Microsoft submits draft specification for technology used in its Windows Media Video 9 codec to SMPTE

Microsoft has submitted the video compression technology used in its Windows Media Video 9 codec for consideration by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) as an openly available international standard.

Microsoft submitted the draft specification for the technology to SMPTE's C-24 Technical Committee for consideration during its next meeting in Geneva on Sept. 17th.

Since the introduction of the Windows Media 9 Series platform in January of 2003, broadcasters have adopted the technology for use in software and hardware products due to the high quality compression of Windows Media Video 9. For the broadcast industry, standardization of the video codec technology would enable companies to independently develop their own interoperable implementations and applications in a wide range of areas, without ever having to contact Microsoft. The move would also provide an additional high quality video compression alternative for companies and organizations committed to open standards.

The process for consideration as a standard is likely to take between 6-12 months.