The On2 VP6 codec is the default video codec to use when encoding Flash content that uses video and FLV content to use with Flash Player 8 and 9. The On2 VP6 codec provides:

• Higher quality video when compared to the Sorenson Spark codec encoded at the same data rate

• Support for the use of an alpha channel to composite video

  To support better quality video at the same data rate, the On2 VP6 codec is noticeably slower to encode and requires more processor power on the client computer to decode and play back. For this reason, carefully consider the lowest common denominator of computer you intend your viewing audience to use when accessing your Flash Video content.

  If you anticipate a large user base that uses older computers, consider encoding your FLV files using the Sorenson Spark codec.

If your Flash content dynamically loads Flash video (using either progressive download or Flash Media Server), you can use On2 VP6 video without having to republish your SWF file for Flash Player 8, as long as users use Flash Player 8 or later to view your content. By streaming or downloading On2 VP6 video into Flash SWF versions 6 or 7, and playing the content using Flash Player 8 or later, you avoid having to recreate your SWF files for use with Flash Player 8 and later versions.