Ars Technica: The PC enthusiast's resource

RealNetworks to Infest the World

Posted 1/8/2002 - 7:09PM, by Semi_On

Reuters is covering the latest news from the purveyors of system instability that is RealNetworks. Apparently they aren't satisfied with fouling up Windows installs and have decided to spread their plague, I mean software to set top boxes and information appliances such as TiVo. The first deal in this new strategy will place Real streaming technology in TiVo based digital video recorders. The software will allow users to record CD's and internet music (in Real's proprietary and no doubt RIAA friendly file format) to the TiVo units, allowing the digital recorder to integrate itself with a users entire home theater. It doesn't end there.
Moreover, electronics firms Hitachi, NEC Corp., Philips and STMicroelectronics would all support Real technologies in chips to be used in everything from DVD players to handheld computers and digital cameras.
I'm all for streaming media and video on demand in the converging digital landscape, but there was a time that these technologies were meant to implement open standards and maintain the user's rights as well as the copyright owner's. It seems the dream of computer science geeks for a converged information revolution has been sold to the highest bidder.
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