Encoded multiple bit rate video content in Windows Media Encoder 9 Series does not stream from a Windows Media 4.1 server (814676)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 9 Series
  • Microsoft Windows Media Services 4.1

SYMPTOMS

When you encode multiple bit rate (MBR) video by using Windows Media Encoder 9 Series, you cannot play the resulting video from a Windows Media Services 4.1 server.

When this content is located on a Windows Media Services 4.1 server, the client may report one of (but not limited to) the following errors:

0xC00D0006 - Unable to establish connection with the server
0xC00D11B3: Windows Media Player cannot play the file because the server is not responding. If you entered a URL or path to play the file, verify that it is correct. If you clicked a link to play the file, the link may not be valid.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because Windows Media Services 4.1 does not recognize the following new features that the Windows Media Encoder 9 Series includes:
  • Frame sizes can be different for the different bit rates.
  • Frame rates can be different for the different bit rates.
  • Key frame intervals can be different for the different bit rates.
  • MBR Audio.

RESOLUTION

You can generate MBR content by using the Windows Media 9 Encoder. To do this, you have to modify the standard profiles (on the Compression tab, click the Edit button), and then follow these guidelines:
  • Use constant bit rate (CBR) mode instead of variable bit rate (VBR) mode.
  • Use the v7 or v8 video codec to maintain compatibility for playback in version 6.4 of Windows Media Player.
  • Use the Windows Media Audio 9 codec because this codec is bit stream compatible with the Windows Media Audio v7 and v8 codecs.
  • For each of the following properties in the MBR profile, make sure that you use a single set of values for all the bit rates:
    • Frame Size. Set a single frame size for all the bit rates (for example, 320 x 240).
    • Frame Rate. Set a single frame rate for all the bit rates (for example, 15 frames-per-second).
    • Key Frame Interval. Set a single spacing of the key frame for all the bit rates (for example, 5 seconds).
    • Audio Format. Set all the bit rates to use a single bit rate, sampling rate, and number of channels (for example, 32 kilobits-per-second, 44 hHz, stereo CBR).

STATUS

This behavior is a limitation of Windows Media Services 4.1.

MORE INFORMATION

When streaming from a Microsoft Windows Media Services 9 Series server, clients with versions earlier than version 9 can play back only the lowest bit rate video and audio of an MBR file. You experience the same playback situation if you are streaming live MBR video with a 9 Series encoder and a Windows Media Services 4.1 server.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/3/2004
Keywords:kbDSWWMM2003Swept kbprb KB814676 kbAudDeveloper
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.