Many clips on Tulsa TV Memories (like the 1971 Mazeppa intro at left) are in the RealPlayer format. To play them, you may need to download free RealPlayer software.

For older computers, I recommend RealPlayer 8, rather than later versions of the software. For newer computers, I recommend either RealPlayer 8, or the latest version, 10.5.

Free download of either on these pages at Real Legacy Software Archive and OldVersions.com.

During installation, you may wish to uncheck all boxes except those that associate Real file types (such as .rm, .ram, .rp) with the RealPlayer. After the reboot, no need to register; just Cancel out, the software is already installed. If it suggests that you upgrade, ignore it. It will go away. No need to pay.

After installation of RP 8, you can go into View/Preferences/General and un-enable the StartCenter to prevent RealPlayer starting up with your computer. Then it will open up only when you need it.

After installation of RP 10.5, open the Message Center by selecting View/Message Center. In Message Center, select Options/Preferences, then un-check all boxes to disable it (stops nagging to update the software).

Real was practically the only choice for streaming media when I started this site in 1998. BBC, NPR and others still use it.

Real made some big missteps with their RealOne software, but they seem to have learned their lesson. If you stick with the older RealPlayer 8 or the newest (10.5 or later), you should be OK. I have both an old and a new computer, and they do fine with RealPlayer installed as described above.

I now use the more common MP3, Windows Media, QuickTime, YouTube and Google Video in addition to RealPlayer.