Advantages and Disadvantages of SMIL

SMIL has some very impressive advantages as a multimedia development tool.

1. Keeps original content intact. You do not need to merge clips into a single streaming file. To alter your presentation, for example, you simply edit the SMIL file rather than merge the clips again into a different container file.
   
2. Allows you to use clips in different locations: Because a SMIL file lists a separate URL for each clip, you can put together presentations using clips stored on any server. You can use a video clip on a RealServer, for example, and a text clip on a Web server.
   
3. Time and control a presentation. The SMIL file lets you easily control the presentation timeline. You can start an audio clip playing at 2.5 seconds into its internal timeline, for example, without changing the encoded clip.
   
4. Lay out a presentation. When your presentation includes multiple clips, such as a RealVideo clip playing simultaneously with text captions or banner graphics, you use SMIL to define the layout. Compare the example of President Westling's Inaugural to a "plain vanilla" streaming video that does not use SMIL.
   
5. Provide alternate presentations: For example, you can stream clips in multiple languages, or for different bandwidths.
   
6. Can be produced with any text editor. SMIL files are plain text, and don't require specialized software to create or edit. Note that the media clips they contain will require specialized software to create, though.

SMIL also has disadvantages. Namely:

1. It lacks final specification, so SMIL files are not completely standardized across platforms
   
2. There exists a lack of editors and development tools. Real Networks has recently introduced a utility called SMILGen which is primarily useful for debugging your SMIL syntax. The next release of this product will include features such as layout control, timelines, and file publishing. Oratrix, a third-party developer, has introduced a SMIL editor called GRINS. This product features a graphical interface to simplify the process of defining a layout and synchronizing media content.