How Do I Encode Windows Media?
Before You Begin
Download and install the Windows Media Encoder 9 from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/encoder/default.aspx.
The next step is to figure out what you want to encode. You might have a good idea of what that is, since you're here reading about encoding files. If you're encoding an audio file, you should extract, rip, convert, or otherwise save your file as one of the following file types:
If you want to encode video, you'll need to ensure your source file is in one of these file formats:
Encoding Your Media
Once you've got the encoder installed and your source file prepared, open the Windows Media Encoder. Since you already have a source file prepared (you DO, don't you?), we choose to convert an existing audio/video file into Windows Media format.
Now we input the location of our source file and then specify an output filename.
Next you'll be prompted to specify how you're distributing your media. MediaHostingWorks uses Windows Media Server, so select that option.
Here is where you select the encoding rate of your media file. The encoding rate that is best for you varies with your audience, their connection to the internet, the length of your media clip, your budget, and other factors. For a complete breakdown of the cost factors involved with streaming media, please refer to our Cost Factors page. The example image shows a clip ready to be encoded at 128Kbps - If you were able to scroll the picture, you would see that 32Kbps and 500Kbps are also selected.
You may hit the Finish button here if you wish and proceed directly to the encoding process, or you can enter some descriptive text for your media clip that will be displayed while it is playing.
After reviewing your settings and making any necessary changes, hit Finish to start the encoding process.
...And you're done encoding your media clip!
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