Video:Import Video Into Flash

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Transcript:Import Video Into Flash

Hi. I'm Don Schechter for About.com Computing. Today I'll show you how to import video in Flash using Flash 8.

Determine What Files to Import

If you have Quicktime installed, you can import files that are avi, dv, mpeg, or mov.

If you are working on a PC with DirectX 9 or later you can import avis, mpegs, and windows media files as well.

You can see this list in the Flash Help Menu.

Import the File Into Flash

Under 'File,' go to 'Import,' and then 'Import video.' Here you can choose whether to import a video on your computer or already deployed on a server. The later will be either a .flv or .xml file.

I'll click 'Choose and locate a video on my computer.' Once the path is filled in, click the 'Next' button.

Choose a Deployment Option

You can chose deployment options, including progressive download from a Web server, stream from Flash video streaming service or from Flash communication server, embed the video and play in timeline, or link Quicktime video for publishing to Quicktime.

There are some issues with these choices. It's recommended that you only choose to embed the video if you are using short clips, ideally less than a minute or two.

Otherwise you'll likely encounter sync issues.

You can only choose the last option if you are publishing your fla out to Quicktime, and you have to target Flash Player 3 through 5. It is not compatible with Flash Player 8.

The recommended option is the default option - progressive download from a Web server. I'll select it and click 'Continue.'

Encode the Video

Now I can specify how to encode the video. I can choose from the dropdown menu of presets or click advance settings.

The default codec for Flash 8 is the On2 codec. I can change the codec to Sorenson Spark, adjust the frame rate, and more.

I'll encode my video to high quality, at a frame rate of 15 frames per second. I'll change the size to 480 by 360. If your clip has audio you can specifiy its encoding here.

Choose a Skin for the Video

I'll click 'Continue.' Now I can choose a skin for the video. The skin is the display for the video.

You can choose one from this dropdown menu. Click 'Continue.'

Save the Video File

Now, you are given a final message that tells you what happens next. It tells you that you must save your fla file before encoding can occur as well a where the video to be encoded will be located.

There's other information you can read through. Click 'Finish' when you're done.

If you haven't already saved your fla file, you will be asked to do so. The video is now encoding.

Preview the Movie

Once it's done encoding, it will be placed on the stage. When you preview your movie you'll see the skin you chose and you will be able to use the controls to stop and play the movie.

Finally, when you're ready to upload your files, make sure that you take all of the Flash files that were created, including the flv and swfs.

Thanks for watching. For more information please visit us online at computing.about.com.