Media Transcoding Performance

Applies To: Windows 8, Windows 8.1

The Media Transcoding Performance assessment measures the process of changing a video file to a different format or bit rate. This assessment runs a series of transcode operations that have common input and output file formats and resolutions. For more information about the assessment results and issues that might be found, see Results for the Media Transcoding Performance Assessment

The following graphic illustrates the assessment process.

In this topic:

  • System Requirements

  • Settings

System Requirements

Warning

The first-run help tips in Windows 8.1 can negatively affect assessment results. To disable these, run the following command from an elevated command prompt, and reboot the computer:
reg.exe add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\EdgeUI" /v DisableHelpSticker /t REG_DWORD /d "1" /f

Warning

Run this assessment only while the desktop is full screen. Do not run this assessment if you have another Windows Store app opened side-by-side with the desktop.

You can run this assessment on the following operating systems:

  • Windows 7

  • Windows 8

Note

The optimization portion of the Media Transcoding Performance assessment runs only on Windows 8.

Supported architectures include x86-based, x64-based, and ARM-based systems.

There are two ways to run this assessment on Windows RT:

Settings

By default, this assessment uses the recommended settings. Microsoft defines these settings so that you can compare the results across multiple computer configurations or over time on the same computer. When you review the results, the run information includes metadata that indicates whether the assessment used the recommended settings.

The following table describes the assessment settings, recommended values, and alternative values for each setting.

Setting Description

Content Path

Specifies the source directory for the media files to transcode. By default, the folder is ..\content based assessments\Content\Streaming Media Assessment. You can use different media files or specify a different local or network folder.

Test pass type

Specifies a power option for the assessment. Select one of the following options from the drop-down list. By default, the power option on a laptop is Tests on AC and DC.

  • Tests on AC and DC

  • Tests on AC only

  • Tests on DC only

See Also

Concepts

Results for the Media Transcoding Performance Assessment
Assessments

Other Resources

Windows Assessment Toolkit Technical Reference
Windows Assessments Console Step-by-Step Guide