New Multimedia Features in Windows 98

Windows 98 marked a major evolution in personal computer entertainment by embedding advanced audio, video, and hardware technologies directly into the operating system. This article details the primary multimedia enhancements introduced in Microsoft Windows 98, including native DVD support, the integration of DirectX 5.0, the Windows Driver Model for audio and video streaming, WebTV integration, and expanded peripheral support.

Native DVD-ROM and MPEG-2 Playback

Windows 98 was the first version of Windows to offer built-in support for DVD-ROM drives and DVD video playback. It introduced native support for the Universal Disk Format (UDF) file system and included DirectShow filters capable of handling MPEG-2 video and Dolby Digital (AC-3) audio decoding, allowing users to watch full-length movies on their PCs with compatible hardware or software decoders.

Integration of DirectX 5.0

Windows 98 shipped with DirectX 5.0 deeply integrated into the operating system, dramatically improving gaming and 3D graphics performance. This update included DirectShow (replacing the older ActiveMovie framework) for advanced media playback and streaming, Direct3D for accelerated 3D graphics, DirectSound for 3D positional audio, and DirectInput for lower-latency response from joysticks and game controllers.

Windows Driver Model (WDM)

The introduction of the Windows Driver Model (WDM) revolutionized how multimedia hardware communicated with the operating system. WDM enabled standardized driver development across both Windows 98 and Windows NT. For multimedia, this brought low-latency kernel-mode audio processing, standardized digital video capture, and seamless handling of multi-channel sound streams.

WebTV for Windows and Broadcast Architecture

Microsoft incorporated Broadcast Architecture into Windows 98, headlined by WebTV for Windows. Users with supported TV tuner cards could watch broadcast television directly on their desktop monitors. The software supported interactive television features, closed captioning, and an electronic program guide (EPG) that downloaded TV listings automatically.

Enhanced Windows Media Player

Windows 98 bundled an updated media player capable of playing a wider variety of local and streaming audio and video formats, including AVI, WAV, MIDI, and early versions of Windows Media formats. It served as a centralized application for digital media playback, paving the way for internet-based media streaming.

Multiple Monitor Support

Windows 98 introduced native support for up to nine independent monitors running on a single PC. This capability significantly enhanced multimedia workflows, allowing video editors, graphic designers, and gamers to stretch their workspace or run full-screen video on one display while working on another.

USB Audio and Video Support

With standardized Universal Serial Bus (USB) support, Windows 98 made it possible to connect digital multimedia devices without needing specialized expansion cards. Users could plug in USB speakers for pure digital audio playback, digital cameras, and composite video input devices with hot-swappable, plug-and-play simplicity.