Real Alternative

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Real Alternative

Developer:	KL Software
Latest release:	1.52 / March 29, 2007
OS:	Windows
Use:	video codec bundle
Website:	Real Alternative

Real Alternative is a codec pack created for playing RealMedia files on Microsoft Windows operating systems without installing RealPlayer. The pack can be used with any DirectShow-enabled media player, such as Media Player Classic, which is included as part of the package. The pack was designed by KL Software using Real Media Splitter, an open source video filter, and Real Media Codecs.

It is bundled with many free codec packs. Users that prefer Real Alternative often cite dissatisfaction with the official RealPlayer software.^[1]

1 Legality
2 Limitations
3 Notes
4 See also
5 External Links

[edit] Legality

According to RealNetworks, this codec pack is illegal, because RealMedia codecs are copyrighted by RealNetworks, and were not licensed by KL Software. According to Karl Lillevold of RealNetworks, KL Software simply re-packages RealNetworks' own DLLs and distributes them without permission.^[2]

[edit] Limitations

Real Alternative is unable to provide some of the original RealPlayer's functions. Some files, like .smi and .smil files, only play the first part of a clip. The Real Time Streaming Protocol (rtsp://) won't be played in DirectShow media players (i.e. Windows Media Player). Other media players such as Media Player Classic or VLC Media Player can work around this.^[3]