Analysis: Will Windows 8 Bring The Best Ever Multimedia Experience? [Discussion]

As mentioned by Microsoft, Windows 8 is going to released by October 2012. The whole tech world is looking to that day eagerly waiting to...

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As mentioned by Microsoft, Windows 8 is going to released by October 2012. The whole tech world is looking to that day eagerly waiting to know what’s going to be next. Windows 8 brings up radical change to Windows OS shelves and now it’s up to the user to decide whether Microsoft is successful or it’s going to be Vista time again. While we can't really tell what’s going to happen next, but as I believe if Windows 8 proves to be of success for Microsoft then there will be the two major things behind the success. One is the Metro UI (although many people hate it on first impression) which brings complete makeover since the last version. And the other is improved performance in gaming and powerful multimedia experience. The focus of the new Windows OS is to provide an enhanced entertainment experience. Thus, Microsoft has invested a lot time to enhance performance, usability and practicality. This means that the system should be a lot more handy comes with built-in codecs, improved support for hardware and new developments that will ensure success in everyday life.

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Improved Performance While Decoding:

The first comparison made by the Building Windows 8 aims at showing performance improvements and CPU usage. There were three scenarios: WMV decoding, processing film with H.264 codec and webcam preview.

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As you can see, Windows 8 is able to perform tasks using a very little processor resources. The best result was gained while displaying images from web cam, in which Windows 8 requested only 8% of the CPU resources and to do the same Windows 7 27% of CPU resources.

According to an official posts, these results are possible only in computers with certified hardware, but improvements must ensure speed and power savings in every case. The same technique used to accelerate the execution of videos will also be applied in the processing of audio files.

Less Energy, More Saving:

As for energy savings, Microsoft reports that Windows 8 will let the processor sleep for a long time, since the file processing will be performed in large batches - with larger buffers. Thus, the CPU needs more power for an extended time, but then can reduce energy consumption by increasing the battery life.

The idea of using large batches of data is interesting, but Microsoft itself states that the feature is not ideal for all occasions. For example, in the case of video calls it is necessary to run quickly, with low latency. And from what was reported on the MSDN blog, the Windows 8 has a number of improvements to adapt those situations.

There is a telecommunications standard that specifies the maximum latency that a video call can reach. Normally 145 ms latency is used so that people do not feel the problems of delay calls. Using this metric, Building Windows 8 blog measured the results of the system. The following figures include delay of capturing, encoding and network.

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As you can see, Windows 8 works fine even with 1080p video calls, managing to meet the American standard - green line on the graph. The blue columns serve as a baseline, but in fact, those indicates the latency time to play common video.

Built-In Codecs:

This is one big concern relates to Microsoft's multimedia experience with the new system. Thinking about it, the developer has included native support for some video formats. This does not mean you're free from installing additional programs, because Windows 8 does not support media files encoded with MKV, FLAC and others. Check the table:

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As you can see Windows 8 may be missing some important extensions and codecs. However, as explained in Building Windows 8 , some current formats (such as Divx, and Xvid MOV) may be performed in the system fully, since they are based on MPEG-4 format.

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These types of videos can be played through the Metro-based media player. It is noteworthy that many clips will request hardware acceleration. This can be bad for those who do not have compatible components, but the measure is designed to improve the overall experience, because the clips will then be played more quickly and with better quality.

Improved Playback In Browser:

Windows 8 will bring resources to improve video playback and streaming with adaptive sampling rate. And what is this? It is an additional regulation the quality of video as the connection state and the point of reproduction.

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Basically, when you start playing a movie, the quality can be reduced to the system to prolong storage of the file. Likewise, the software checks the sign of your internet connection and change the sampling rate if the network is slow. These measures ensure continuous playback and the best possible quality.

Windows 8 will also bring a new tool to ensure protection of the content. The PlayReady is a technology that will verify the authenticity of files downloaded and played on services from Microsoft partners. It may not be a great benefit for consumers, however, means that you will make sure that your files are legitimate.

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Because the web is moving to HTML5, Windows 8 is already prepared to play videos directly in Internet Explorer 10. The system features a video player packed with modern features. According to official information, you can enable subtitles and play different audio tracks on your browser.

Others – Metadata, DirectX10 & 3D Compatibility:

There is a new Windows 8 feature that might be interesting for those who spend their days listening to music and surfing on YouTube. The system will bring a feature to switch between audio tracks while playing, ie when you press play on the web browser, the sound from Windows Media Player will be paused automatically. Since this is not useful for all, you can choose the situations whether the action should occur automatically or not.

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Another distinguishing feature of the system is in playback options for the files captured with cameras and camcorders. Windows 8 is scheduled to work with metadata in MP4 files, ASF, WMV and others. You can capture video on your tablet and smartphone in any position and the system will identify the correct orientation - ie, no need to turn your head or monitor.

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Finally, we emphasized that the new system from Microsoft will support playback of 3D video files natively. Note that the current versions of Windows can not do that, however, this is a built-in feature and works only on a video card compatible with DirectX 10. Windows 8 can work with different three-dimensional video techniques too.

There are many more resources, but the system is even more surprising. Windows 8 still has features up its sleeve, but Microsoft is slowly releasing information. Sure, you can see all the news here in ABC Trick. Until next time!

12 comments :

  1. Julianne CacciottiJuly 15, 2012 at 11:50 PM

    All this in win 8 will be good, less the price that is fair, but for me that I am in poor condition :( not sure if I can buy.

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  2. :P BuY!!! Who says so? LOL.....

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  3. Talking about Windows 8, firstly, I don't anyway like the Metro UI and even I sold my WP because of this Metro shit. Secondly, as far I tried of Windows 8 preview versions, there are no REAL good this at all in my saying.


    So I AM NOT GOING TO SWITCH TO WINDOWS 8 by any mean

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  4. I think windows 8 will not going to be that amazing at all

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  5. Agree with you about the metro but i am really happy with the preview performance of win 8 and I am egarly waiting for it

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  6. The worst thing is Windows 8 will not have any Start button!!! And I also heard that Microsoft is going to block all apps that will try to restore the start button back. How the hell am I supposed to do without the start menu!!!

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  7. Ok, did you ever tried to refresh windows 8? or system restore? You will see why. Also the smartscreen filter is useless (almost) and about the DirectX 10, well, you are going to need real good hardware.....else........

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  8. I don't know why the f* you dont like the metro UI? It's amazing

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  9. Ok, first of all, everything new will be liked by some people and also will be hated by some others. I am not sure which of those two group are more accurate, but I also consider myself on "Don't Like Metro" group. Yes I know change is good - change is to bring something new - change is to make the thing even better, but hey - change doesn't mean "flash" or "wipe" like Microsoft did with Windows 8. They have completely replace Start Menu with the Metro Start Screen.


    In my opinion, there should be both of the available and also should a option for user to choose their preferred one. Like in Windows 7, user can decide whether they want to use Aero or not.


    Still, I will wait for the future and eagerly waiting to see what you guys say after October (middle in November)

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  10. Yes, it's (almost) confirmed that you will not be able to use the tools you did in Windows 8 CP and RP to restore the Start Button. (But hey! There are lot more brilliant developer and I am sure they will find a way out!:-))

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  11. @Nenita Jacaruso Yes, it's (almost) confirmed that you will not be able to use the tools you did in Windows 8 CP and RP to restore the Start Button. (But hey! There are lot more brilliant developer and I am sure they will find a way out!:-))

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  12. @Nenita Jacaruso Windows 8 can easily be run in the same PC which supports Windows 7. Hardware compatibility of the Windows 8 is just brilliant. I have to admit it.

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