MPEG Layer III Audio Encoder for DirectShow

The development of multimedia streaming and capturing applications involves the use of many components, among which sound, video or image filters are very important. Various codecs, encoders and decoders have to be integrated into the program so that the end product can do its job properly.

For those interested in authoring utilities that will handle audio and video streams, an encoding solution like MPEG Layer III Audio Encoder for DirectShow is a must have. Since it is build as a DirectShow filter, the component comes in the AX format and cannot be run directly. Instead, developers can incorporate it in their projects easily.

In order to facilitate the integration of this audio decoding solution, inside the very lightweight package it comes in one can find a batch file (.BAT extension) that, when deployed (with administrative rights if necessary), will register the MPEG Layer III Audio Encoder for DirectShow onto the system without further intervention from the user.

In case it is no longer required, if someone simply wishes to replace the filter with something else or just remove it altogether, there is also an unregister command that can be used. It is placed as well in the original archive and is also a BAT executable that can be run directly.

Given the fact that MPEG Layer III Audio Encoder for DirectShow uses an experimental version of the LAME MP3 encoding engine, some issues may arise, therefore it is advisable to use it with caution and test its behavior thoroughly in case it will be featured inside a program destined to hit the worldwide markets.

All things considered, MPEG Layer III Audio Encoder for DirectShow is clearly designed mainly for developers and the regular user should have little or nothing at all to do with it, unless they want to add an extra decoder for sound files onto their PC.