ASX File Extension

What is the .ASX file type?

Primarily, the .asx extension is a designation of the Advanced Stream Redirector (ASX) format, being associated with the .asx file type. ASX is an XML-based metafile format developed by Microsoft to create pointers for Windows Media multimedia content.

An .asx file is an ASX pointer metafile. No audio/video data are stored in ASX files. Instead, an .asx file is a short text-based pointer that takes advantage of XML to provide name and URL references to the actual streamable multimedia resources hosted elsewhere (mainly, WMA audio and WMV video files). When opened with a compatible media player or browser plugin, an .asx file redirects the player to play the actual stream, basing on the details given in the ASX file.

Besides referencing the actual media and defining presentational aspects, ASX pointers can reference other Windows Media metafiles (.asx, .wax, .wvx), too. Often used as playlists for both local and remote content, ASX files are properly handled by Windows Media Player (WMP) and other media players that support Windows Media.

Apart from that, the .asx extension also serves to point out to temporary files created by Alpha Five for database queries against sets. Alpha Five is a relational database management system (RDBMS) and Rapid Application Development (RAD) tool by Alpha Software. ASX files are created in the Alpha Five database directory and may be safely deleted.

Software to open or convert ASX files

VLC media player by VideoLAN

 

Winamp by Nullsoft, Inc

 

GOM Player by Gretech Corporation

 

KMPlayer by PandoraTV

 

BS.Player FREE by AB Team, d.o.o.

 

Free File Viewer Pro

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