Accessibility
Lisa Larson-Kelly

Lisa Larson-Kelley

FlashConnections

Created:
25 August 2008
Modified:
27 October 2008
User Level:
Beginner
Products:
Flash
Flash Media Server
Flash Media Live Encoder

Flash 411: Getting your video questions answered

"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.

Requirements

In order to make the most of these videos, you need the following software:

Flash CS4 Professional

Flash Media Server 3.5

Flash Media Live Encoder 3

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.

Video codec diagram

Launch video: Video crash course

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.

Net.Connection success

Launch video: Hooking up with Flash Media Server

Sample files:

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.

FVLPlayback component on the Flash Stage

Launch video: Video players for the Flash phobic

Sample files:

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.

Encoding settings demystified

Launch video: Video encoding basics using Flash

Sample files:

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:

About the author

Lisa Larson-Kelley began her career in print design, but was soon lured to digital media by a little application called Flash 4. In addition to hands-on development projects, she enjoys writing and teaching, with a knack for breaking down complex concepts and making them accessible. She has authored technical articles for the Adobe Developer Connection, and editorials and features for StreamingMedia.com; and coauthored the book, Flash Video for Professionals (Wiley, 2007). Lisa has also presented at numerous industry conferences around the world and is an active member of the FlashCodersNY user group. A graduate of Wayne State University in Michigan with a BFA in Graphic Design, Lisa received a New Media Certification from the Rhode Island School of Design/Fraunhofer CRCG in 2003. After spending two years as a freelance designer/developer, she went on to become the technical director and cofounder of go:toGroup, a new-media firm based in New York City specializing in Flash video applications. She now consults, teaches, and develops iFoxCam, a consumer video surveillance product using Flash Media Server. While with go:toGroup, Lisa worked with many video-centric startups as well as companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, and L'Oréal. She shares news and musings about Flash video, web development and life in the big city on her blog, flashconnections.com.