What is MIME type "video/vnd.rn-realvideo"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

video/vnd.rn-realvideo is the MIME type for RealVideo files.
It is used to compress and stream digital video over networks.
Files using this format typically carry the extensions RM, RMVB, or RV.
The format relies on proprietary codecs designed to reduce file sizes without greatly sacrificing quality.
It is mainly used for streaming video across the internet and for local playback with specific media players.
For more details on RealNetworks and their technologies, visit RealNetworks.

Associated file extensions

.rm, .rmvb, .rv

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: video/vnd.rn-realvideo

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="video/vnd.rn-realvideo">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'video/vnd.rn-realvideo');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.rm, .rmvb, .rv

FAQs

Which software can open files with the MIME type video/vnd.rn-realvideo?

Files served as video/vnd.rn-realvideo (typically .rm or .rmvb) require specific media players that support RealNetworks codecs. While the official RealPlayer is the native application, the versatile open-source VLC media player is widely recommended for handling these legacy formats on modern systems.

Do modern web browsers support RealVideo natively?

No, modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari do not support video/vnd.rn-realvideo or the RealMedia architecture. To play video on the web today, you should convert these files to standard HTML5 formats like video/mp4 or video/webm.

How do I configure Apache to serve RealVideo files correctly?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct headers for RealVideo, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main configuration: AddType video/vnd.rn-realvideo .rm .rmvb .rv. This ensures browsers and download managers recognize the file type.

How do I add support for video/vnd.rn-realvideo in Nginx?

In Nginx, you can add the MIME type definition inside your mime.types file or within a specific server block. Use the syntax: types { video/vnd.rn-realvideo rm rmvb rv; } to map the extensions correctly.

What is the difference between .rm and .rmvb files?

While both use the video/vnd.rn-realvideo MIME type, .rm files typically use Constant Bitrate (CBR) optimized for streaming over consistent connections. In contrast, .rmvb stands for RealMedia Variable Bitrate, which adjusts compression based on scene complexity, offering better quality for locally stored files.

Why does the MIME type contain 'vnd'?

The prefix vnd stands for vendor-specific. It indicates that video/vnd.rn-realvideo is a proprietary format developed by RealNetworks, distinct from open standard types defined by the IETF.

Should I use this MIME type for new video streaming projects?

No, video/vnd.rn-realvideo is considered a legacy format and is rarely used for new content. For broad compatibility across mobile devices, smart TVs, and desktops, use modern standards like H.264 (video/mp4) or H.265.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.