Customize an Expression Encoder template for Silverlight 2

Microsoft Expression Encoder 2 uses templates to create video experiences by encoding video and displaying it in a media player. The player can be skinned by using a template. Expression Encoder templates are a collection of HTML, JavaScript, and XAML that together define the video player user interface (UI) and interactivity.

Expression Encoder 2 with Service Pack 1 installed includes a Microsoft Silverlight 2 template that you can use to present your videos. However, you are not restricted to using the default template. Because of the extensibility of Expression Encoder 2, you can create your own Silverlight 2 video player using such tools as Microsoft Expression Blend 2, and then make the player available for Expression Encoder 2 to use as a custom template.

To modify a Silverlight 2 template from Expression Encoder 2 with Service Pack 1 installed

1. If you cannot see the Output panel in Expression Encoder 2, click Output on the Window menu.

2. In the Output panel, under Job Output, select the Standard Silverlight 2 template from the drop-down list next to Template. An image appears next to Preview to show you what the media player template will resemble.

3. Click the property marker  to the right of the Template menu, and then click Edit copy in Expression Blend.

4. In the Rename Template box, type a file name and click Open. This opens a copy of the template in Expression Blend 2, which preserves the original template.

5. Once you are working in Expression Blend 2, you can begin to change the visual design of the template by adding, modifying, or deleting objects. You can also skin controls by editing the template of the control. For more information, see the following topics:

   • Draw a shape or path in your Silverlight 2 project

   • Appearance

   • Transformations

   • Modify the appearance of a system control in different states

   • Modify the transition time between state changes in system controls

   • Add animation that will play after a change in state

6. Make your changes in Expression Blend 2 and then save your files (click Save on the File menu). When you return to Expression Encoder 2, the Preview window will display the edited template. You can then use the template for future encoding.

Next steps

• You can use the modified template to encode video in an Expression Encoder 2 project. For more information, see the topics in the "Encode your video for Microsoft Silverlight and the web" section of the Expression Encoder 2 User Guide (F1).

• You can deploy your encoded video and Silverlight 2 player to a website. After encoding your video in Expression Encoder 2 using the modified Silverlight 2 template, you can deploy the output to a website. For more information, see Add a Silverlight 2 application to a website.

See also

Concepts

Import a Silverlight 1.0 site from Expression Encoder 2

Modify a Silverlight template for Expression Encoder 2 in Expression Blend