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Free RealAudio and other "live" resources
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This is a roundup of RealAudio and other "streaming" audio and video resources on the Web. The advantage to streaming audio is that you can listen to "live" content, such as newscasts, without a cumbersome download waiting period.
However, streaming audio and video has a ways to go before it reaches mass acceptance. The technology is still buggy and the sound quality often ranges from fair to poor. In addition, you're going to need a fairly speedy connection to be able to really enjoy streaming content. (Forget using a 14.4K modem!)
By far the most popular program for listening to streaming content is RealAudio. You can download a free version of this popular program here. Other free programs for listening to streaming content are here.
Please send us E-mail if you're aware of any such free sound-related resources that we haven't listed below.
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 The Shadow RealAudio Radio Theater - At this site, you can listen to classic episodes of the old radio drama, "The Shadow." You can also download a complete 30-minute episode for free. This fascinating site, which is updated weekly, is the creation of James L. King, a collector of programs from the Golden Age of Radio. (Works with WebTV).
- RadioStar - Here's a free browser add-on that bills itself as "the Internet's first alarm clock radio/TV." This helpful utility runs within your browser and displays local and world clocks; features up to 40 alarms & reminders; and lets you designate preset stations, so you can quickly listen in to your favorite RealAudio radio stations. (For Windows and Macs).
- RealPlayer G2 beta - We've been highly pleased with RealNetworks' new free client for viewing streaming sound & video content on the Web. This must-have program offers much improved audio and better graphics and you could've fooled us that it's a beta. For Window 95/98/NT only. Users of Macs, Win 3.1 and Unix can download an earlier client called RealPlayer 5.0 here. Free for individual use.
 NetRadio - NetRadio is a tremendous resource for originally programmed audio content, with over 150 free music channels channels. This is the place to go if you want to know
what's hot in the world of Net broadcasting. The selection
of content here is quite varied. Categories include Christian, classical, country, dance, electronica, children's music, modern rock, new age, pop, vintage rock and World music.
- Channel Z - Lots of free streaming multimedia content at this site, including movies, TV shows, games and cartoons. Films include such classics as the original "Little Shop of Horrors," with Jack Nicholson and "The Man with the Golden Arm," with Frank Sinatra. Cartoons include classics like "Betty Boop," and "Felix the Cat."
- VideoPlayer - Here's a neat resource for free music videos. Artists include Aqua, Scooter, The Spice Girls and more. If you have your own Web page, and want to use their videos, you can link to the videos directly from your site.
- RadioMoi - This site serves up a wonderful selection of full-length, songs from many
genres, both new and old. All you have to do
is point and click to quickly hear any tune from the database of over 11,000
songs. The selection is impressive. The first music act I selected (The Clash) yielded
14 available tunes. Note: to listen to the sound files on this
site, you'll need to download the "MusicMusicMusic" streaming sound application. RadioMoi is free to access (at least for now).
- Internet Television - Get a glimpse of the future at this site. If you have Progressive Networks' must-have RealPlayer installed, you can instantly gain access to TV stations from around the world, broadcasting in real time. Most are from North America, but there are dozens also available from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and elsewhere. The stations we sampled came in relatively fine on a 56K modem speed; if your modem is slower, you'll likely be frustrated.
- Kosmic Free Music Foundation - This not-for-profit service provides "free access to original music on the Net." There are lots of independent artists listed here and the music ranges from alternative to rave and techno. The music here comes in a variety of formats, including RealAudio. There's also information on how to play the sound files on your computer.
- TV Sounds in RealAudio - This site offers RealAudio of classic TV theme songs. There's also classic commercials featured here. Categories include: adventure, children's stuff, sci-fi, cartoons, sitcoms and westerns.
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