Screen-Reader Information and Accessibility

RealPlayer has been designed to work best with JAWS (v4.02 or greater recommended) or Window-Eyes (v4.21 or greater).

We at RealNetworks are committed to creating accessible software.  If you have a specific issue or request, we'd like to hear from you. For Technical or Customer support issues, please go to:  http://real.custhelp.com.  

Screen-Reader Version Requirements

As noted above, RealPlayer works best with the following screen-reader software:

Window-Eyes version 4.21 or greater required.
JAWS version 4.02 or greater recommended.

Keyboard Shortcuts and Limitations

RealPlayer has a number of keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate its various features and areas. There are some exceptions, which are described below.

Message Center

The Message Center delivers periodic messages of interest to the user.  You may customize categories of messages as desired. Currently the Messaging system is not very screen-reader accessible and most screen-reader users will want to disable the "Check for new messages" feature to prevent the pop-ups from interrupting work flow.  Here are the steps to do so (may require sighted assistance):

1. From the Menu bar, click View > Message Center.
2. Click the Options menu on the Message Center.
3. Choose Preferences... to open the Message Center Preferences dialog.
4. Clear Check for new messages.
5. Click OK.
6. A warning message will appear. Click Yes.
7. Close Message Center.

Rarely, a software update message may appear if an updated version of RealPlayer is made available, but no other messages should appear.

Multimedia Advertisements

Screen-reader users may find the periodic display of advertisements in the presentation window problematic. While the free Player is necessarily supported by advertisers, if you purchase RealPlayer Plus or a Subscription (a subscription also gives you RealPlayer Plus features), your product usage will be interrupted fewer times by advertisements.

Other Known Issues

• There is currently an issue with the RealPlayer installer that prevents the values of some checkboxes from being read.  
• JAWS Cursor Mode does not operate properly with RealPlayer. The arrow keys to move the cursor may not work; the cursor will simply stay in one fixed spot when over RealPlayer.
• When playing a DVD you may need to use the mouse to activate the DVD menu.
• The following shortcuts are in conflict in Window-Eyes:

To use these shortcuts in RealPlayer:

1. Start Window-Eyes.
2. Click the Hotkeys Menu.
3. Select the desired hotkey.
4. Click Unlearn.