Flash 411: Getting your video questions answered
Modified
26 October 2008
Requirements
User level
Beginning
Required products
- Flash Professional CS4 (Download trial)
- Flash Media Server (Download trial)
- Flash Media Live Encoder
"Flash 411" is a series of informative videos focused on delivering video on the web. (Why "411"? That's what you dial in North America to phone directory assistance.) Whether you're a seasoned video professional or an experienced ActionScript developer, you'll get something out of this series. Video can be tricky business, so I'll get right down to the essential elements you need to know to create and deliver outstanding playback experiences.
Episode 1: Video crash course
In this debut episode, I uncover the mysteries of working with video in Adobe Flash CS4 Professional and provide a foundation for upcoming topics. Why use Flash? Learn about compatible formats (FLV and MPEG-4), codecs, encoding options, progressive vs. streaming delivery, and distribution options. Also find out how to submit your own questions for upcoming episodes in this series.
Episode 2: Hooking up with Flash Media Server
In this episode, take a whirlwind tour of the wonderful world of Adobe Flash Media Server. Get a basic understanding of Flash Media Server, set up your first broadcast application, and see just how easy it is to create a custom two-person videoconference.
Sample files:
- flash411_ep2_examples.zip (ZIP, 740K)
Episode 3: Video players for the Flash phobic
You've got a video, and you just want to play it back on your blog or website. This episode is for you, featuring down and dirty techniques for publishing your video on the web.
Sample files:
- flash411_ep3_examples.zip (ZIP, 16.8 MB)
Episode 4: Video encoding basics using Flash
Just how do they encode those beautifully crisp videos you see playing in Adobe Flash Player? In this episode, learn the basic encoding rules, see the new Adobe Media Encoder, and pick up some tips and tricks along the way.
Sample files:
- flash411_ep4_examples.zip (ZIP, 1.6 MB)
Where to go from here
Be sure to visit the Video Technology Center to dive deep into learning about video on the web, including the following resources:
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