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Kevin Towes

Kevin Towes

Adobe

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Video Encoder Matrixes (for Prerecorded Video)
  3. Factors That Affect Video Encoding
  4. Optimal Encoder Settings Study
Created:
2 September 2004
User Level:
Beginner
Products:
Flash

Encoding Best Practices for Prerecorded Flash Video

There are three challenging aspects to mastering posting video on the Internet: encoding it, delivering it, and customizing the experience. This article focuses on the encoding process to prepare your video with the highest possible quality. As you will see, there is no single solution for encoding. I will provide insight into the encoding process and show you how to prepare your video for smooth playback with an eye towards bandwidth costs and your audience.

I will also explore and compare the Flash Video settings for encoding prerecorded video. My second article, Producing Live Video, details the same process for live video. I do not discuss the details of each setting, however, because they are fully described in the "Capturing and Encoding Video" section of the Flash Video Learner's Guide.

Requirements

This article makes references to the following software and files:

Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Professional

Level of Expertise Required

This article pertains to all skill levels: basic to advanced.

Related Information

Before reading this article, get comfortable with the aspects of the Sorenson Spark video codec and Flash Video in general by reviewing the following comprehensive documents. They are a great introduction to Flash Video and bandwidth strategies:


Also check out my other article on Flash Video, Encoding Best Practices for Live Video.

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About the author

Kevin Towes is the product manager for Flash Media Server at Adobe Systems and is responsible for defining, delivering, and supporting Adobe streaming video products and services. Before joining Adobe, Kevin spent 13 years working to enable customers with Flash based interactive video streaming solutions using Flash Media Server. His Flash Media Server Live Video work with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) led to an Emmy nomination in 2004.