Microsoft Windows Media Player: This audio and video player supports almost any type of local and streamed multimedia format, including Real Audio, Real Video, QuickTime, MIDI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MP3, AVI, .wav, .mov, .vod, and .au.

CNN: Top 10 video tools

Surprise, surprise, Microsoft is using its new player in an effort to squeaze Real and make its own Windows Media format the standard for digital audio on the Web.

CNN: Cutting Edge

Audio and video programmes based on proprietary formats such as Windows Media Player are another challenge.

ECONOMIST: Archiving the web

Users can control extensive audio libraries with the remote control, with included support for iTunes and Windows Media Center.

ENGADGET: Altec Lansing's inMotion Air speaker system streams from just about anywhere