What is a WMV file?
Windows video format optimized for internet streaming
WMV files, also known as Windows Media Video files, are a compressed video format developed by Microsoft for Internet streaming. Many videos available online are stored in the WMV format. WMV file sizes are smaller so that they are easier to transmit over broadband and mobile networks without sacrificing picture quality and audio clarity. The WMV file is one of the most common files used to store video in Windows. You may see the file when downloading video from the Internet or when someone shares a video via USB device or email. You can watch video stored in WMV files with a variety of media players. Windows Video and Media Player are popular choices since they come installed with many Windows operating systems.
Microsoft Windows Media Player 9 was the last version of the Windows Media Player developed for Mac OS X. However, Mac users can use Flip4Mac WMV (also known as Microsoft Windows Media Components for QuickTime) to play WMV files.
