REDMOND, Wash., May 22, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. today announced widespread industry support from leading independent software vendors (ISVs) for its Windows Media™
screen capture technology, the industry’s first true-to-the-source screen-capture compression technology for capturing and streaming computer motion without any loss in image quality or screen content. The unique Windows Media screen technology, designed for real-time streaming of computer-generated content for corporate training, distance learning, and streamed software presentations has experienced rapid acceptance by software developers since being unveiled last month.
Leading companies and products announcing support today for Windows Media screen capture technology include CentraNOW from Centra Software Inc., Hotfoot by Digital Lava Inc., Hypercam by Hyperionics, Knowledge Anywhere Inc., Referentia Systems Inc., SmartForce Elearning Solutions, Sonic Foundry, Camtasia and SnagIt by TechSmith Corp., Tegrity Web Learner, and Media Cleaner from Terran Interactive Inc.
These software developers, recognizing this technology breakthrough, will deliver the new screen capture technology in their software and services in coming months.
“Windows Media screen capture technology’s new level of quality for screen reproduction will really change the way organizations can educate and market themselves,”
said Dave Fester, general manager of marketing for the Digital Media Division at Microsoft.
“Today’s swift support from a broad range of developers speaks volumes for how much both developers and customers recognize this as a very important innovation for the industry.”
True-to-the-Source Quality – From Dial-Up Speeds to Broadband
Developed through extensive customer input and intensive work by the research and development team of Microsoft’s Digital Media Division, the Windows Media screen capture technology provides developers and service providers with perfect reproductions of computer-screen images at modem speeds – as low as 15Kbps. Overcoming the limitations of other streaming technologies, Windows Media screen technology enables content to be streamed with full fidelity at up to 800×600 full-screen resolution over a standard modem. Windows Media screen capture technology enables developers to deliver innovative products and services that take advantage of this technology, including doing the following:
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Creating streaming presentations that take users through each step and mouse click necessary to install or use a new software application
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Providing potential customers over the Web with a demonstration of the capabilities of a new software product
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Providing interactive Web site tours and training to help consumers navigate complex e-commerce sites
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Creating training, helpdesk support, or software demonstration applications
This rapid momentum among developers demonstrates continued support for Microsoft’s efforts to deliver innovative technologies and services. The forthcoming Windows Media 7 Software Development Kit, part of the open Windows Media Technologies platform, enables developers to easily add this capability to their applications.
About Windows Media
Windows Media, the leading digital media platform, provides consumers, content providers, solution providers, software developers and corporations with unmatched audio and video quality. Windows Media Technologies, which includes Windows Media Player, Windows Media Services, Windows Media Tools and the Windows Media Software Development Kit (SDK), are available for download at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/ . The Windows Media Player is the fastest-growing digital media player and is available in 24 languages. To date, there are over 100 million licensed copies of the Windows Media Player, growing by more than one every second.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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