Convert file mp3 rm

Converting Old Multimedia Files Into Streaming Formats 05/05/99

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1999 MAY 5 (NB) -- By Bob Woods, Newsbytes. Internet publishers who own multimedia files not compatible with some of the most popular real-time streaming formats now have a way to convert their old files into streaming files. Encoding.com, in conjunction with InterVU Inc. [NASDAQ:ITVU], has launched a new Web-based transcoding application to help Web publishers transcode their old files.

Up until now, there had not been a way to transform ".avi" or ".wav" files into some of the streaming formats supported by the new "MediaUpgrade.com," Encoding.com officials said. But now, such old files can be converted to RealNetworks' G2 or 5.0 formats (.rm or .ra) or Microsoft's Windows Media Technologies (.asf or .wm), including the newest version 4.0.

In addition, old .wav files can be converted to the hot MP3 (Motion Pictures Experts Group 1, Audio Layer 3) format. But Encoding.com officials are quick to point out that .avi files cannot be transcoded to MP3.

Publishers wanting to use mediaUpgrade.com must first register with the Web site and decide which files to transcode, officials said. Once that's done, they then upload their old files to a "Media Vault." After a time -- usually less than 24 hours -- MediaUpgrade.com's production engine will build new streamable files from the older files.

When publishers visit the Media Vault to check their orders, they can preview, download, publish or delete files as they wish.

For publishers concerned about their files' security, MediaUpgrade.com will "maintain the levels of security expected of an e-commerce site that contains private customer information," officials said. "The site keeps all user information private and will not disclose customer information unless the client explicitly releases it for use. All media is handled privately and is available for preview or download only via a page secured by user name and password. Encoding.com does track the use of the site using standard Web site traffic reporting tools, and the user is made aware of this."

But MediaUpgrade.com apparently doesn't see itself as a gatekeeper for catching illegally obtained files. The transcoding of files via the site is legal, "as long as the files (transcoded) are used within the original constraints or copyrights of the content material," company officials said. "Encoding.com will not be responsible for use outside of these copyrights or advise users in this area."

Currently, Web publishers can have their files converted for no charge. Later in 1999, subscriptions to the site will begin at $39 for 100 megabytes (MB) of transcoding. In addition, InterVU can host such multimedia streaming files via packages starting as low as $40 per month, with pricing determined based on a variety of criteria, such as time, size of files stored and the number of views to the file.

Converted files can also be downloaded and streamed from a publisher's own site, Encoding.com also said. But individual publishers will need access to the proper hardware and software to stream multimedia files on their own, Newsbytes notes.

Both encoding.com and InterVU are working together to create a broader strategic alliance to jointly promote and develop the application, company officials added.

MediaUpgrade.com was unveiled at the RealNetworks Conference `99 today in San Francisco.

Last month, Sun Microsystems and RealNetworks announced they would develop the industry's first method to create files already stored in MPEG-2 formats over to files that can be read in RealNetworks' RealAudio G2 and RealVideo G2.

With the transcoding, broadcasters that have extensive libraries in the high-resolution MPEG-2 can convert into a format that can be delivered via the World Wide Web. Until now, MPEG-2 hasn't lent itself to real-time streaming like files already stored in RealNetworks' or other streaming formats from Microsoft Corp. [NASDAQ:MSFT], for example.

Once completed, the new, unnamed system will eventually be sold to broadcast, cable, entertainment and satellite communications companies. Content providers that deliver audio and video over the Web can also use the new technology, officials said.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the encoding.com/InterVU's MediaUpgrade.com and Sun/RealNetworks systems is the MediaUpgrade.com method encodes into MP3 and MS Audio 4.0 as well as RealNetwork's own G2-brand systems.

Reported By Newsbytes News Network, http://www.newsbytes.com .

(19990505/Press Contacts: Laura Cunningham, KVO Public Relations, 503- 721-4258, e-mail: laura_cunningham@kvo.com; Todd Sawicki, encoding.com, 206-568-2601, e-mail todd@encoding.com /WIRES ONLINE, PC, BUSINESS/)