Encoding using FFMPEG to WMV8 format, does it require license?

Question

Hi guys,

My software will be using ffmpeg to encode to WMV 8 format and I would like to know whether there's any licensing I need to go through or royalties paid to microsoft. I've tried to read through the windows media licensing page but its all very confusing to me. I hope someone can let me know the simple answer on whether I need any special licensing or royalties to be paid to Microsoft.

Answer 1

My software will be using ffmpeg to encode to WMV 8 format and I would like to know whether there's any licensing I need to go through or royalties paid to microsoft. I've tried to read through the windows media licensing page but its all very confusing to me. I hope someone can let me know the simple answer on whether I need any special licensing or royalties to be paid to Microsoft.

You don't need to pay royalties.

Licensing a Windows-based Application That Reads, Writes, and Edits Content in Windows Media Format

If you are an ISV and you want to obtain the tools to create and distribute a Windows-based application that reads, writes, and edits files in the Windows Media Format, such as players or content-creation, editing, and encoding applications, do one of the following:

• For Windows Vista, download the Windows Media Format 11 SDK.
• For Windows XP, download the Windows Media Format 11 SDK or Windows Media Format 9.5 SDK.
• For operating systems earlier than Windows XP, complete the Windows Media Format 9 Series SDK form.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/licensing/Licensing_Win_Apps_CustApp.aspx

Answer 2

Hm looks like it but its all quite confusing..can an MVP or someone from microsoft comment?

Answer 3

Anyone?

Answer 4

Since it looks like theres no one else I'll try to clarify it myself.

If you download the software development kit (SDK) you can...'create and distribute a Windows-based application that reads, writes, and edits files in the Windows Media Format, such as players or content-creation, editing, and encoding applications'