RealPlayer Basic plays RealAudio, RealVideo and the new RealFlash streaming animations.

RealPlayer uses buffering techniques to play content encoded for higher bit rates than your connection. For audio, RealPlayer can play AM-quality audio with 14.4 modems and near-CD quality with 28.8 modems. For video, RealPlayer provides a newscast-quality display with 28.8 modems and full-motion, full-screen display for high bandwidth connections. RealFlash animations can also be viewed in sync with RealAudio. Flash is an animation format developed in cooperation with Macromedia.

RealPlayer provides one-click access to daily news and entertainment channels broadcast from around the Web. You can also search for audio and video clips.

Other features include: support for MP3 audio, the ability to search for media clips, SmartStream technology (which eliminates rebuffering, an automatic upgrade feature, and content channels.

RealPlayer also includes over 150 radio stations and hooks you up with the 'Take 5' entertainment programming showcase (which provides updated headlines, features, comedy, music, and entertainment from over 100 media providers).