To compress a digital media file to make it smaller, you can convert it to a Windows Media file using Windows Media Encoder. The encoder is a tool for converting or compressing files. This using an encoder can significantly reduce the size a digital media file. However, compression can also reduce quality.

To reduce the size of a file with Windows Media Encoder, follow these steps:
1.) In Windows Media Encoder, click the New Session taskbar button.
2.) Click Convert a File.
3.) File Selection. Enter the names and path of the source and output files.
4.) Content Distribution. Select File download (computer playback).
5.) Encoding Options. Choose the level of quality that you want for the audio and video by selecting how you will use the file. Please note the bit rate after making a selection; the higher the bit rate and quality creates a larger the file. A typical selection to reduce file size and retain quality is: DVD quality-VBR(1Mbps) for video and CD quality-VBR for audio.
6.) Review your settings and then click Finish.
7) Click the Start Encoding button. This process can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

After the encoding process has successfully finished, play back the file and check for quality. Then, check the size of the file in Windows Explorer. You can change encoding options (bit rate) and re-encode the file if necessary, to find the balance that you need between quality and file size.

Author: Chris Hubinsky, President, HuCor Technologies, www.hucortechnologies.com
Posted by InspireTomorrow.com