Operation Manual

Chapter 9
96
Producing Windows Media Files
Streaming technology has grown by leaps and bounds since its increasing usage
from the last decade by providing a medium that is controlled by the content
provider and therefore is free of copyright issues. And it’s only getting started.
Info: Streaming utilizes video scaling, compression techniques, and network protocols in
order to transmit files from a Web server (where the streaming file is stored) to the client
(your hard drive). The concept of streaming is relatively easy: the file is broken up into data
packets, compressed, and sent over the Internet in a stream, or a series of related packets,
along with the audio data if applicable.
The client must have a player in order to decompress the packets, display the video data, and
send audio data to the speakers via the sound card. The player will first buffer the packets,
meaning the packets are downloaded and stored in a buffer before playback begins. This
ensures smooth playback in case of breaks or interference due to instable Internet connections.
Thus, the client and its player does not have to wait for the entire file to download in order to
begin playing the individual data packets.
Windows Media is a proprietary streaming audio/video format typically used to
download and play files or to stream content. It is the main streaming format used
for Microsoft's Windows Media Player.
The Windows Media profiles are best for streaming content across bandwidths
where you, the presenter, would like as many flexible selections as possible. Profiles
range from the more basic Internet connection speeds to full-fledged broadband,
audio only, and profiles containing single to multiple video streams.
After you are satisfied with your all special effects, trims, audio, etc., and wish to
produce a file in compressed streaming Windows Media format, you are ready for
the final stage of your post-production process.
1 Click Produce Movie located on the Modes Wheel.