The RealOne Player is a piece of software that plugs in to your web browser and acts like a video or tape recorder - allowing you to view audio and video material from anywhere on the internet.

The player's controls are really simple-to-use, and combine the familiar 'Play', 'Skip' and 'Stop' controls of a CD player, with the address bar and visual display of a web browser.

Using the RealOne player can provide you with access to news, music videos, animation and film trailers.

Download and install

If you haven't already got RealOne Player on your computer you can go to the Real.com website and download a copy of either the free player ( Mac or PC) or the full version which you have to pay for.

It is available on both PCs and Apple Macs, and configures with all the main web browsers.

Download instructions are pretty simple - you just register and wait for the six or so megabyte programme to transfer to your computer.

See our step-by-step guide.

The install wizard should guide you through the rest of the process, before the RealOne Player opens up and plays you an introductory audio and video clip.

Once installed, Real One provides your browser with the necessary technology to play streaming media such as audio and video.

This may appear 'inside' the web page you are viewing or open up in the stand-alone viewer.

The stand-alone RealOne Player

However, if your internet connection speed is via a 28K or 56K modem then don't expect TV quality footage or sound.