Expression Encoder Pro 4 FAQ
General and sales
Q: What is Expression Encoder 4 Pro?
A: Expression Encoder is a professional encoding tool that offers enhancement, encoding, and publishing of rich video experiences with Microsoft
Silverlight. Convert and compress multiple video formats to SMPTE standard VC-1 video or H.264 for mobile, web, and HD video scenarios. For
streamlined workflow, create branded templates with Expression Blend®, and encode on the desktop or server to guarantee a consistent viewing
experience on Windows, Mac, and devices.
Q: How can I purchase Expression Encoder 4 Pro?
Expression Encoder 4 Pro is available either as part of Expression Studio 4 Ultimate or standalone.
As part of Studio, it can be purchased from a range of resellers and online resellers or can be purchased for immediate download from Microsoft's online store. For a comprehensive list of purchasing options, see the Buy
page.
Q: What is the price for Expression Encoder 4 Pro?
A: Expression Studio 4 Ultimate has an estimated retail price of US $599, Expression Encoder 4 Pro has an estimated retail price of US $199.
Q: What are the upgrade options and prices?
A: Qualifying customers can upgrade to Expression Studio 4 Ultimate for an estimated retail price of US $349, however licensed customers of
Expression Studio 3 can upgrade free of charge.
Q: In what languages will Expression Encoder 4 Pro be available?
A: Each of the Microsoft Expression products is available in the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese
Simplified, Chinese Traditional, and Korean.
Q: Is there a trial version of Expression Encoder 4 Pro?
A: No, however there is a limited feature version called Expression Encoder 4 that is free and never expires and is currently available for
download here. Some of the limits include the lack of some 3rd party codecs, no live Smooth
Streaming for IIS encoding and a 10 minute time limit on the length of screen captures.
Q: Where can I find resources to help me use my Expression products?
A: There is an Expression Community Web site that contains a frequently updated
wealth of materials on all the Expression products and the Microsoft technologies that they are designed to work with.
Product specific
Q: What Video formats are supported by Expression Encoder 4 Pro?
A: Expression Encoder will support input of AVI, WMV, WMA, MOV (QuickTime if installed), MPEG and additional formats with suitable (DirectShow)
decompressors installed. Output formats are VC-1 and H.264.
Q: Can Expression Encoder be run on a server to batch run jobs?
A: Yes, Expression Encoder includes a Software Development Kit (SDK) to enable its functionality to be called from other software applications
and batch job profile support for exactly these scenarios.
Q: Is video generated by the Expression Encoder supported by Silverlight?
A: Yes. Expression Encoder can encode videos and generate pre-set template "skins" for deployment of video to the web as part of a rich interactive
media experienced through Silverlight.
Q: Is video generated by the Expression Encoder supported by Windows Media Player?
A: Yes. Expression Encoder fully supports Windows Media Video codecs and formats.
Q: Do I have to re-encode my existing Windows Media library to add it a Silverlight-powered web site?
A: No. Your existing Windows Media assets are compatible with Silverlight. You can design the user experience and add interactivity in Expression
Studio but your existing Windows Media assets are ready for Silverlight today.
Q: Is video generated by the Expression Encoder supported by the new Microsoft Zune® devices?
A: Yes. All Zune devices including the new ZuneHD support Windows Media Video format, which can be rendered by Expression Encoder.
Q: Is video generated by the Expression Encoder supported on mobile phones and devices that support Windows Media Video/Player?
A: Yes. The same videos that run in Windows Media Player on a Windows PC can also be used on mobile devices that include Windows Media player
or support for Windows Media Video.
Q: Is video generated by the Expression Encoder supported by the Apple iPod, Apple iPad or the Sony PSP devices?
A: Yes, any device that supports H.264 video is supported.
Support
Q: How do I get technical support for my purchased Expression product?
A:
Visit Microsoft Help and Support.
Q: Is customer support offered with Expression Encoder 4, the free edition?
A: Formal support is not offered for this free Expression product. Instead, we have a community Web site and
forums for all the Expression products where you can solicit feedback and help get your questions answered by the both the Expression
community and the moderators from the different Expression teams.
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