Question

I have Expression Encoder 4 which supports two sort of source types:

1. Live Source and
2. File Source

Now, I want to achieve my byte stream to be set as live source in Expression Encoder for live broadcasting. I have read about directshow filters but I do not know how to use it. Please let me know if you get something on it.

Answer 1

A typical solution is to implement a virtual camera and stream data off it. Encoder will see it as a video capture device and you will be able to select it as a video source.

See also:

• DirectShow Capture Devices in Expression Encoder 4
• "Fake" DirectShow video capture device
• Writing a Direct Show Source Filter

Briefly:

1. The closest SDK sample to a virtual video source is Push Source Filters Sample
2. A well known non-SDK sample for virtual camera is VCam project
3. To quick check if the whole thing is going to work out with EE4, you can install a virtual video device wrapper over JPEG/M-JPEG IP cameras, set it up to take picture from some internet live demo and check it against Encoder 4 for compatibility and integration details