a) The process of encoding the video can now begin. The Windows Media Encoder will display box with a preview of the video being provided by the source. If the source is a VCR or camcorder, and it is not playing any video, this will typically be all blue or black.

b) Ideally, the "Start Encoding" button should be pressed at the exact beginning of the video content, and the "Stop" button should be pressed as soon as the video content ends. This prevents the viewer from having to wait or download large amounts of blank or useless video. Viewers generally expect video to begin immediately and end immediately. If this does not happen, they may assume that the video is not working and prematurely terminate the video.

c) You may want to familiarize yourself with when the video content starts (to be prepared to press the "Start Encoding" button) and the length of the content so that you can set a timer to remind yourself when to press the "Stop" button.

d) Queue the video source (for a VCR, this means putting in the tape, rewinding the tape, and then pressing the VCR's play button) and press the "Start Encoding" button in Windows Media Encoder when the content begins. When the content is finished, press the "Stop" button. The encoding process takes place in realtime, and will take only as long as it takes to play the video content.

Congratulations, your video is encoded! You will now be presented with a dialog detailing the results.