The Informant
02-01-2003, 09:59 AM
OK, let's add something to the "Real"-saga.
First some basic nfo: I'm on a WinXP Pro SP1 system 2,67 GHz CPU, 256 MB memory with a Realtek (Avance Logic) AC'97 ALC650 v3.38 soundchip.
I'll start with the good. Let me tell you, I tried about 8 different MP3-players, old and newer versions, but after all this time I still prefer RealJukebox Plus 2. It still delivers best performance and more importantly, best sound! It's strange, I don't use the equalizer, no funny settings, but to my ears it still sounds way better if I compare it to e.g. MUSICMATCH. The only player which comes close imho is Cowon Jet-Audio. Furthermore RealJukebox' CD-ripping is ultrafast, no errors, in short excellent and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Now for the bad: Real is constantly trying to inform me that my RealPlayer (v8) and RealJukebox is out of date! Well, I have only one thing to say about that. Real's management is out of date!! They're so @#$%ing arrogant to decide what works best for me. I installed RealOne once but I didn't like it. It's all about appearance and I've noticed no structural improvements. But wait. It gets worse. When you approve of Real updating your system, you automatically lose the "Plus" (MP3 encoding at higher bitrates) Yes people, once more proof it's all about the freaking money. Real wants to get you hooked to their premium program and in return for your membership you're allowed to pay them a constant dollarflow.
One more thing, if you're on a WinXP system and thinking about installing Service Pack1 and still want to use RealPlayer and RealJukebox this is the right sequence to follow:
1 Install RealPlayer and RealJukebox
2 Install Service Pack 1
Don't try to do it the other way because you won't be able to install them any longer. I don't quite remember it but you'll receiver an error something to do with the nt***-layer. Go ahead if you want to try it but don't say I didn't warn ya.
Hope anyone out there can benefit from this nfo.
Greets,
The Informant
Ps. A general rule of thumb. Always disable automatic updating for all programs. This will keep you in control of your system.
First some basic nfo: I'm on a WinXP Pro SP1 system 2,67 GHz CPU, 256 MB memory with a Realtek (Avance Logic) AC'97 ALC650 v3.38 soundchip.
I'll start with the good. Let me tell you, I tried about 8 different MP3-players, old and newer versions, but after all this time I still prefer RealJukebox Plus 2. It still delivers best performance and more importantly, best sound! It's strange, I don't use the equalizer, no funny settings, but to my ears it still sounds way better if I compare it to e.g. MUSICMATCH. The only player which comes close imho is Cowon Jet-Audio. Furthermore RealJukebox' CD-ripping is ultrafast, no errors, in short excellent and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Now for the bad: Real is constantly trying to inform me that my RealPlayer (v8) and RealJukebox is out of date! Well, I have only one thing to say about that. Real's management is out of date!! They're so @#$%ing arrogant to decide what works best for me. I installed RealOne once but I didn't like it. It's all about appearance and I've noticed no structural improvements. But wait. It gets worse. When you approve of Real updating your system, you automatically lose the "Plus" (MP3 encoding at higher bitrates) Yes people, once more proof it's all about the freaking money. Real wants to get you hooked to their premium program and in return for your membership you're allowed to pay them a constant dollarflow.
One more thing, if you're on a WinXP system and thinking about installing Service Pack1 and still want to use RealPlayer and RealJukebox this is the right sequence to follow:
1 Install RealPlayer and RealJukebox
2 Install Service Pack 1
Don't try to do it the other way because you won't be able to install them any longer. I don't quite remember it but you'll receiver an error something to do with the nt***-layer. Go ahead if you want to try it but don't say I didn't warn ya.
Hope anyone out there can benefit from this nfo.
Greets,
The Informant
Ps. A general rule of thumb. Always disable automatic updating for all programs. This will keep you in control of your system.