Anyone who has a need to create and deploy video files encoded to play back using the Flash player (generally referred to as Flash video).

In this class we will create and work with Flash video files demonstrating and discussing the various ways of creating .flv files, editing video, optimizing the files and the pros and cons of deploying them. The class will provides students the knowledge and hands-on practice they need to produce and deliver high-quality Flash Video over the internet using Flash CS3 or Flash 8. Topics include developing a rich media player using the new Flash CS3 pre-built components as well as ActionScript; using high-quality encoding techniques, including the new Flash Video codec enabling the delivery of higher quality video over lower bandwidth connections; creating live video; and exporting alpha-channeling and video color filters. This course will focus on delivering the best experience possible with Flash Video, exploring bandwidth scaling, progressive downloading, and streaming with the Flash Media Server and Flash Video Streaming Services.

By the end of the class you will know how to create, deploy, edit Flash video files as well as the pros and cons of various deployment options.

This course is for users with prior experience with Flash . To take this course, you should: Have completed our Flash Level I course or have equivalent experience. Some familiarity with Actionscript is preferable but not required.

Unit 1: Introducing the Course •Getting familiar with the course methodology and format• Understanding the course objectives• Understanding the course prerequisites•Viewing the course outlineUnit 2: Introducing Flash Video•Defining streaming •Defining digital video •Understanding key Flash Video concepts• Looking at the evolution of Flash Video•Viewing Flash Video market adoption statistics• Examining the streaming video market • Identifying key benefits of Flash Video over traditional media• Introducing the Flash Media Server for streaming videoUnit 3: Building a Component Based Media Player• Understanding the Flash Video development workflow • Using the Insert Flash Video command in Dreamweaver 8•Building a media player with the FLVPlayback component• Building a media player with FLVPlayback Custom UI components• Binding playback properties and components• Building a playlist and video picker• Skinning FLVPlayback Custom UI componentsUnit 4: Encoding Flash Video• Understanding Flash Video (FLV) • Introducing CODECs and video encoding • Converting to FLV using the Flash 8 Video Encoder • Understanding bandwidth and data rate• Using advanced encoding settings• Adding cue points, cropping, and trimming • Using encoding best practices Unit 5: Delivering Flash Video• Understanding video delivery options• Comparing embedded vs. progressive download• Streaming Flash Video • Using Macromedia Flash Video Streaming Services• Introcution to he Flash Media Server • Tracking FLV PlaybackUnit 6: Reviewing ActionScript • Reviewing ActionScript basics• Using Media Component properties• Using Media Component methods• Handling Media Component events• Using ActionScript to control the Media ComponentsUnit 7: Building a Custom Media Player • Understanding the process for building a custom media player• Learning the ActionScript required for streaming• Creating a connection to the server• Controlling and managing streams • Introducing and using the embedded Video object• Adding video playback filters • Using the Sound class to manage audio• Listening and responding to stream events Unit 8: Adding Flash Video Effects • Understanding filters, blends, and masks• Masking the FLVPlayback component • Importing alpha channels with video • Creating a Flash movie that uses video with alpha channels• Understanding differences between author-time and run-time effects• Embedding the FLVPlayback component inside a MovieClip•Using blend modes• Using ActionScript to apply filters Unit 9: Enhancing the User Experience• Understanding the importance of the user experience• Creating auto detection for bandwidth, Flash Player version, and connection speed • Creating playback controls • Using full screen playback• Creating error handlingUnit 10: Working with Cue Points and User Accessibility• Introducing embedded cue points • Understanding accessibility issues for video playback• Manipulating cue points with ActionScript • Adding closed captioning• Controlling video with keyboard commands Unit 11: Using Live Video• Introducing live video• Using the live video encoder• Setting the live encoder• Recording a live stream• Playing a live stream• Creating bandwidth strategies