Real Changes Improve RealPlayer 8

Now that Microsoft's free Windows Media Player 7 combines a media player and a music jukebox, is there any reason to use RealNetworks' RealPlayer 8? You bet. While its playback is somewhat comparable to that of WMP7, the new RealPlayer has more ways to control and access Web audio and video, and it features content channels, a radio tuner with access to 2500 stations, and a message service.

The program's familiar Windows interface is easy to navigate. In my tests of the shipping version, however, the player was slow to respond when I clicked from, say, the ESPN channel to Film.com. Enhanced Take 5, a video news and entertainment summary, struck me as a bit of a pastiche.

Annoyingly, it's difficult to find the free RealPlayer Basic on Real's Web site. A $30 Plus version adds a graphic equalizer, picture controls, and access to GoldPass, a subscription media service (now mostly video), which didn't seem worth an extra $10 a month.

Over my system's 56-kbps modem, playback with the company's latest video format was marginally better than with its predecessor. Images in a RealVideo 8 auto ad streamed at 36 kbps were fuzzy; the audio, pure static. A movie trailer at 220 kbps, which wouldn't tax any broadband connection, played well in a quarter-screen window. RealPlayer 8 also plays AVI files and streaming MP3 audio easily, but I had to download a Real plug-in for MPEG video.

You can download RealPlayer 8 as part of a Real Entertainment Center suite, which includes RealJukebox 2 and a tool for streamlining downloads. The cost is free or $50 for the Plus versions of Jukebox, Player, and Download. RealJukebox plays Windows Media Audio files, MP3 files, and several other formats.

Average users may be satisfied with Windows Media Player, especially if it is bundled with Windows Me. But if you want more control, and better quality than previous versions have offered, consider downloading RealPlayer 8. Only truly avid media buffs should pay for the Plus versions, however.

SUMMARY

RealPlayer 8 PRO: Supports multiple formats. CON: Pop-up windows can overwhelm the desktop. VALUE: Good for digital media fans who like to be in control. List price: RealPlayer Basic, free; Plus version, $30; Entertainment Plus suite, $50; GoldPass service, $10 a month with RealPlayer Plus. RealNetworks 888/768-3248 www.real.com