RealNetworks, RealJukebox 2 Plus
If you've tried previous versions of RealJukebox and found it less than thrilling, check out this most recent upgrade. It supports just about every available audio-file format and most digital-rights-management technologies. Throw in a beefier track editor, redesigned interface, and generous selection of audio effects, and you have a very competitive program.
You've got to hand it to the people at RealNetworks. They're determined to make RealJukebox the best it can be. This latest version is a major upgrade, and while it still lacks a few necessary features, such as allowing you to burn MP3 files straight to a CD, it can now go head-to-head with most of the competition. For starters, RealJukebox 2 supports just about every available audio-file format, including MP3, RealAudio 8, Windows Media (WMA), Liquid Audio, IBM's EMMS, AT&T's a2b, and Sony's upcoming OpenMG. These include most of the available digital-rights-management technologies, so you'll be prepared for the coming era of not-always-free digital music.
The program also offers several unusual features that add significant value. You can crossfade your songs for continuous play, similar to the seamless song transitions you might hear from a DJ on the radio or in a club. The built-in music librarian is much stronger than before and a beefed-up track editor lets you associate lyrics, cover art, or other information with a track or an entire album. You also have the option to record in MP3, RealAudio, WAV, or WMA format. Plus RealJukebox includes support for analog recording from a cassette, phonograph, microphone, or line in.
RealNetworks has extensively reworked the interface to allow for easier navigation. Most of the key functions are available from a Navigation Bar. The main portion of the program window changes to reflect the new function, which leaves the rest of the window uncluttered. Audio effects -- such as the 10-band graphic equaliser, crossfade effects, and iQfx2 3D audio -- are called up using small icons that are always visible, but never in the way.
Automation is also improved. You can have the program automatically update itself for new file formats, software upgrades, and device plug-ins. A new AutoPlaylist feature automatically creates a mix of tracks that matches your specific preferences, so you can create, say, a playlist with only jazz and blues artists with no songs over 10 minutes and a total play time of 120 minutes. The program also supports the widest range of portable digital audio players that we've seen so far in an MP3 jukebox program.
If you've tried a previous version of RealJukebox and found it less than thrilling, check out this latest iteration. The free version lacks some of the more esoteric features of the US$29.99 version, such as variable-bit encoding, Pentium III optimization for faster CD ripping, the 10-band equaliser, CD printing, playlist printing, audio-file-format conversions, and the crossfade option. If you don't need the extras, however, the free version will suit your needs just fine.
Company:RealNetworks
Price:US$29.99
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