Windows Media Encoder
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Stable release | 9.0
/ January 7, 2003[1] |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Type | Video and audio encoding software |
| License | Freeware |
Windows Media Encoder is a freely downloadable and free-of-charge media encoder developed by Microsoft which enables content developers to convert or capture both live and prerecorded audio, video, and computer screen images to Windows Media formats for live and on-demand delivery. It is the successor of NetShow Encoder.[2] As of October 2013[update] it was still available for download. The download page reports that it is not supported on Windows 7.[3] WME has been replaced by a free version of Microsoft Expression Encoder. The Media 8 Encoding Utility is still listed. WME was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.[4]
Windows Media Encoder 9, can encode video using Windows Media Video version 7, 8 or 9. Audio encoding uses a number of Windows Media Audio version 9.2 or version 10 (if the version 10 codecs are installed) profiles and a Windows Media Audio 9 Voice speech codec. Content can also be created as uncompressed audio or video.
Windows Media Encoder 9 enables two-pass encoding to optimize quality for on-demand (streamed or download-and-play) content. It also supports variable bitrate (VBR) encoding for download-and-play scenarios. True VBR can be applied over the entire duration of a high-motion sequence, ensuring the highest quality. This version also enables scripted encoding with the wmcmd.vbs VBScript file allowing content developers to encode large numbers of prerecorded media files. Bundled with the program are the applications Windows Media File Editor, Windows Media Profile Editor, and Windows Media Stream Editor.
The GUI encoder application is actually a "wrapper" of the encoder itself. Developers can write their own applications using Visual Studio to perform the same functions found in the application. These applications can be used to automate audio and video production. An SDK is also available.[5]
Versions
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2013) |
- NetShow Encoder 3.0[6]
- NetShow Encoder 3.01 (comes with Powerpoint 2000)
- Windows Media Encoder 4.0 (also as part of the Windows Media Tools[7][8]) Windows Media Tools 4.1 was the last release for Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0.
- Windows Media Encoder 7.1 (for Windows 98, Windows Me and Windows 2000)
- Windows Media 8 Encoding Utility (command-line) for Windows 98, Windows Me and Windows 2000[9]
- Windows Media Encoder 9
- Windows Media Encoder x64 Edition (based on Windows Media 10 SDK)
Windows Media Encoder Studio Edition[10] was a separate planned version of Windows Media Encoder 9 with support for segment encoding and multiple audio channels. After beta 1, it was eventually cancelled. Microsoft later released the commercial application, Expression Encoder as part of its Expression Studio suite.
See also
References
- ^ "Windows Media Encoder 9 Series". Download Center. Microsoft. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
- ^ http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ork2000/HA011382331033.aspx
- ^ "Windows Media Encoder 9 Series". Download Center. Microsoft. 7 January 2003. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
- ^ "Windows Media Encoder (64-Bit) 9.0 DownloadAdd". Download.CHIP.eu. CHIP Xonio Online. 12 March 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
- ^ Windows Media Encoder 9 Series SDK
- ^ Terran Interactive, Inc. Codec Central - NetShow, Retrieved on 2009-08-11
- ^ Microsoft TechNet Windows Media Tools, Retrieved on 2009-08-08
- ^ Microsoft Technet (April 14, 1999) Windows Media Tools Components, Retrieved on 2009-08-08
- ^ Microsoft Corporation (2001-03-27) Windows Media 8 Encoding Utility, Retrieved on 2009-08-12
- ^ WME Studio Edition