Microsoft Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 FAQ
General and Sales
Q: What is Expression Encoder?
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 for mobile, web, HD
video scenarios, and H.264 for devices. 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 2?
A: Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 is available either separately or as part
of the full Expression Studio 2. 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
How To Buy page.
Q: What is the price for Expression Encoder 2?
A: Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 has an estimated retail price of US $199.
Outside the United States, local pricing may vary.
Q: What are the upgrade options and prices?
A: Qualifying customers can upgrade to Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 for an
estimated retail price of US $99. Existing customers can also upgrade to the full
Expression Studio 2 for an estimated retail price of US $349. We also provide a
companion upgrade to Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 from a range of similar
products. Check whether a product you own qualifies for this upgrade.
Q: In what languages is Expression Encoder 2 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 2?
A: Yes. The 30 day free trial for Expression Encoder 2 is currently available
for download here.
Precise MPEG2 input scrubbing, H.264, and AACoutput are only available in the Full
Packaged Product.
Q: What is Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 Express?
A: The Express version of Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 is a free feature-limited
version (see the table below). To get Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 Express,
download the 30 day trial of Expression Encoder 2. After 30 days of enjoying the
full functionality of Expression Encoder 2, the product will turn into the Express version. To restore
full functionality, you must uninstall the version of Expression Encoder that you
downloaded and install the retail product that you purchased either as an electronic
download or as a boxed product.
For complete information on the differences between versions, please refer to the
release notes.
1. Object Model support in Encoder Express is limited to the subset
of product functionality in Encoder Express. Use of the object model with Encoder
Express will not enable access to features found in higher versions of Encoder.
Q: Where can I find resources to help me use my Expression products?
A: The
Expression Community Website 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: Does Expression Media include Expression Encoder?
A: Expression Encoder 1 was included with the Windows version of Expression Media
1. Expression Encoder 2 will be sold separately from Expression Media 2. Customers
who already have Expression Media 1 and wish to upgrade to Expression Encoder 2
can do so by purchasing the Expression Encoder 2 upgrade, or by upgrading to the
full Expression Studio 2 (see above).
Q: What Video formats are supported by Expression Encoder?
A: Expression Encoder may input many file types including AVI, WMV, WMA, MPEG2,
and when Quicktime ® is installed, .MOV, .M4V, etc., plus any other formats by installing
their corresponding DirectShow ® codec. Output media formats are WMV and WMA.
Q: Can Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 be run in command line mode or via
a managed interface , both on a client PC or Server PC?
A: Yes, Expression Encoder includes command-line interface and managed object model
interface allowing for many automated and integrated scenarios.
Q: Does Expression Encoder replace Windows Encoder?
A: The two products serve different purposes. Windows Media Encoder continues to
be a freely available solution for encoding video for live and on-demand scenarios.
Expression Encoder 2 is purpose built to enable you to produce rich interactive
Silverlight Media Experiences. Expression Encoder 2 also uses the newest VC-1 SDK
for better Windows Media quality and faster encoding that the previous technology
used by the Windows Media Encoder.
Q: Are media formats generated by the Expression Encoder supported by Silverlight?
A: Yes. Expression Encoder outputs Silverlight compatible media and according to
user choice, may generate rich interactive Silverlight media player applications
based on customizable templates that come with the product. Note that the H.264
and AAC output in Expression Encoder 2 Service Pack 1 will be supported in a future
version of Silverlight (see
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/sep08/09-09silverlight.mspx)
Q: Is video generated by the Expression Encoder supported by Windows Media Player?
A: Yes. Expression Encoder creates VC-1 files that are compatible with Windows Media
Player.
Q: Do I have to re-encode my existing Windows Media library to add it a Silverlight-powered
Web site?
A: In most cases your existing Windows Media assets are compatible with Silverlight.
You may use the “source encoding” feature to build rich interactive Silverlight
experiences, without re-encoding the source file, maintaining original media file
quality.
Q: Is video generated by the Expression Encoder supported by the new Microsoft
Zune® devices?
A: Yes. The Zune devices 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
or the Sony PSP devices?
A: The H.264 output is a standard format that works across the majority of portable
video devices including the Apple iPod and iPhone
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 Trial versions?
A: Formal support is not offered for this Expression Trials. 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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