SEATTLE (Reuters) - RealNetworks Inc. RNWK.O began offering a new digital media player on Tuesday that plays back music and video in all formats, including those of its main competitor, Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O .

RealNetworks is betting that the newest version of the RealOne Player will become the central hub of personal computer-based entertainment.

To make the new player more appealing to users, the Seattle-based digital media company said RealOne Player will also be able to play DVDs and record music on to blank CDs.

The new player follows close on the heels of a new all-format server RealNetworks unveiled last month capable of sending music and video over the Internet in all formats, and it also comes less than a month before Microsoft unveils its latest Windows Media 9 Series digital player.

"The crucial thing is that it uses technology already on PCs to play back different formats," said Richard Brownrigg, RealNetworks' general manager of consumer software technologies.

RealOne Player requires the Windows media player as well as Apple Computer Inc.'s AAPL.O Quicktime player and other DVD playback software to be installed on the PC, so that it can harness the capability for its own use.

RealNetworks also is hoping that the new player will boost subscribers for its online contents service RealOne SuperPass, which currently boasts more than 750,000 paying users.

SuperPass users will get access to all of the features of the new RealOne Player, including universal playback, advanced CD burning as well as more content and features.

A free, basic version will still support DVD playback and CD recording, RealNetworks said.