Overview

Expression Encoder Pro is a streamlined video production tool that enables you to focus your time and energy on enhancing, encoding and delivering your on-demand or live video content at higher quality with less effort. Expression Encoder Pro was the first encoder to support Smooth Streaming, a technology that dynamically adjusts playback rates and quality, and today is the most affordable live Smooth Streaming solution on the market, delivering hardware performance for a software price.

We offer multiple versions of Expression Encoder, a free download with limited functionality and a professional version. You can download Expression Encoder at no cost here. Expression Encoder does not have support for H.264 and does not support live Smooth Streaming.

Expression Encoder Pro offers more advanced functionality and support for richer playback experiences. With this version, you can publish H.264 or VC-1 content, broadcast live events with live Smooth Streaming, and capture screencasts of any length. See the table below for a full comparison of features.

We retired Windows Media Encoder in 2010 and we encourage users to transition to Expression Encoder.

Edition Windows Media Encoder Expression
Encoder 4
Expression
Encoder 4 Pro
(without codecs)
Expression
Encoder 4 Pro
(with codecs)
Availability

Unsupported

Free Download

  • Expression Studio 4 Ultimate
    (MSDN Subscription)
  • Expression Studio 4
    (Volume Licensing)
  • DreamSpark
  • Expression
    Studio 4
    (Retail)
  • Expression Encoder 4 Pro
    (Retail)
  • Expression Encoder 4 Pro
    (Volume Licensing)
  • BizSpark
High Performance Multi-core/Multi-processor Encoding Included Included Included
Basic Editing Functions

Limited

Included Included Included
Screen Capture Included Included Included Included
Live Encoding Included Included Included Included
Multichannel Audio Included Included Included Included
Silverlight DRM Included Included
GPU-Accelerated
H.264 Encoding
Included
Input Formats

DirectShow Filters

  • DirectShow
    Filters
  • QuickTime
    (if installed)
  • DirectShow
    Filters
  • QuickTime
    (if installed)
  • DirectShow
    Filters
  • QuickTime
    (if installed)
  • MPEG-2 (Program & Transport Stream)
  • AVCHD
  • Dolby Digital
Output Formats
  • VC-1
  • WMA
  • VC-1
  • WMA
  • Smooth Streaming
    (VC-1)
  • VC-1
  • WMA
  • Smooth Streaming
    (VC-1)
  • Live Smooth Streaming
    (VC-1)
  • VC-1
  • WMA
  • H.264
  • AAC
  • Smooth Streaming
    (VC-1 & H.264)
  • Live Smooth Streaming
    (VC-1 & H.264)
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