Intel adds weight to RealNetworks video streaming software

NEWS Real Networks is to licence video compression software from Intel to further improve its next audio and video player - G2 - which is currently being beta tested. The combined version should be available within 30 days. As part of the deal, Intel will promote and sell the software to Web designers. Intel's software can compress video footage onto a smaller file. Combined with Real Networks' streaming technology, the company claims this allows practically full screen video footage to be viewed over the Web. The software will also allow video to be converted into a digital form on a 450MHz Pentium II machine rather than on a group of high-end machines. It should also allow footage to be viewed on a wider range of PCs than at present. Real Networks UK was unable to comment at the time of publishing.