Summary

Summary

The Windows Media architecture is a powerful and flexible API for the implementation of a wide range of streaming media, including high-quality, low-bandwidth audio and video streams. Although it is easy to play Windows Media streams within DirectShow applications, encoding Windows Media streams from within DirectShow applications requires at least a basic knowledge of the Windows Media API. As encapsulated by the WM ASF Reader and WM ASF Writer filters, Windows Media presents a simple interface to DirectShow one that hides most of the sophisticated capabilities of the Windows Media API. Some of these capabilities, such as the assignment of Windows Media profiles to the WM ASF Writer, are absolutely essential skills for any DirectShow programmer who wants to work with Windows Media. Other features, such as DRM and metadata insertion in streams, allow you to create custom media streams with minimal work.