Streaming mp3 files

[Arces]

My client wants to stream mp3 files from his website. Due to his wishes of creating a unique player interface, the only player "types" that make any sense are either RealPlayer or a flash/java-applet based player.

What I'd prefer doing is embedding RealPlayer into the website and creating interface through php and javascript (done it before, but only with rm files), but I'm not sure if there is any way to force the client to open the files up with RP instead of the default program they're using. Would appreciate it a lot if somebody could tell me a work-around for this. But if that's simply not possible, any thoughts on which of the players (java or flash) would be easier to build and any resources you have on that topic would be most welcome.

Just as a side note... I don't have any real experience working with flash, but have been working as a professional C++ & java programmer for years.

[markbaa]

No resources, but I'd suggest flash. Not everyone has the real player client, but about 97% of people have flash.

[ryan26]

but about 97% of people have flash

Not just that, but Flash audio compression is extremely good. It's one of the best features of the platform.

[Arces]

Hmm... never really liked flash elements myself though, and quite a lot of the people that I know have it off by default *shrugs*. Guess I'll just need to improvise something.