RealAudio decompressing is a CPU extensive task, so even
if the RAX code rewritten in DOS 16-bit assembly language
and optimized for speed using fast lookup tables and such,
most likely slow PCs like 386SX and below won't be able to
handle it in real-time. The only way to get real-time RA
on these dinosaurs should be a hardware decompressor, like
MPEG card, but for RA stream instead of MPEG. All the CPU
has to do is sending the RA data blocks to the card, and
it will take care the rest -- both decompressing and
playback.
The only problem is... Is RealAudio card (or at least it's
decompressor chip) already exist? If it did exist, it might
never intended for PCs since newer PCs are powerful enough
to process RA stream in real-time. But it should be useful
in embedded systems, such as "Internet Radio player" or
"VoIP/tele-converencing device" -- totally stand alone
internet home-electronic products like InfoTalk...
BTW, "internet radio" is an excellent way to expand con-
ventional broadcast radio station range globally, without
the need of very powerful RF transmitter and boosters. But
might only viable in cost vs audience ratio (even for the
smallest radio station) if a standalone embedded receivers
exist. So you don't need to use a full-blown PC just to
"stay-tune" to your favorite internet radio. Only a small
cheapy plug-it-to-phone box (and an ISP account) is
required <g>.
--Eko
To unsubscribe from SURVPC send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with
unsubscribe SURVPC in the body of the message.
Also, trim this footer from any quoted replies.
