Microsoft windows media encoder

Overview

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System requirements

Supported operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP

• System requirements vary based upon encoding task. For more information about Windows Media Encoder 9 Series, see the Readme file for Windows Media Encoder 9 Series.
• Not supported under Windows 7

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Instructions

1. Click the Download button on this page to start the download, or choose a different language from the drop-down list and click Go.
2. Do one of the following:
• To start the installation immediately, click Open or Run this program from its current location.
• To copy the download to your computer for installation at a later time, click Save or Save this program to disk.

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Additional information

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Windows Media Encoder (WME) is a discontinued, freeware 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is the successor of NetShow Encoder.^[2] The download page reports that it is not supported on Windows 7.^[1] WME has been replaced by a free version of Microsoft Expression Encoder.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.^[3]

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.^[4]

With the removal of Windows Media DRM in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Windows Media Encoder 9 is no longer compatible with the current version of Windows as of May 2017.

• NetShow Encoder 3.0^[5]
• NetShow Encoder 3.01 (comes with PowerPoint 2000)
• Windows Media Encoder 4.0 (also as part of the Windows Media Tools^[6][7]) 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^[8]
• Windows Media Encoder 9
• Windows Media Encoder x64 Edition (based on Windows Media 10 SDK)

Windows Media Encoder Studio Edition^[9] 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.

• WMV HD
• Windows Media Player
• Windows Media Services
• Windows Movie Maker
• Microsoft Expression Encoder
• Comparison of screencasting software

• Fix for issues with Windows Vista
• Microsoft Expression Encoder
• Softpedia — Windows Media Encoder

With a little help from guides it is possible to create very good video from several common sources.

Encode speed for single pass WMV 9 is comparable to TMpeg on Motion Estimate Search for MPEG2 at same resolution input/output and no resizing or filters.

Encode speed for 2 pass is longer (5-6x original movie time on my Athlon 1.33 GHz). However, when compared to TMpeg using resizing and SOME filters, WMV 9 encodes much faster than TMpeg doing MPEG2.

I’ve observed WMV file sizes 30-50% smaller than MPEG2 at comparable bitrates.

Visual quality of the video is noticeably better than MPEG2, even when using filters and highest quality in TMpeg.

On the downside, if you are familiar with MPEG2 encoding, there is a little bit of a learning curve to go into WMV9, but not too much.

On the downside, WMV 9 encoder defaults to a fairly SOFT image quality. Change this to sharp or sharper settings (75-85 or better) to get better image quality.

One preferential note: not as many processing controls as TMpeg, but these can be done using other apps like VirtualDub, TMpeg etc, prior to encoding. Besides, some people prefer this anyway.

Windows Media Encoder is a powerful tool that allows users to capture and encode audio and video content into efficient streaming formats. While newer technologies have emerged, Windows Media Encoder remains relevant for specific use cases, particularly for Windows 10 users who want to work with legacy video formats or are engaged in streaming content over networks. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about downloading and using Windows Media Encoder on Windows 10, from system requirements and installation to basic usage tips and troubleshooting steps.

Understanding Windows Media Encoder

Before diving into the download and installation process, it’s important to understand what Windows Media Encoder is and why you might need it. Windows Media Encoder is part of Microsoft’s suite of Windows Media technologies, which are designed for digital media playback and streaming. The encoder allows users to convert raw video footage into various formats suitable for distribution over the Internet.

While Microsoft discontinued official support for Windows Media Encoder, it is still available for free for those who need it. It is commonly used for various purposes, such as creating media files for streaming on the web, digitizing content from external sources, and preparing multimedia presentations.

System Requirements

To ensure a smooth installation process, it’s crucial to check whether your computer meets the system requirements for Windows Media Encoder. Here are the primary specifications you need:

• Operating System: Windows 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Processor: 1 GHz or higher x86 or x64 processor
• RAM: Minimum 1 GB (2 GB recommended)
• Hard Disk Space: At least 500 MB of available free space
• Graphics: DirectX 9.0 compatible video card
• Additional Software: Windows Media Player 9 Series or later must be installed

It’s advisable to verify that you have sufficient storage space and that other required software is also installed before proceeding.

Downloading Windows Media Encoder

1. Locate a Reliable Source: While Microsoft no longer directly offers Windows Media Encoder from its main site, you can find it available for download on trusted third-party sites. Be cautious to avoid untrustworthy sources that may potentially host malware.

2. Choose the Right Version: Windows Media Encoder 9 Series is the most suitable version for Windows 10. Ensure you download the executable file for this version. Popular sources include software repositories and archives like the Internet Archive.

3. Verify Download Integrity: If available, check the SHA1 or MD5 hash of the downloaded file against the values provided on the website to ensure that the file hasn’t been tampered with and is safe to install.

4. Start the Download: Click on the download link and save the executable file to an easily accessible directory on your computer, such as the Downloads folder.

Installing Windows Media Encoder on Windows 10

Once you’ve successfully downloaded the Windows Media Encoder executable file, it’s time to install it on your Windows 10 system. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the Downloaded File: Open File Explorer and navigate to the location where you saved the downloaded Windows Media Encoder file.

2. Run the Installer: Double-click on the executable file (usually named WMEncoder.exe) to start the installation process.

3. User Account Control: If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click «Yes» to allow the program to make changes to your computer.

4. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The Windows Media Encoder setup wizard will guide you through the installation process. Click «Next» to proceed through the wizard.

5. Accept License Agreement: Carefully read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and select «I Accept the Agreement» before clicking «Next.»

6. Choose Installation Folder: By default, the program will install in the C:Program FilesWindows Media ComponentsEncoder directory. If you prefer a different location, click «Browse» and select a folder. Once you’ve made your selection, click «Next.»

7. Select Components: You’ll be presented with options to choose components to install. Typically, the default selections are sufficient for most users. Click «Next» to continue.

8. Complete Installation: Click «Install» to begin the installation process. Once the installation is complete, click «Finish» to exit the wizard.

Basic Usage of Windows Media Encoder

Now that you have Windows Media Encoder installed, you may want to familiarize yourself with its basic functions and features:

Starting Windows Media Encoder

To launch Windows Media Encoder, you can search for it in the Start menu:

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type «Windows Media Encoder» in the search bar and select the application from the results.

Creating a New Encoding Profile

To encode a media file, you will need to create a new encoding profile. Here’s how:

1. Select «New Session»: When Windows Media Encoder opens, select «New Session» from the welcome screen.
2. Choose the Input: Select the source of the media you want to encode. You can choose to capture from a video device (like a webcam) or use an existing file.
3. Configure Encoding Settings: After selecting the input, you will need to configure the settings for your output file. Options include video format (such as WMV or ASF), audio format, bitrate, and more. Trimming, enhancing, or increasing the quality of your video can also be set here.
4. Specify Encoding Output: Choose where you want to save the encoded file by clicking on “Output File Settings.” Enter the desired file name and location.
5. Start Encoding: Once everything is set up, click «Start Encoding» to begin the process. A progress bar will appear so you can monitor the status.

Additional Features

Windows Media Encoder has various features that can enhance your media encoding efforts, including:

• Batch Encoding: You can add multiple files to the queue for encoding, allowing for uninterrupted workflows.
• Time Scheduling: Set target times for encoding sessions to start and stop automatically.
• Network Streaming: Configure the encoder to stream live video over your network. This is especially useful for professional applications like live broadcasting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing and using Windows Media Encoder on Windows 10 can be straightforward, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Installation Issues

• Installation Fails: Ensure your Windows updates are current, and temporarily disable any antivirus software, as it may interfere with installation.
• Compatibility Problems: Windows Media Encoder is designed for earlier versions of Windows. If you encounter compatibility issues, try running it in compatibility mode. Right-click on the executable file, select “Properties,” click the “Compatibility” tab, and choose an earlier version of Windows to run it under.

Encoding Problems

• Poor Quality Output: Make sure you’re using the right settings for the desired quality. Experiment with different bitrate settings or enable closed captioning as needed.
• Encoding Stalls: Sometimes encoding can pause or stop altogether due to resource limits. Ensure other applications are not hogging your computer’s resources while encoding.

Audio and Video Sync Issues

If you find that the audio and video in the encoded output don’t sync, try using the following steps:

1. Adjust Input Settings: Ensure that the input source settings correspond accurately to the type of media you’re encoding.
2. Check Hardware: Problems can occasionally stem from audio/video capture devices. Ensure your drivers are up-to-date and fully compatible with Windows 10.

Conclusion

Windows Media Encoder holds value as a reliable tool for encoding media files into various formats, particularly for those needing to maintain compatibility with older systems or software. While many modern alternatives exist, the simple yet powerful functionality of Windows Media Encoder continues to meet specific needs for video and audio encoding.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully download, install, and use Windows Media Encoder on Windows 10. Remember always to use trusted sources for downloading software and practice safe computing habits. Whether you are creating content for a website, managing multimedia presentations, or capturing video streams, Windows Media Encoder is a versatile tool in your digital toolkit. Happy encoding!