Different Media File Types

If you have already considered the pros and cons of offering media files on your website, then the next step is to decide what kinds of media files you want to provide, and make them available properly!

The most common types of media files used online are:

• RealMedia files (RM, RA, RV)
• Windows Media files (WMF, WMA, WMV, AVI)
• MP3 files (MP3, M3U)
• QuickTime files (MOV)

Of the above list, note that the first two types are "streaming" types (meaning that the file streams and plays, and no trace of the file is left on the listening computer), while the latter two formats are actually "play as you download" (meaning that the file is played while it's downloaded, and the user will end up with a copy of the file somewhere on their computer).

So what type or types should be used?

Your choice of media file types will depend first on what, if any, streaming media service your hosting company will provide. Some hosts provide special media servers (Real Media "Helix", Windows Media, or Quicktime) which may automatically give you a preference for file type. If no special server software is provided, then I would recommend going with the MP3 audio file format. This format is free and widely used at the current time.

• Making MP3 audio files
• Other media formats