NetShow

NetShow_Player_2.0

NetShow was a Microsoft multimedia streaming platform introduced in the late 1990s. It was designed to deliver audio and video content over the Internet and intranets. NetShow was a precursor to what would later become Windows Media Technologies.

History

NetShow was first released in 1996 as part of Microsoft's efforts to enter the streaming media market. The platform was aimed at providing a comprehensive solution for streaming multimedia content, including live broadcasts and on-demand media. It supported various media formats and was integrated with other Microsoft technologies.

Features

NetShow offered several features that were advanced for its time:

• **Streaming Media**: NetShow allowed for the streaming of both audio and video content over the Internet.
• **Live Broadcasting**: The platform supported live broadcasts, making it suitable for events and real-time content delivery.
• **On-Demand Streaming**: Users could access pre-recorded content on demand.
• **Integration with Microsoft Products**: NetShow was designed to work seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Windows Media Player and IIS.

Technological Components

NetShow consisted of several key components:

• **NetShow Server**: The server component responsible for streaming media content.
• **NetShow Tools**: A set of tools for encoding and managing media content.
• **NetShow Player**: The client-side player for viewing streamed content, which was later integrated into Windows Media Player.

Evolution

NetShow evolved over time and was eventually rebranded as part of Windows Media Technologies. This rebranding included the introduction of new features and improvements in streaming quality and efficiency. The platform laid the groundwork for future developments in streaming media technology by Microsoft.

Legacy

Although NetShow itself is no longer in use, its legacy lives on in the form of modern streaming technologies. The advancements made during the NetShow era contributed to the development of more sophisticated streaming solutions, such as Microsoft Silverlight and Azure Media Services.

Related Pages

• Windows Media Player
• Microsoft Silverlight
• Azure Media Services
• Streaming media
• Microsoft