Appendix D: Windows Media Metafile Elements | Microsoft Windows Media Resource Kit (Pro-Resource Kit)

This appendix provides an overview of the elements used to create client-side playlists in Windows Media metafiles. Client-side playlists can be created with a text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad. Announcement files, which are simplified playlists containing only one media element, can be created using the Announcement Wizard in the Windows Media Services MMC snap-in.

Metafiles are saved with one of three file name extensions depending on the primary type of content referenced in the metafile:

.asx for mixed content
.wax for audio content
.wvx for video content

Finished metafiles are typically distributed on a Web site. For more information about creating client-side playlists, see the Windows Media Player SDK.

Windows Media metafiles are based on XML syntax and can be encoded in ANSI or UNICODE (UTF-8) format. They are made up of various elements with their associated tags and attributes. The following script is an example of metafile syntax used in a client-side playlist:

<ASX VERSION="3.0">     <TITLE>Example Windows Media Player Show</TITLE>     <ENTRY>         <TITLE>Example Clip</TITLE>         <REF HREF="http://example.microsoft.com/media.asf" />     </ENTRY>    <ENTRY>         <TITLE>Another Clip</TITLE>         <REF HREF="http://example.microsoft.com/more_media.asf" />     </ENTRY> </ASX>

The following provides short descriptions of each element:

ABSTRACT

Text that describes the associated ASX, BANNER, or ENTRY element.

ASX

Defines a file as a Windows Media metafile.

AUTHOR

The name of the author of a media clip or a Windows Media metafile.

BANNER

Specifies the URL of an image file that appears in the display panel of Windows Media Player.

BASE

Specifies a string that is appended to the front of URLs sent to the client.

Comments

Specifies the XML syntax for comments (<!—...—>).

COPYRIGHT

DURATION

Specifies the length of time Windows Media Player renders a stream.

ENDMARKER

Specifies a marker at which Windows Media Player stops rendering a stream.

ENTRY

Specifies the path for a digital media stream.

ENTRYREF

Links to the ENTRY elements in an external Windows Media metafile that has an .asx, .wax, .wvx, or .wmx file name extension.

EVENT

Defines a behavior or action taken by Windows Media Player when it receives a script command labeled as an event.

LOGURL

Instructs the Player to submit any log data to the specified URL.

MOREINFO

Specifies the URL of a Web site, e-mail address, or script command associated with a show, clip, or banner.

PARAM

Specifies the value of a custom parameter associated with a clip.

PREVIEWDURATION

Specifies the length of time a clip is played in preview mode.

REF

Specifies the URL of a piece of digital media content.

REPEAT

Specifies the number of times Windows Media Player repeats one or more ENTRY or ENTRYREF elements.

SKIN

Specifies the URL of an embedded skin.

STARTMARKER

Specifies a marker at which Windows Media Player starts rendering the stream.

STARTTIME

Specifies a time at which Windows Media Player will start rendering the stream.

TITLE

The title of an ASX or ENTRY element.