Expression Encoder 1.0 is out!

Expression Encoder (formerly Expression Media Encoder) is a new compression tool targeting Silverlight, (although its WMV files will play in all the standard players). Beyond being a great WMV encoder, its real killer feature is easy generation of a Silverlight player experience around the media asset, including subtitles/captioning, thumbnail-based visual navigation, etcetera. It's a deep product, and I'm going to be doing a much more in-depth analysis of it here soon.

One important thing to note about Expression Encoder is that it can be used to build the Silverlight player experience around an already encoded WMV file, so it can be used in conjunction with other compression tools.

Expression Encoder is based on the Windows Media Format SDK 11, so all the registry key tweaks I've been discussing on this blog work perfectly with it.

(repost from http://on10.net/Blogs/benwagg/silverlight-expression-encoder-10-released/ )

Silverlight in Action

Beautiful example of Silverlight power in action. Must see.

Rocket Science and Digital Imaging

Sometimes digital media can be a rocket science.

Learn from the Best - Ben Waggoner

Yep, there are gurus out there.

In this good article learn about VC-1. H.264 compression in real life and look at some samples of end results.

http://on10.net/Blogs/benwagg/hands-on-with-the-temporary-insanity-trailer/

Definitely a guru.

Interactive Visual Media Group

This is always interesting. Look at the Visual Future at Microsoft research labs:
Visual Media Group

Need to check your ASF files?

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/format/asfviewer.aspx

Tip: You can use this tool to batch check all your files.

How Not To - Or Short Sighted Architects

First I would like to say something to complete group of Media Center MS developers - Thank you, thank you so much : You make people appreciate other programs and infrastructures.

You wouldn't believe how much of junk is behind Media Center fancy interface. Yes it can do almost anything, but HEY, it is nightmare from hell for developers. I felt like in linux in old days. Installing and trying samples from SDK is mission impossible without regedit, cmd and whole bunch of custom, hard coded xml/bat/whatever config files.

And today we have reached new limits, let me introduce you my new Arch Enemy - Custom EPG development.

I can tell you just one thing - Do Not Go In There....