can copy your RealMedia file to their computer's hard drive by clicking on the Record button if they are using RealPlayer Plus.

3. Click OK to close this dialog.

Changing Recording Speed

This preference simply changes the speed at which you record your RealMedia files. If you are recording from an existing file, increasing the recording speed can lower the overall quality and increases the chances that you will exceed your target bit rate.

To change the recording speed

1. From the main RealEncoder window, choose Preferences from the Options menu.

   The Preferences dialog opens.

2. Adjust the Recording Speed by clicking on the slider and moving it back and forth. You can adjust the speed from Normal, the slowest, to Fastest.
3. Click OK to close this dialog.