Web media streaming giant RealNetworks has teamed with Sony to introduce a new version of its RealAudio technology, which allows sound to be broadcast via the Internet.

RealAudio 8, released Monday, uses a mathematical formula, or codec, created by Sony to turn sounds into data. That data is then sent a bit at a time over the Internet and reassembled by RealNetworks' software on personal computers. According to RealNetworks product manager Rob Grady, the new technology reduces the size of an audio file by a third. This is the first time RealNetworks has co-developed its codecs with another company. RealAudio 8 also provides a discernible difference in musical quality from its predecessors and competitors, doing a better job in fleshing out the high-end treble and low bass, Grady said. The technology will help RealNetworks, based here, to break into the market for digitally stored music. While most digital music files are stored in the MP3 format, commonly accepted on most portable music devices, Sony's digital recorders will be able to store and replay RealAudio files, Grady said. Files created with older RealAudio technology will need to be rerecorded to take advantage of the new format.