Hands-On Guide to Windows Media is a practical guide that teaches how to distribute audio and video efficiently and effectively over computer networks. This book enables you to get up and running quickly and focuses on one of the most popular tools in the streaming media universe, Windows Media. This book will help you to understand the unique characteristics and demands of streaming audio and video information over packet-switched networks. Ideal even for non-technical readers.

Joe Follansbee first became passionate for streaming back in 1995, and spent more than five years honing his skills at RealNetworks, the pioneering streaming media company. While there, he managed a quality assurance team for content in RealNetworks' flagship software, RealPlayer. Joe produced and hosted one of the first weekly audio newsletters delivered over the Internet. He has provided technical and logistical support for ABCNews, FOX Television, and MSNBC, as well as helped mom and pop Internet broadcasters put their signals on the Net. He founded a streaming media development company in 2001, and currently works as a freelance writer and consultant.

Acknowledgements About the Author Introduction Chapter 1: Windows Media Quick Start Chapter 2: Streaming Media Basics Chapter 3: Get Ready to Capture Audio and Video Chapter 4: Recording and Capturing Audio and Video Chapter 5: Optimizing Your Audio and Video Chapter 6: Encoding for Windows Media Chapter 7: Getting Ready to Distribute Windows Media Streams Chapter 8: Delivering Windows Media To Your Audience Chapter 9: Get Ready to Webcast Live with Windows Media Chapter 10: Encoding and Distributing Live Webcasts Chapter 11: Going Beyond the Desktop Chapter 12: Advanced Topics Appendix: Streaming PowerPoints with Producer Resources Glossary Index