MACROMEDIA FLASH 8-FLASH, Use Manual

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276 Working with Video
About embedding video in a SWF file
Embedded video lets you embed a video file within a SWF file. When you import video in
this way, the video is placed in the Timeline where you can see the individual video frames
represented in the Timeline frames. As with an imported bitmap or vector artwork file, an
embedded video file becomes part of the Flash document.
When you create a SWF file with embedded video, the frame rate of the video clip and the
SWF file must be the same. If you use different frame rates for the SWF and the embedded
movie clip, playback will be inconsistent. If you need to use variable frame rates, import the
video using either progressive download or Flash Communication Server as your delivery
options. When you import movies using either of these methods, the FLV files are self-
contained and run at a frame rate separate from that of all other Timeline frame rates included
in the Flash movie.
For more information, see “About progressively downloading video” on page 274 and “About
streaming video using Flash Communication Server” on page 275 .
You can import video clips into Flash as embedded files in QuickTime video (MOV), Audio
Video Interleaved file (AVI), Motion Picture Experts Group file (MPEG), or other formats,
depending on your system. For information on file formats supported for importing
embedded video, see
“Supported file formats for video” on page 278 .
Embedded video works best for smaller video clips, with a playback time of less than 10
seconds. If you are using video clips with longer playback times, consider using progressively
downloaded video, or streaming video using Flash Communication Server.
The limitations of embedded video include:
■
When embedding video files, you might encounter problems if the resulting SWF files get
excessively large. Flash Player reserves a lot of memory when downloading and attempting
to play large SWF files with embedded video, and this can in fact cause Flash Player to
fail.
■
Longer video files (over 10 seconds in length) often have synchronization issues between
the video and audio portions of a video clip. Over time, the audio track begins playing out
of sequence with the video, causing a less than desirable viewing experience.
■
To play a video embedded in a SWF file, the entire movie must be downloaded before the
video will start to play. If you embed an excessively large video clip, it may take a long time
for the SWF file to download in its entirety and for playback to start.