Java Media Framework

Java Media Framework JMF is a Java library for handling audio and video data. The API supports recording from microphone and camera and allows you to read and store audio / video formats.

History

Developed the framework from Sun, Intel and Silicon Graphics. With version 1, it was only possible to play back data. This changed with the version 2

The development was carried out by the company Sun and IBM. Version 2 now contains the following enhanced capabilities:

• Saving the data
• Capturing
• Transmitting / receiving the data via a network ( RTP)

The last changes to the framework were made in November 2004, a further development remains to be seen. With the development and publication (December 2008) of JavaFX, Sun has its focus away from the JMF in multimedia and towards JavaFX Media, more specifically the Java Media Components ( JMC ), which are part of JavaFX, moved.

What can JMF

The JMF provides the ability to easily write Java programs that present the time-based media. These programs can be Java applets or applications. The implementation is very simple, since the controls is realized by so-called managers. For the input and output of data different resources can be used, such as microphone, speaker, camera, file system or a simple screen output. The open design ( plug- in technology), it is possible to add more resources and " manipulators " ( processors ) add. Thus simple multimedia applications or " real -time training" applications can be realized.

Platform independence

On 64 -bit platforms, the JMF can be used is limited. The " Cross Platform " version can only decode two codecs hardly used.

Alternatives

FMJ

The free alternative Freedom for Media in Java has to create the target, an open source replacement for the JMF from Sun. It is an API to be created that is compatible and suitable for recording, playing, editing, and streaming of media files on different platforms.