Publisher's Description
From Codec Guide:
Real Alternative will allow you to play RealMedia files without having to install RealPlayer. All RealMedia formats (.ra .rm .rmvb .ram .rpm .rv .rp .rt .rnx .smi .smil) are supported, including streaming content and RealMedia content that is embedded in Web pages.
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All versions:
3.2 starsout of 66 votes
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Current version:
2.0 starsout of 18 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"It just plain works!"
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
I have used quite a few media players over the years. Real Alternative/Media Player Classic is one of the best. It plays a wide array of media types, has an intuitive interface, it's easy to use and it just plain works without a lot of hassle and time wasting UI. Playback is reliable and it handles corrupted files and DVD errors gracefully. Most importantly, it doesn't consume huge amounts of resources or attempt to take over your system like it's namesake RealPlayer.
Cons
When seeking with the scroll bar, the video and audio tend to glitch a bit. DVD playback for copy protected menus isn't perfect.
Summary
I use RealAlternative because after trying the top 10 media players it simply did a better job and was easier to use than the alternatives. In short, it just plain works.
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"works ok but took it off"
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
nice free takes to much room
Cons
a lot of trumpets not much music
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"The setup file is corrupt"
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
Didn't install on XP
Cons
None. It didn't install
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"Does not work or install-in Windows 7."
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
None at all.
Cons
Windows 7 would not allow me to download this-said"file corrupt."
Summary
You cannot install Real Alternative in Windows 7 because it will not allow you to and said the file was corrupt. So this is not an option for Windows 7 computers or laptops anyway,as you cannot install this program. However,I was able to install Real Alternative Lite, but that did not work either. Read my review on Real Alternative Lite. So forget Real Alternative as it is completely useless and does not work.Andrea Borman.
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"Not very good!"
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
See above!
Cons
It would not work. Constant error message: these files are corrupt.
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"would not allow me to download this"
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
Cannot say as was not allowed to download this product
Cons
Easy - was not able to download
Summary
No comment
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"file is corrupt!"
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
none. the file is corrupt and it will tell you immediately when trying to install it.
Cons
the file is corrupt.
Summary
since it's corrupt and can't install it, don't bother with it.
the link should be taken out. -
"Setup File is corrupt - won't work"
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
Nothing, because it doesn't work.
Cons
File is corrupt - won't work (Win XP)
Summary
Look for a real alternative
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"Okay for playing files that are on your hard disk"
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
The product is easy to install or uninstall (I'm running Windows ME), compared to the nightmare of trying to install RealPlayer 8 (which tries to hijack so many settings in your computer).
Cons
The one significant drawback to this product is that although it plays .RA [ealAudio]and .RM [RealMedia] and .RV [RealVideo] files on your local disk well, it can't handle streaming files (.RAM or .SMIL metafiles) at all.
Summary
Pros:
Afraid I didn't read the page header properly! Apologies...
1. The product is easy to install (I'm running Windows ME), compared to the nightmare of trying to install RealPlayer 8 (which tries to hijack so many settings in your computer).
2. The product is also easy to uninstall - again, unlike RealPlayer 8.
3. The product is a much simpler solution to playing Real Media files (audio or video) than RealPlayer 8 or later. (In actual fact, I never upgraded beyond Real Player 8).
Cons:
The one significant drawback to this product is that although it plays .RA [ealAudio]and .RM [RealMedia] and .RV [RealVideo] files on your local disk well, it can't handle streaming files (.RAM or .SMIL metafiles) at all. Unlike RealPlayer 8, you can't play a file that's on the internet somewhere (e.g. on a RTSP - or even a HTTP - server).
Summary:
If you only need to play files that are on your local hard disk, this product is an excellent substitute for RealPlayer. But if you need to listen to streaming .RA or .RM or .RV files (e.g. internet radio), that you can't copy to your hard disk (e.g. because it isn't on an HTTP link, so can't be downloaded), this product won't help you.
Updated on Mar 10, 2010
The version of RealAlternative that I was testing was v1.5.1, which is the last version that runs on Windows 9x, and my review refers to that version. -
"Of course it works.."
Version: Real Alternative 2.0.1
Pros
People are complaining about it not working in Windows 7. Why don't you read the info about it before downloading. It is suitable up to Vista. No mention of 7..
Cons
It is simple small and efficient, but not very sophisticated if you are after a full utility..
Summary
Get it if you don't want a full utility, otherwise install the free version of Real Player, or even buy the full version
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