RealVideo

On this page, you'll learn about RealVideo, including its definition, history, and the applications that you can use to handle RealVideo files.

RealVideo is a video compression format, often referred to as a codec, developed by RealNetworks and introduced in the mid-1990s.

This format is commonly used alongside RealAudio, both of which are wrapped in a RealMedia container for streaming media.

RealVideo files typically use the .rv extension, as well as .rm or .rmvb.

RealVideo was initially part of the RealPlayer multimedia player and has undergone several versions and changes over the years. There are two key types of RealVideo codecs: RealVideo (Standard) and RealVideo (Fractal).

RealVideo (Standard) refers to the earlier versions of the RealVideo codec, introduced in 1997. It was often used for news broadcasts, TV shows, and other internet streaming content in the 1990s and early 2000s.

RealVideo (Fractal) was a later iteration of the codec, introduced in RealVideo 8 (around 1999-2000). The Fractal Compression technique was used in this version, thus leading to smaller file sizes with similar or better quality.

RealNetworks still uses its technology for some niche applications, but RealVideo has largely been replaced by more modern and efficient streaming technologies like H.264, H.265, VP9, and AV1.

If you’re working with legacy RealMedia files including .rv. rmvb, or .ra (RealAudio), you can install the RealPlayer or powerful conversion tools like WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro to play or convert them.

With 600+ formats and device presets, HD Video Converter Factory Pro enables you to easily convert Real Video files to target format with 3 steps only! Additionally, you have options to edit the content and adjust file settings (incl. codec, resolution, fps, bitrate, etc.).

Download, install, and launch the powerful video converter to play RealVideo files on any device!

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