Media Services Feature Status: Preview Release

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Media Services Feature Status:  Preview Release

This post contains information about features supported in the current Preview release.

Encoding

• Use the Windows Azure Media Encoder and work with a range of standard codecs and formats, including industry-leading IIS Smooth Streaming, MP4, and conversion to Apple HTTP Live Streaming.
• Convert entire libraries or individual files with total control over input and output.
• Supported video and audio codecs:
  • H.264 High, Main and Baseline Profiles
  • AAC-LC
  • HE-AAC
  • VC-1 (Windows Media Video 9) Simple, Main and Advanced Profiles
  • Windows Media Audio Standard
  • Windows Media Audio Professional
• Supported format conversions:
  • ISO MP4 (.mp4) to Smooth Streaming File Format (PIFF 1.3) (.ismv; .isma)
  • Smooth Streaming File Format (PIFF) to Apple HTTP Live Streaming (.msu8, .ts)

Content Protection

• Encrypt live or on-demand video and audio with standard MPEG Common Encryption or Microsoft PlayReady, the industry’s most accepted DRM for premium content.

On-Demand Streaming

• Streaming Origin support for Smooth Streaming and Apple HTTP Live Streaming
• Seamlessly deliver content via Windows Azure CDN or a third-party CDN.
  • Add a scalable origin server with or without a CDN.
  • Scale to millions of users by adding a Windows Azure CDN or a third-party CDN.