META File – What is .meta file and how to open it?
META File Extension
RealPlayer Metafile – file format by RealNetworks
META (RealPlayer Metafile) is a file extension developed by RealNetworks that stores metadata related to RealPlayer media files. It includes information such as file duration, bitrate, and codec settings. META files are commonly used for storing media information that cannot be embedded in the media file itself.
Definition and Purpose
A META file, associated with the RealPlayer Metafile extension, is a metadata file used by the RealPlayer multimedia software suite developed by RealNetworks. It mainly stores metadata information about the associated media files, such as video or audio content. This metadata includes details like file name, file size, duration, codec information, and other relevant attributes.
Function and Compatibility
META files serve as supplementary data files that accompany the primary media files. They provide additional information that can be utilized by media players or other software applications to improve playback, organization, and search functionality. META files are typically generated automatically when media files are created or modified using RealNetworks products. They are compatible with various RealPlayer versions and are designed to ensure efficient and seamless playback of media content across different platforms and devices.
Understanding META Files
META files are text-based metafiles generated by RealPlayer, a proprietary multimedia player from RealNetworks. They contain additional details about RealPlayer media files, such as song titles, artists, album information, and other metadata. These files do not contain the actual media content but provide supplemental information used by RealPlayer to identify and manage media files. META files are commonly saved with the same base name as the associated media file and often have a .meta or .ram extension.
Opening META Files
META files can be opened and viewed using various text editors, including Notepad, TextEdit, and Sublime Text. Since they are text-based, you can access and read the metadata contained within by simply opening the file in any text editor. However, META files are primarily intended for use by RealPlayer and other RealNetworks software. They are not typically meant to be opened or modified directly by users unless troubleshooting or performing specific tasks within the RealPlayer ecosystem. If you encounter a META file and wish to access its content, using a text editor to view and edit is a suitable option.
RealPlayer Metafile (META)
The RealPlayer Metafile (META) format is a proprietary file format developed by RealNetworks, primarily used to store metadata and information about RealMedia files (.RM, .RA, .RV). META files do not contain the actual media content but instead provide essential information such as the file size, duration, codec information, streaming parameters, and other properties necessary for playback and streaming.
The META format serves as a bridge between the media content and the RealPlayer software. It provides a structured and standardized way of storing metadata, enabling efficient and seamless playback within the RealPlayer environment. Additionally, META files facilitate the management and exchange of media files, ensuring proper playback and streaming across different devices and platforms.