Other companies will soon have the chance to make products based on Microsoft video compression technology: the Redmond software emperors announced September 8 that they would open the specifications for the technology.
Microsoft said they submitted its Windows Media 9 series standard to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers for review September 8, according to Reuters. Acceptance by that international standards body, Reuters added, would let Windows Media 9 be adapted more readily by other companies, since its standard would be open to one and all.
"We really wanted to think of a way for companies to use Windows Media 9 without ever having to contact Microsoft," Microsoft director of Windows digital media Jonathan Usher told reporters. "I am optimistic (the standard will be accepted). I think this is technology that has been proven in the industry."
Microsoft, of course, competes with Real Networks and Apple's QuickTime formats in the video compression and streaming media market. Usher told reporters hardware makers could create digital video cameras that use Windows Media 9 technology if Microsoft is opening the standard for the technology.
It won't happen right away, however. The SMPTE will consider the Windows Media 9 standard when they meet next week, but Usher said the review process launching from there could take up to a year.
