Using RealPlayer Converter
This process should only be used if the original "master" recordings are unavailable. Using the highly compressed Real video files for conversion to other formats will likely result in reduced quality. For all other conversions, please use the tools available in Adobe's Creative Suite available on IUWare.Installation
RealPlayer Converter is included with the installation of the free RealPlayer for Windows. "Plus" or other paid versions are not needed for the basic conversions outlined in this guide. According to Real Networks, the system requirements are:Hardware
- CPU: 1.4 GHz or faster
- RAM: 1 GB
- Hard disk: 425 MB available free space
Software
- Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (32- or 64-bit)
- Adobe Flash Player 9.0 or later
- QuickTime 7.5 or later recommended
Launch "RealPLayer Converter" from the Start Menu:
And you'll see this:
Convert to Flash
Now you need to configure the settings for a format compatible with Adobe's Flash Player. In the "Convert to" menu, choose "Video Formats" under "Select a Device". Then choose "H.264 for iPod and iPhone" since it utilizes the same MPEG4 standard as Flash Player.
Choose the "Details" option to manually set the "Quality"(aka bitrate). Most videos should use the 512Kbps setting, but older, low quality videos may work fine at 256Kbps. The other settings can be left to their default values.
Convert to Windows Media
If you choose the Windows Media format instead of, or in addition to, Flash, you'll find the process is similar to the one outlined above. In the "Convert to" menu, choose "Video Formats" from the dropdown box below "Select a Device". Then choose "WMV".
Choose the "Details" option to manually set the "Quality"(aka bitrate). Most videos should use the 512Kbps setting, but older, low quality videos may work fine at 256Kbps. The other settings can be left to their default values.
Add RealMedia Files & Convert
Now you can add your RealMedia files(ending with ".rm", ".ra", or ".rv") for conversion. You can use the "Add" option, or simply drag your files into the window. Press the "Start" button to begin the conversion process. Once started, you can continue to use your computer for other tasks, but you should refrain from using other programs that require high CPU utilization. Depending on the number and length of your recordings, you might consider running this process when the computer would otherwise not be used (for instance, when you leave work for the day).
Upload files to streaming server
Follow the normal procedures outlined at http://webmaster.iu.edu/tool_guide_info/tgcat.shtml#publish to save your new files (ending with ".m4v" or ".wmv") to your "wwwdm" folder.Play Flash Videos
Follow instructions at http://www.indiana.edu/~video/stream/sm_publish.php to publish your videos. Here is an example Flash Player that you can use:
The URL is constructed like this: http://www.indiana.edu/~video/stream/launchflash.html?folder=webserver_accountname&filename=flash_video_file
Play Windows Media Files
Follow instructions at http://www.indiana.edu/~video/stream/sm_publish.php to publish your videos. Here is an example Windows Media/Silverlight Player that you can use:
The URL is constructed like this: http://www.indiana.edu/~video/stream/launch_sl.cgi?folder=webserver_accountname&filename=windows_media_file
