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Flash Communication Server Article

aYo Binitie

aYo Binitie

Room99
DesignStreet London

MP3 Streaming with Macromedia Flash Communication Server

Note: This tutorial uses Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX 1.5 extensively, as well as Macromedia Flash MX and ColdFusion MX. Get Macromedia Flash Communication Server now.

Introduction

With Macromedia Flash MX, developers can play MP3s through the Macromedia Flash movie user interface. I have personally found this mode of deploying MP3 sound within Macromedia Flash movies very effective and, for the most part, problem-free. Then, you may ask yourself, "What value does Flash Communication Server 1.5 technology add to the existing streaming capabilities within the Macromedia Flash environment?"

MP3 Streaming and Flash Communication Server: New Features

Let's take a look at some of the new capabilities Flash Communication Server 1.5 brings to the realm of MP3 streaming:

  • Improved control of bandwidth: Flash Communication Server improves the existing capacity to stream MP3 files within the Macromedia Flash environment. Developers have tools for better control and can build in bandwidth limits that match the user's connection speed.
  • Access to ID3 text-based data: Flash Communication Server gives the developer the tools to access, retrieve, and publish ID3 text-based tag data over a stream.
  • More control over the playback of streamed data: Developers can provide the user with the ability to stop, pause, locate, and move to areas of interest within the streamed data.
  • Scripted control over streamed data: Developers can create time-based continuous play (as in a radio station), synchronize movie clips and other data to play, or activate events in time to streamed MP3s.
  • Streaming to multiple clients: Flash Communication Server can stream recorded or real-time sounds to all connected clients. Users can choose whether to receive all shared data or customize their selections individually.
  • Creation of virtual directories: Developers can create virtual directories with <Stream> tags and map them through the configuration vHost. This enables developers to create mapped routes to music files within server hard drives. Developers can also give applications developed within a specific computer environment access to the MP3 files within a specific virtual directory.
  • Levels of access: The Flash Communication Server development framework also provides the developer with the tools to secure the MP3 file locations by assigning connected clients with various read and write authorization levels. Developers can lock out or reduce the access for misbehaving users.
  • Run-time deletion: The developer has the administrative capability to clear/delete mp3 files at runtime.

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About the author

aYo Binitie, artist, multimedia designer/developer is Creative Director for Room99 and DesignStreet London. He is the co-author of Reality Macromedia: Flash Communication Server MX. His search for new dynamic forms of expression has resulted in experiments with Macromedia Flash and other rich media technologies, a search that continues...

 

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