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 Standard definition (SD) video (720 x 486 non-square pixles) can be easily converted to Real Networks streaming media formats (.rm files). Encoding using Real's SureStream options enables the software to scale the image to the user's equipment and connection speed.  Image size needs to be kept fairly small. We have in the past used an image size of 224 x 168 pixles. Recently, we have been using 240x180 and experimenting with ever increasing sizes. Bigger images require the best Internet connections. You can double the image locally through the Real Player without a loss in frame rate, or apparent resolution, as the local processor is doing the work. The images above and to the right show the relative size of normal and doubled images.If you want a wide-screen image (16:9), either shoot in 16x9 format, or compose your 4:3 video to fit in a 720 x 360 space and crop it, then encode to 312 x 176. This mini-wide-screen looks pretty good. The audio produced using the Real Networks codec is always quite good. The difficulty is getting an image that is sharp and moves smoothly. These goals can only be met with bandwidth, and bandwidth is ultimately out of the producers control. |