This is slightly OT but not completely… I’ve been reading the posts lately on the BBC Virtual Session, and that looks like a good thing. The only problem that I have is that it requires RealPlayer. Several years ago, I installed RealPlayer. It reminded me of the insidious, monstrous glob of goop from the bottom of the Black Lagoon. It attempted, largely successfully, to take over all audio and some video playback functions resident on the computer, and continually reminded me that I should really buy the upgraded version and stop using the free version. I found that I could not seem to get rid of it after repeated attempts to uninstall. Little pieces of it were still here and there. Fortunately, lightning took out that computer, and I was finally rid of the Demon. I swore to myself that I would never install it again. But times seem to be catching up with me, and I suppose I may (mind you, may) eat my words.
A recent visit to the RealPlayer web site indicates that they now want you to sign up for some $9.95 per month subscription to some sort of RealPlayer service, but that there might be some sort of fallback option after a two-week free trial to some other sort of program, which they don’t really bother to discuss. Now, finally, the questions: Is there currently a stand-alone RealPlayer program? If so, what is RealPlayer really going to cost? What are the pitfalls, if any, associated with using the current RealPlayer? Have any of you ever tried to uninstall it?
Any comments would be appreciated. The Tin Whistle Detective and other astute observers may detect a residual trace of bitterness toward RealPlayer in this post
Hi,
I have never paid for RealPlayer and it has worked fine for ages. It keeps needing
up-dating occasionally, but no money has
ever been mentioned on my screen.
Try the new version, I bet it won’t hurt anything. I have a media player too and
something else and they all seem to work independentally depending on what the
source of the music has chosen.
Good luck.
I have had various versions of Real Player and always check the options to NOT allow it to be my main player when I download and install it. Currently, Real Player is called Real One and it is free. I downloaded it about three or so months ago and was never asked for any money. It seems to work just fine and is actually a pretty nice little player.
Here’s the link: http://www.real.com/
The free RealOne player is a little way down the page in the middle.
You’re in luck. The Virtual Session requires Flash, not Real Player. I don’t like Real Player. I don’t have it on my machine. But I do have Flash 5, which is a different company (macromedia) and I haven’t noticed any evil doings from them…no ads, no subscriptions..they make their money selling a $1000 development kit for the flash environment.
Greg
On 2002-05-21 18:46, CDon wrote:
This is slightly OT but not completely… I’ve been reading the posts lately on the BBC Virtual Session, and that looks like a good thing. The only problem that I have is that it requires RealPlayer.
On 2002-05-21 19:39, Wandering_Whistler wrote:
You’re in luck. The Virtual Session requires Flash, not Real Player.
Ah, thank you sir for pointing that out… You are so right. I guess my eye got caught by the wording a bit down the page saying that the Virtual Session highlights will be available in Real Audio format for those that want improved quality. Flash 5 works just fine for my needs. Don’t even know that it is there.
And thanks to all others who commented on RealPlayer, or I guess RealOne as it is now known. Perhaps things have changed for the better.
If you are a Macintosh user, be aware that the free version of RealPlayer will not work, under system 9.2. I know, because I actually had to uninstall 9.2, and go back to system 9.1, in order to use RealPlayer. I spent about a week writing to techsupport about it; they were unhelpful, in the extreme – always referring me to their bloated FAQ, which simply did not cover the problem. The RP snakes really do want you to spend the $39 for their supernumerary “upgrade”, IMO.
System 9.2 is the Mac’s “transition” operating system, a sort of a preparation for entrance into system X (which is quite good); that is why the RealPlayer freeware won’t work on it, according to my techie pals …
I have the free Real Player, and the free “Pacemaker” slow-down program from Winamp. I put in a CD and slow down tunes, all for free. And I have not had any problems with either program.
RP used to have some restraint, but not any more. Now they make themselves the default player for all sorts of file formats without seeking your permission. Some of the changes seem to happen even if you say no. I know because I just bought a new PC and had to reinstall all my programs. While RP may feel it’s the best way to counter Microsoft and their Windows Media PLayer, it’s highly irritating to people like me who much prefer Winamp. Despite constant reminders, I refuse to install their latest free version, RealOne. I’m betting it’s even more insidious than the old one. I’ve been keeping the installation program for the older version on my hard drive to avoid upgrading when I don’t want to.
I only use it for Real’s proprietory media, and because its Jukebox has a rudimentary recorder that can record microphone input in mp3 format.
On 2002-05-21 22:01, brian_k wrote:
If you are a Macintosh user, be aware that the free version of RealPlayer will not work, under system 9.2.
I’ll be darned. It (RealPlayer G2) was working for me until a few days ago when i was no longer able to access LiveIreland.com. I have a Mac with 9.2.2 the upgrade of which I have used for several months. But it still plays audio clips like those on websites, including Clips and Snips.
It keeps telling me that my player is out of date and to update free. But it takes me to a pay only site!!!
Curses, foiled again.
UPDATE: after posting, I loaded real Player 8, the free one, and LiveIreland is up again. I just had to scroll down farther to find it. Maybe its just one of those Microsoft-style “features” that it periodically disintegrates requiring reloading. I did have to view a bunch of dang gambling sites while it was downloading… Sigh…
[ This Message was edited by: The Weekenders on 2002-05-21 23:44 ]
As a new media developer who occassionally has to develop for RealPlayer I can tell that the free versions of RealPlayer do NOT time out.
However, organizations serving RealMedia do upgrade their server software from time-to-time. Part of this process is switching to newer, more efficient codecs - unfortunately this may render old versions of the client software (i.e., the player) useless because they don’t contain the codecs. I suspect this was the case with The Weekenders when he was no longer able to access LiveIreland.com until he upgraded the player.
As noted, there is a completely free and non-time bombed version of the RealOne player. When you install it you want to deselect any of its “options” because they will cause you nothing but grief.
Wow, thanks gary. I hadn’t thought about the broadcaster servers, though it makes complete sense. Its just impossible to keep on top of all these intersecting technologies, practices and “features.” I do know that with each passing day, NETSCRAPE falls deeper and deeper into the pit of inutility.
But Live Ireland has “timed out” on me many, many times using Real Player.. Usually, I just have to reestablish the connection and its okay. (I don’t think they are a real high-budget operation to begin with). But it sounds like one of those areas where its not worth knowing exactly why because I’ll just forget by the next time it happens. And if I wait long enough, a different technology will take over and render all old data worthless (and I can’t afford to waste precious few remaining brain cells). Sound familiar? Tech support nightmare!!
As I tell, no, beg, our Tech Support guy, MAKE IT GO!
I design using Photoshop, Illustrator, PMaker, Acrobat, do color proof printing and four-color pre-press output and between their upgrades and Apple changes, I have way too many changes to manage as it is. I try to “relish” the challenge of each new learning curve, but I feel old…
Fun to have tunes on the computer though!
[ This Message was edited by: The Weekenders on 2002-05-22 01:02 ]
