Quick Introduction to ASF,ASX, and Networking Media Distribution
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Have you ever wondered how to code for distributing media files over a network? S. Balaji provides some examples.
The distribution of media files (audio and video files) over a network is the process of delivering (streaming) an audio or video stream from one server to another.
Distribution serves many purposes, such as:
- Distributing a stream to another server.
- Distributing a stream to a server that is enabled for HTTP streaming. This allows users behind a firewall to receive a stream.
- Distributing a stream from one Windows Media Server to another Windows Media Server.
Advanced Streaming Format (ASF):
Media file distribution can be done by using the Advanced Streaming format (ASF). ASF is a data format for streaming audio and video content, images, and script commands in packets over a network with a small time delay before playback begins.
NetShow Encoder (a part of Windows Media Tools) is used to convert media files (like AVI, WAV and MPG) to ASF. Users can select a codec (Compressor/Decompressor) based on the audio, image quality, and image size. Other third-party tools are also available, like Zealot Software’s All Video Converter (http://www.zealotsoft.net/).
ASF Stream Redirector (.asx) file:
The metafile (.asx) is a simple text file. It is easily created and edited with a text editor such as Notepad. This file is saved with the file extension “.asx”. Other types of metafilers are “.wax” and “.wvx”. “.wax” is used for pure audio stream with “.wma” file extension. “.wvx” is used for video stream with “.wmv” file extension.
An ASX metafile can provide the following information:
- The location of the media file (.asf) on the Network.
- The Title, Author, Description and Copyright
information of the media file.
- The rules for protocol rollover.
- The play list.
Next: Sample “.asx” metafiles: >>
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