Microsoft Expression Encoder 4 Pro (Includes Software Assurance)

Expression Encoder 4 Pro is a professional-level encoding tool that enhances and encodes video and simplifies publishing it with Silverlight, Microsoft's cross-platform, cross-browser application framework. Expression Encoder can encode a wide array of video file formats, stream live from webcams and camcorders, and capture activity from PC screens.

Input formats include AVI, WMV, WMA, MOV, and MPEG. Output formats are VC-1 and H.264, with detailed control over the output characteristics.

Within Expression Encoder, users can perform simple edits such as trimming and cropping. They can add branding overlays to videos, add thumbnail markers at various points to aid viewer navigation, include captions and metadata, and choose from a variety of player templates for the encoded video. Output video can be protected with Microsoft PlayReady digital rights management.

A plug-in allows video to be published directly to SharePoint servers.

New in version 4 is support for Microsoft Internet Information Services' Live Smooth Streaming. A Live Smooth Streaming broadcast contains different levels of video quality so that users on different devices can see the level appropriate for their platform.

Free Edition: Microsoft offers a free edition of Expression Encoder for download. It has many of the same features as Expression Encoder Pro, but lacks support for H.264 output, Live Smooth Streaming, and digital rights management. See the Expression website for a comparison chart.

Acquiring the Installation Media and License Key: Installing this product requires installation media and a license key. Installation media will be shipped to you free of charge.

The license allows you to use the installation media to install the product on as many computers as you have received donations for. This quantity is specified in the donation email sent to your organization email address after your eligibility has been verified and your administrative fee has been received. A separate email will give you information about obtaining your license key.

Software Assurance: Under the Software Assurance program, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.