Real Alternative was a software that allowed you to play RealMedia files without installing RealPlayer. This software was a great alternative to RealPlayer, offering a range of benefits and limitations that made it a popular choice among users. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what Real Alternative was, its features and benefits, and why it was a great alternative to RealPlayer.

One of the main benefits of this software was its quick and easy installation process. Unlike RealPlayer, which often required a long and complicated installation process, Real Alternative could be installed in just a few clicks. This made it ideal for users who didn't want to spend a lot of time and effort installing a new media player.

Features and Benefits of Real Alternative

Quick and Easy Install

No Background Processes

Another key benefit was that it didn't run any background processes. Unlike RealPlayer, which often had many background processes running even when you weren't using it, Real Alternative only ran when you were actively using it. This helped to reduce the strain on your computer's resources and allowed you to use your computer more efficiently.

Use a Player of Your Own Choice

One of the standout features was that it allowed you to use a media player of your choice. Unlike RealPlayer, which required you to use its own media player, Real Alternative allowed you to choose from a range of different players, including Media Player Classic, which was included with the software. This gave you more flexibility and control over your media experience.

No Annoying Advertisements or Forms

Another great thing was that it didn't include annoying advertisements or registration forms. Unlike RealPlayer, which often featured pop-up ads and required you to complete registration forms, Real Alternative was completely ad-free and didn't require any registration. This made it a much more enjoyable experience for users.

Low on Resources

Finally, it was low on resources. Unlike RealPlayer, which often required a lot of computer resources to run, Real Alternative was designed to be lightweight and efficient. This made it ideal for users with older computers or limited resources.

Limitations of Real Alternative

Despite its many benefits, Real Alternative did have some limitations. One of the main limitations was that .smi and .smil files only played the first part of a clip. This was only a problem when the clip consisted of multiple parts, but it was something to keep in mind. Additionally, the RealMedia Direct Show splitter did not work with streaming content, meaning that you had to use Media Player Classic to play streaming content.