C

cache

A temporary data storage location, or the process of storing data temporarily. A cache is typically used for quick data access.

cache/proxy server

A server running Windows Media Services for which a cache/proxy plug-in has been enabled, allowing the server to provide cache and proxy support to another Windows Media server.

caption

Text that accompanies images or videos, either as a supplemental description or a transcript of spoken words.

capture

To record audio, video, or still images as digital data in a file.

capture device

Hardware that transfers audio and video from an external source, such as a VCR or camcorder, to a computer.

CBR

See definition for: constant bit rate (CBR)

challenge

In Windows Media Rights Manager, a request for a license. A challenge contains information about the consumer’s computer, a list of requested rights, and other information about the content, including the content header and key ID.

codec

An abbreviation for compressor/decompressor. Software or hardware used to compress and decompress digital media.

compression

A process for removing redundant data from a digital media file or stream to reduce its size or the bandwidth used.

configuration file

A text file used by Windows Media Encoding Script that specifies the content to be encoded and the command-line options to be invoked.

connection speed

The maximum rate, in bits per second, at which data can be transferred between a network and a computer or device.

constant bit rate (CBR)

A characteristic of a data stream in which the bit rate remains nearly uniform for the duration of the stream. See also: variable bit rate (VBR)

consumer

In Windows Media Rights Manager, a person who acquires Windows Media files and requests licenses to play them.

content

Audio, video, images, text, or any other information that is contained in a digital media file or stream.

content owner

The person or organization that controls access to protected content.

content provider

The person or organization that distributes Windows Media files (for example, a record, movie, or streaming media company). The content provider may also be the content owner.

content revocation

In Windows Media Rights Manager, a process by which content owners or content packagers can disable licenses for their own packaged files.

cookie

A block of data placed by the server on a client computer that identifies the client for future connections.