RM (RealMedia) is a proprietary multimedia container format developed by RealNetworks for streaming audio and video content. It supports various codecs and was widely used in early internet streaming, particularly for web-based media delivery. The format encapsulates audio, video, and metadata in a single file, enabling efficient streaming and playback across different platforms.
Efficient streaming capabilities, compact file size, supports multiple codecs, low bandwidth requirements, cross-platform compatibility. Provides good compression and was innovative for its time in enabling smooth media delivery over early internet connections.
Proprietary format with limited modern support, declining usage, potential compatibility issues with newer systems, restricted by RealNetworks' licensing. Less flexible compared to open-standard multimedia containers like WebM or MP4.
Primarily used for streaming media content in web browsers, online video platforms, and multimedia applications. Commonly employed in legacy web streaming, internet radio, video conferencing, and on-demand media services. Historically significant in early internet multimedia distribution before more modern formats like MP4 and WebM emerged.