To start a live ‘Push’ stream with Windows Media encoder:

Windows Media Encoder is no longer available or supported by Microsoft; the new encoder provided is Microsoft Expression encoder.  Instructions on obtaining this encoder and downloading it can be found here: How to: Configure Microsoft Expression Encoder

If you already have Windows Media Encoder and wish to use it you can use the information provided below:

Step 1. Start the encoder and double click "Broadcast a Live Event".

Step 2. Select your source(s): audio and/or video. If you have more than one sound card you can select it from the list. Make sure you select the sound device that your audio signal is connected to.

Step 3. Select the "Push to a Windows Media Server" (the connection is initiated by the encoder)  >Enter your information as detailed in the Configuration screen of your Active Service .You will also see a "checkbox" that says "Remove publishing point automatically". Please check this box empty.

Step 4. Select your bit rate.

Step 5. The next window asks if you would like to archive a copy of the broadcast to your hard drive. Only select this option if you: a) have plenty of hard drive space b) have sufficient processing power (this option takes a significant toll on your processing capability) c) require an archived copy of what you are broadcasting.

Step 6. Enter the "Display Information". The enclosed stream information will show up in the Windows Media player window of your listeners computer screen.

• Title: The name of your stream.
• Author: The name of your stream author.
• Copyright: Any relevant Copyright information you wish your users to see.
• Rating: The stream's rating.
• Description: Any additional information you wish to include.

Step 7. Click next when you have put in all the information.

Step 8. "Settings Review":  This window allows you to review your settings before you begin to broadcast live.

Step 9. Enter "Broadcast Password".  This is where you will need to put in your username and password as supplied to you by NetroMedia. Again, these are detailed in the Configuration of your Active Service:

Step 10. Click the "Remember Password" checkbox for future convenience. Now, click Ok.

• You can connect to the stream with either of the following links detailed in Active Service as "Publishing Point Link" or "Public Link". (Note for public link, your service must be configured as "List Publicly".)
• At this point you may receive a warning regarding stream announcement. You can disregard this notice and continue. You are now ready to start streaming!

Step 11. Located on the top toolbar there should be a green button that says "Start Encoding". When you are ready to start encoding press this button and you are live.

Things to look for:

• You should see your audio bars moving up and down. If they are not working, click the mixer button below the audio bars and try selecting different channels on your soundcard.
• You want to make sure your CPU load is below 50%, (you can find this indicator in the bottom right).  You should also take note of your total bit rate.  You should see a set of 5 small green bars moving horizontally across the bottom of the encoder window.

Now, Save your Session, so the next time you load Windows Media Encoder, all of your previous settings are stored! Follow this FAQ for instructions – Saving your Session in Windows Media Encoder

Testing Your Live Stream:  

Step 1. Open your Windows Media Player and click on ‘File’, then ‘Open URL’.

Step 2. Enter your publishing point link. Click "Open".  You should either hear or see your stream.