In a surprise move, Microsoft will submit the video compression technology in Windows Media 9 to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers for review.
The society will mull over the standard when its meet next week, initiating a month-long appraisal of the format’s drawbacks and merits. If accepted, the WMV 9 codec will become an international standard.
Microsoft had planned to shelve news of the company’s decision to walk about from its proprietary past until this week. However, details leaked out ahead of time.
A company spokesperson informed BetaNews that Microsoft’s rationale for embracing standards — in a nutshell — is to provide the industry with better access to high-quality compression technology. This move would for allow easier adoption of Windows Media, as companies would no longer be forced to contact Microsoft directly.
Devices such as home video cameras or set top boxes could soon natively support Windows Media technologies, without Redmond’s direct approval.
Read more at Beta News
