# Webcam Video Capture to WMV Format in .NET

# Video Implementation Tutorial

This tutorial demonstrates how to create a Windows Forms application that captures video from a webcam and saves it in WMV format using the Video Capture SDK .NET. The example below provides a complete walkthrough with fully commented source code.

    
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        Source Code Access

Access the complete project with all source files and additional examples on our GitHub repository:

Source code on GitHub

# Required Dependencies

Before implementing the code, ensure you have installed the necessary redistributable packages via NuGet:

Video Capture Redistributables:
- x86 Package
- x64 Package

# Implementation Steps

The following sections outline the key steps to implement webcam capture functionality in your .NET application.

# Setup Project Structure

First, create a Windows Forms application and add the SDK references through NuGet. Then implement the form with necessary controls including a video preview area and start/stop buttons.

# C# Implementation Code

using System;
using System.IO;
using System.Windows.Forms;
using VisioForge.Core.VideoCapture;
using VisioForge.Core.Types;
using VisioForge.Core.Types.Output;
using VisioForge.Core.Types.VideoCapture;

namespace video_capture_webcam_wmv
{
    public partial class Form1 : Form
    {
        // Main VideoCapture component instance
        private VideoCaptureCore videoCapture1;

        public Form1()
        {
            InitializeComponent();
        }

        private async void btStart_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            // Set up the default video capture device (webcam)
            // Using the first available device in the system
            videoCapture1.Video_CaptureDevice = new VideoCaptureSource(videoCapture1.Video_CaptureDevices()[0].Name);
            
            // Set up the default audio capture device (microphone)
            // Using the first available audio device in the system
            videoCapture1.Audio_CaptureDevice = new AudioCaptureSource(videoCapture1.Audio_CaptureDevices()[0].Name);
            
            // Set the output file path to the user's Videos folder
            videoCapture1.Output_Filename = Path.Combine(Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.MyVideos), "output.wmv");

            // Configure output format as WMV with default settings
            // WMV is a good choice for Windows compatibility
            videoCapture1.Output_Format = new WMVOutput();
            
            // Set the capture mode to VideoCapture (captures both video and audio)
            videoCapture1.Mode = VideoCaptureMode.VideoCapture;

            // Start the capture process asynchronously
            // This allows the UI to remain responsive during capture
            await videoCapture1.StartAsync();
        }

        private async void btStop_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            // Stop the capture process asynchronously
            // This ensures proper cleanup of resources
            await videoCapture1.StopAsync();
        }

        private void Form1_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            // Initialize the VideoCaptureCore when the form loads
            // Connect it to the VideoView control on the form for preview
            videoCapture1 = new VideoCaptureCore(VideoView1 as IVideoView);
        }
    }
}

# Key Implementation Details

Component Initialization: The VideoCaptureCore is initialized when the form loads, connecting to the video preview control.
Device Selection: The code automatically selects the first available webcam and microphone devices on the system.
Output Configuration: WMV format is selected for its compatibility with Windows systems and wide platform support.
Resource Management: The StopAsync() method ensures proper cleanup of system resources when recording ends.

# Advanced Customization Options

The SDK provides additional options not shown in this basic example:

Camera resolution and framerate settings
Video quality and compression parameters
Custom watermarks and overlays
Multi-device capture capabilities

# Troubleshooting Tips

Ensure your webcam is properly connected and recognized by Windows
Verify the correct redistributables are installed for your target platform (x86/x64)
Check Windows permissions for camera access in newer operating systems

Visit our GitHub page to get more code samples and advanced implementation examples.