In chapter 1 you learned about the four phases of streaming: capturing, encoding, distributing, and playing back. This chapter and the two that follow will take the concepts introduced in chapter 1 and apply them to Microsoft Windows Media 9 Series, the latest streaming media platform from Microsoft.
Windows Media 9 Series is a set of technologies that enables you to deliver rich digital media across all types of networks and devices. The technologies include:
Windows Media Encoder 9 Series. Used in conjunction with the Windows Media 9 Audio and Video codecs to compress content. Windows Media
Encoder and the codecs are explained in this chapter.
Windows Media Services 9 Series. Used to distribute content over internal and external networks. Windows Media Services is explained in chapter 3.
Windows Media Player 9 Series. Used to decode and render the content on personal computers and other consumer electronic devices. Windows Media Player is explained in chapter 4.
Digital Rights Management (DRM). Used by content owners to set usage policies. DRM is introduced here in chapter 2.
Windows Media 9 Series Software Development Kits. Used to build tailored applications and services.