How to compress .mp4 to Windows media video WM9 (WMV3) or VC-1 on a Mac

[Craig Seeman]

I can’t think of any modern circumstance to create WMV 9 at all. All modern Windows computers support h.264 .mp4

If you’re working with a client that doesn’t know this you should correct them.

Supposedly this works.

https://www.movavi.com/videoconvertermac/

[Irene Steirou]

Dear Craig thank you for your reply!

I know… but it seems the monitors in Athens International Airport, Greece only play this format and they have specifically asked for WMV3 format for any video they play there.

I downloaded Movavi and it only converts to WMV2. No luck.

In any case thank you!

[Craig Seeman]

It seems few of the free/inexpensive encoders supported WMV9. My guess is there’s license issues around that.

Telestream Flip4Mac encoded to WMV9 but also involved a license and has long since been discontinued (a few years ago). The commercial encoders such as Telestream Episode and Sorenson Squeeze supported it but they are also long gone.

One would have to be running ancient hardware to be limited to WMV9 as MP4 playback on Windows started to supersede WMV9 during Windows 7 era.

If you have an older Windows computer this might install

https://download.cnet.com/windows-media-encoder/3000-2212_4-14887.html

download.cnet.com

Windows Media Encoder for Windows - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download

Download Windows Media Encoder latest version for Windows free. Windows Media Encoder latest update: August 8, 2018

[Irene Steirou]

Hello Craig!

Yes, indeed! Finally, a friend transcoded it on my behalf on his Flip4Mac installed in a PC.

He exported the video in WMV VC-1 which is also a format the airport accepts, besides WMV3. I will send it tomorrow and hopefully they will be ok with it!

Thank you very much for your help!

Eirini

[Eric Santiago]

I feel for you.

I have to create oddities like that for local casinos and event places.

Its 2025…please update your systems LOL!

[Craig Seeman]

I wonder if an additional encoding service fee should be charged for a legacy file no longer supported by Microsoft adding a notice that the fee will be reduced/removed if/when they move to MP4.

It’s not like they would be in a great situation to find a competitor to do this. There’s an additional time and possible encoder cost to meet this format.

[Irene Steirou]

Yes, please😅

[Irene Steirou]

I totally agree and I find it a great idea.🙏