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Today Microsoft Corp. announced the immediate availability of Windows Media® 9 Series, the next-generation digital media platform that offers benefits for hardware and software vendors, the media and entertainment industry, consumers in the home, and organizations looking to communicate and train more effectively.

Microsoft also announced a new licensing program for Windows Media Audio and Video 9 Series that enables device manufacturers and software developers to build high-quality digital audio and video features into a broader range of their products -- with longer terms and lower prices than those of other technologies such as MPEG-4 and MPEG-2.

Windows Media has been widely adopted by device manufacturers, software vendors and content providers, with more than 170 devices, hundreds of applications, and hundreds of thousands of popular songs and movies currently available supporting it. Today's release of Windows Media 9 Series and the new licensing program delivers on Microsoft's long-standing vision of enabling digital media everywhere. With innovations such as high-definition video at up to six times the resolution of DVD, the first 5.1 channel surround sound streaming audio, and a faster, more televisionlike experience with media on the Web, Windows Media 9 Series provides dramatically improved media playback for all users and offers the most comprehensive platform features for hardware and software manufacturers, enabling them to build their own unique products and services.

Source: Microsoft Press Release

Finaly . . .

This is the first version of the Windows Media Player that I choose above RealOne Player. At last Microsoft understands how the livrary should work, and now with all added functionality this program rocks!
Only thing that doesn't work for me is the toolbar miniplayer, but I guess that's just a Windows.NET problem.
Now a plugin for my MD, and I can get rid of RealOne.

Another good move from Microsoft; thay made me ditch a program not created by them ;)

btw, I don't care they know what music I play, now the know I got taste :) and I'm *know* RealOne also 'phoned home' a little to often.

Microsoft Download Center is giving away first official links to Microsoft servers where you can download the software.

Enjoy fast and flexible music and video playback with Microsoft® Windows Media® Player 9 Series. Over 120 new features, including Fast Streaming, quicker startup, and smart jukebox features make this the best Player yet. Optimized for Windows XP.

File Name: MPSetupXP.exe
Download Size: 9899 KB
Date Published: 1/7/2003
Version: Version 9
Windows Media Player 9 Series (XP version English Version)

File Name: MPSetup.exe
Download Size: 13625 KB
Date Published: 1/7/2003
Version: Series 9
Windows Media Player 9 Series (Win 2000, Win 98, Win ME English version)

Windows Media Encoder 9 Series is a powerful tool for content producers who want to take advantage of the many innovations in Windows Media 9 Series including high-quality multichannel sound, high definition video quality, new support for mixed-mode voice and music content, and more.

File Name: WMEncoder.exe
Download Size: 9687 KB
Date Published: 1/7/2003
Version: Series 9
Windows Media Encoder 9