This is an especially big problem with the development tools because streaming media broadcasts are usually handled by companies' art departments, which more often than not are filled with Macintosh users and systems. RealNetworks should have at least provided its development tools on both platforms for the initial release. RealSystem G2's SureStream technology is probably its most important new feature. Using SureStream, we were able to create a single file to handle users attaching at different speeds. SureStream also ensured that video quality degraded sensibly as connection speed went down in tests.
Action flicks One of our tests uses a high-action movie trailer.
With RealSystem 5.0 and NetShow, this would have resulted in an unwatchable, blurry mess, but with G2 the connection dropped to essentially a slide show that maintained audio quality. Competitors don't handle motion well at low connection speeds. At T-1 speeds, RealSystem G2 video quality was better than anything we've seen from comparable products, with only slight blurring even during action shots. Much of this improved video quality is a result of RealNetworks' partnership with Intel Corp. and the integration of Intel's Streaming Web Video technology for improving streaming media quality with RealSystem G2. Unfortunately, all of these great capabilities will be available only to users with RealPlayer G2.