RMVB file format
| Extension | .rmvb |
| Category | video |
| Programs | VLC Media Player |
| Main program | RealPlayer |
| Description | .rmvb (RealMedia Variable Bitrate) The .rmvb format is a variable bitrate extension of the RealMedia multimedia container format developed by RealNetworks. RMVB files are typically used for distributing video content over the internetThey are popular due to their ability to compress lengthy video files into relatively small sizes while maintaining a high quality. However, RMVB files require specific players like RealPlayer or other software that supports the RealMedia codec, which limits their compatibility compared to more universal video formats. |
| Technical details | The `.rmvb` (RealMedia Variable Bitrate) format is a multimedia container by RealNetworks with these characteristics: - Variable Bitrate Encoding: Uses VBR for efficient encoding, allocating higher bitrates for complex video segments and lower for simpler ones. - Compression: Employs proprietary RealNetworks compression; RealVideo codec for video, RealAudio for audio. - Quality: Offers good video quality at lower bitrates, ideal for streaming or downloading on limited bandwidth/storage. - File Size: VBR results in smaller files compared to CBR at similar quality levels. - Support and Compatibility: Mainly supported by RealPlayer, with limited compatibility with other players without additional codecs or format conversion. - Resolution Support: Handles both SD and HD video resolutions. - Streaming Capability: Optimized for streaming but primarily used for local playback. - Audio Support: Supports various audio codecs, commonly RealAudio. - Metadata: Can include titles, author information, and copyright details. - DRM Support: Capable of incorporating DRM. - Popularity: Was popular for online video sharing, especially in the early 2000s, but has declined due to more open formats like MPEG-4 and H.264. - Platform Dependency: Closely tied to RealNetworks’ software, limiting broader adoption. `.rmvb`, known for its efficient compression and streaming capabilities, has seen reduced usage with the emergence of more versatile, widely supported formats. |
| MIME type | application/vnd.rn-realmedia-vbr |