Technology Software

What Plays RMVB Files?

By Technology Last updated Tuesday, January/14/2025

RMVB File Basics

Real Media Variable Bit Rate (RMVB) files are a type of compressed video file. Specifically, they're developed by RealNetworks, Inc. for its RealPlayer media player. A variation of the previous Real Media (RM) standard file, they've become popular because they allow for greater and more efficient file compression than regular RM files. They're used in particular with Asian movies and anime because they offer a high degree of quality while being smaller than comparable DivX files.

RealNetworks RealPlayer and VideoLAN VLC media player are the programs available for those who use the Mac Operating System and wish to open RMVB files. RealPlayer comes in two available editions: the basic player, which is free to download and RealPlayer Plus, which offers the same playback functions as the basic edition, along with features such as the ability to transfer video files to DVD, enhanced downloads, fast file transfer to smartphones and the ability to create music CDs. It costs $39.99 as of April 2011.

Those using a Windows-based operating system and wishing to open RMVB files have the largest number of available programs from which to choose. The first is RealNetworks RealPlayer. The second is Free Time Format Factory, which provides multifunction media file conversion and supports many different file formats, including RMVB. The third and final option for Windows users is VideoLAN VLC media player, which offers a simple interface as well as a large degree of compatibility with many file types. It is also able to convert and stream media and is compatible with many operating systems. VLC media player is free to download and use as of April 2011.

Those using a Linux-based operating system such as Ubuntu who wish to open RMVB files may choose from several programs. The first is RealNetworks RealPlayer. The second is VideoLAN's VLC media player, which offers versions of its player for many Linux-based operating systems, including Debian GNU/Linux, Ubuntu, openSUSE, Gentoo Linux, Fedora, Arch Linux, Slackware Linux, Mandriva Linux, ALT Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.