Flash Video (.flv) - help needed

Hi guys

I'm a newbie to flash - but we're looking to add some Flash videos to our website.

Now, I have only two questions about this really:-

1) When we have had somebody make us our own video player interface, I'm assuming that we use that as a 'template' and add the video file we wish to use to the Flash project and save each video in that manner? I assume it's not automated?

2) How do Flash videos stream? Do they simply load and play (hopefully loading faster than they play) - or do you need a streaming server to get them working?

Any help much appreciated!!!

MJ

Yes.

You need streaming server to do this. Adobe offers one up for a monthly fee and there are a few others out there. If you want to stream, make sure whoever is making your flash player is aware of this...if this is the case, you can sort of automate the above process in question number 1.

With regads to the streaming - is it essential to have a streaming server? Or is there another way to host Flash video?

MJ

Also, another quick question on the automatic processing of a video file...

Can anyone give me an overview on how websites like You Tube work, where the user uploads a video (any format) and it is converted to a Flash Movie. I'm assuming this process must be automated??

Any help much appreciated!

MJ

Instead of Streaming you can always do a progressive download player - one that downloads the video and starts playing the video say at 10% of the download finished.

There are drawbacks to this ofcourse, I'd google for something like streaming vs progressive and I am sure you'll find something that talks about the pros and cons of each. Progressive would definately be cheaper, but people with slow internet connections might not be able to watch your videos.

As for YouTube - yeah they're player is pretty well designed, I'd imagine they have something that converts it on the fly somewhere in there...can't tell you for sure though.

Hi again

Do you have any examples of good websites that using streaming servers and progressive loading, so I can take a look and compare?

Would be much appreciated!!

Thank you

MJ

Most people go with streaming servers - not sure I know of any progressive off hand, you'll just have to do some looking.

Streaming is youtube.com, jobing.com(videos section), etc.