What is WMV?

WMV (Windows Media Video) is a video compression format developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Windows Media framework and is designed to work with Windows Media Player. WMV files are commonly used for streaming video content over the internet.

History

WMV was introduced by Microsoft in 1999 as part of the Windows Media framework. It was developed to provide efficient video compression for streaming and downloading video content on Windows platforms.

How it works

WMV files use Microsoft's proprietary video compression technology. The format is designed to provide good quality at low bitrates, making it suitable for streaming over the internet. WMV files can also include digital rights management (DRM) protection.

How to open WMV files

WMV files can be opened with various media players and devices. Here are some common ways to open WMV files:

• Windows Media Player
• VLC Media Player
• Media Player Classic
• PotPlayer
• Most modern web browsers
• Many media players on mobile devices
• Windows 10 Movies & TV app

Tips for working with WMV files

Here are some useful tips when working with WMV files:

• WMV files are optimized for streaming
• They offer good compression at low bitrates
• The format is widely supported on Windows platforms
• WMV files can be protected with DRM
• They can be easily converted to other formats

Useful links

For more information about WMV files, you can visit these resources:

• Microsoft Windows Media Documentation
• Windows Media Format SDK
• Windows Media Player Documentation