Encoder
Updated: 10/04/2017 by Computer Hope
An encoder is a hardware device or software that converts or encodes data from one format into another. For example, a software MP3 encoder can encode an audio track from a CD (compact disc) into MP3 format.
The Windows Media Player program is an example of a software encoder capable of converting audio files on a CD into MP3, WAV, and WMA (Windows Media Audio) formats.