Microsoft Expression Encoder includes a number of attractive templates for creating quick media players for video and audio run through Encoder. A side effect of that is that you get access to unmanaged Silverlight source for some slick media players. However, that source could be hard to follow until now, and there was no guidance for creating your own templates.

The debug version of the base player source can be found on the Expression site here. The included 22 page white paper "Creating Silverlight Player Templates" walks you through the process required to create your own templates. The question of if and how to create your own skins came up at the Firestarter this past weekend, so I'm glad I ran across this.

While you're there, check out the other webcasts to learn more about how to use Expression (Media) Encoder in your own Silverlight projects.