Windows Media Encoder

The WMA and WMV file formats are standard Windows formats for digital audio and video. In case a user requires these file types, but owns video and audio files in other formats, he can use Windows Media Encoder, a Windows tool which allows you to convert almost any audio and video file type into WMA or WMV.

After installing the program, the user will be first asked what kind of project he would like to create. That's because Windows Media Encoder doesn't only convert media files from a format to another, but also allows you you to stream audio and video from various sources, using Windows Media Server and also capture video and audio from various devices. There is even an option for capturing the desktop, which can be saved as a video file.

When choosing the conversion project type, the user will need to select the source and destination media files and also choose the quality level, by selecting a preset, according to the purpose of the conversion.

When choosing to broadcast a live event, the user will need to enter the IP address and port of the Windows Media Server. Normally, the address and port are automatically detected by Windows Media Encoder. Besides that, the bit rate of the stream should be configured.

For capturing the desktop, the user will be able to configure Windows Media Encoder to capture the entire screen, an active window or a specific area. After choosing the quality level, the capturing process will begin immediately.