When trying to create cross platform media experiences for use on the web, there are only a few options open to you. Now we have a new one on the table which could one day become the new standard.

Microsoft has recently released Version 1.0 of Silverlight and of special interest is their Silverlight™ Streaming by Windows Live™ which gives small content producers and developers 4GB of server space from which to experiment with the platform.

The service offers web designers and developers a free and convenient solution for hosting and streaming cross-platform, cross-browser media experiences and rich interactive applications that run on Windows™ and Mac.

Combined with the ability to create content with Microsoft® Expression Studio and other 3rd party tools, Web designers and content publishers wishing to integrate Silverlight applications into their online properties can enjoy complete control of the end user experience.

Currently, video must be less then 22 MB which works out to 10mins of content encoded at 300Kbps. VC-1 and WMV are the supported video formats.

Microsoft has got its work cut out for itself beyond creating the tools, For if you build it will they come? I am referring to the community of developers who create plug-in applications which serve to build a foundation for product growth. 

As someone who has a lot of miles with Windows Media Encoder and streaming video content under my belt, I would like to see Microsoft go the distance with Silverlight as a robust alternative to Flash.

[Content in whole or part adapted from IPTVe and is licensed under Creative Commons, no addition derivative works may be copied from this article without prior permission from IPTVe and Web TV Wire]

Have Something To Say?