Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language, SMIL, (pronounced "smile") is the newly-minted
W3C standard for authoring and presenting synchronized multimedia on the Web. SMIL
is an XML-compliant markup language used to describe stylistic and synchronization
information about a Web multimedia presentation.
The Real Web TV
SMIL is an easy to use markup language (much like HTML), which promises to
bring TV-like content authoring to the masses in the same way that HTML did.
As such, there's no need to learn a complex scripting language
or proprietary authoring tool. You can get started with nothing more than a
plain text editor. For now, you'll also need a plug-in to view your
presentations, but SMIL will be integrated in the next generation of
browsers, effectively making multimedia plug-ins unnecessary.
The primary benefits/features of SMIL are:
- Standard multimedia synchronization
- Adds hyperlinks to multimedia
- Improved bandwidth efficiency
- Ease of use
- Cross-industry support
Recommended Links:
RealNetworks' SMIL FAQ
RealNetworks offers a free plug-in, G2, the first commercial implementation of SMIL.
W3C Audio, Video, and Synchronized Multimedia
Just SMIL
The first and only resource dedicated to SMIL, the Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language.
Articles
SMIL Spec Called Major Advancement
"Microsoft's NetShow lagged behind RealNetworks' product in the ability, or potential ability, to
support SMIL." Reseller News
Microsoft And RealNetworks Wage Media War
InternetWeek
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