Post by Martin LeeseI have re-ordered Stefan's post.
Post by Stefan SchreiberPost by Martin LeeseAs this article points out, Microsoft plans to
replace DirectShow with Media Foundation in
future Windows versions beginning with
Windows Vista. Also, Microsoft definitely
encourage developers to move to Media
Foundation if they can.
New investment in DirectShow would be
inadvisable as it is going away.
P.S.: It is a difference if Microsoft prefers something, or something
doesn't work.
Microsoft prefers Media Foundation. This is
the key. They are directing all their
development resources towards Media
Foundation, not DirectShow. This is why
Microsoft is recommending that people
migrate.
Post by Stefan SchreiberDoes this actually mean that DirectShow is not supported on
Vista/Windows 7?
In Windows Vista, Media Foundation has *less*
functionality than DirectShow.
Exactly this has been my impression... ;-)
So, why should anybody give up backward-compatibility to XP? This
doesn't seem to be a real option, currently.
Post by Martin LeeseWe wont know
about Windows 7 until the final version is
released, but from the Microsoft blogs they
should have the same functionality.
Vista is version 6.0, Windows 7 is 6.1. Ok... :-)
Post by Martin LeesePost by Stefan SchreiberI think it is, and then the argument doesn't hold.
My argument doesn't hold only if you believe
that Microsoft will stop at Windows 7, and
never replace it with Windows <somethingelse>.
Windows 7 is due for release this year.
Microsoft aims at a three year release cycle.
It still doesn't answer the question why somebody should not use
DirectShow if it is supported by every Windows and doesn't seem to be
"inferior" to Media Foundation. ?
Beside of this: Windows 7 should be around for more than just 3 years,
safe bet.
Post by Martin LeesePost by Stefan SchreiberPost by Martin LeeseAlso, Microsoft definitely
encourage developers to move to Media
Foundation if they can.
Thinking of all the < new > Netbooks running under XP, maybe they
currently < can't > ?!
If they can, Microsoft encourages them to
move to Media Foundation. If the can't, they
can't (yet).
XP is supported until 2014. They have to do this, because they simply
couldn't sell Vista on Netbooks. (Too "heavy" and expensive.)
I think it is reasonable to use new (software) interfaces and libraries
only if there is a clear advantage.
Otherwise, you don't have to re-invent the wheel.
Media Foundation is really little known, AFAIK. Of course I am not a
programmer, but still...
Best,
Stefan