Macromedia MAX 2005 - Anaheim, CA What’s New In Flash 8
120
Video improvements
The list of improvements to video includes:
• A new video codec (On2 VP6) for better quality video and smaller video file size
• Improved video import wizard
• Stand alone video encoder
• Alpha channel support
• Embedded cue points for triggering events from specific points in a video
Comparing the On2 VP6 and Sorenson Spark video codecs
The On2 VP6 codec is the default video codec to use when encoding FLV content for use with Flash
Player 8. 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
In order to support better quality video at the same data rate, the On2 VP6 codec requires noticeably
slower to encode and requires more processor power on the client computer to decode and play
back. For this reason, you should 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 is using older computers, it may be advisable to encode your
FLV files using the Sorenson Spark codec.
About the On2 VP6 and Sorenson Spark video codecs
By default, Flash Video Encoder exports encoded video using the On2 VP6 video codec for use with
Flash Player 8, and the Sorenson Spark codec for use with Flash Player 7. A codec is a
compression/decompression algorithm that controls how video files are compressed during
encoding, and decompressed during playback. The On2 video codec is the preferred video codec to
use when creating Flash content that uses video. On2 provides the best combination of video quality
while maintaining a small file size.
If your Flash content dynamically loads Flash video (using either progressive download or Flash
Communication Server), you can use On2 VP6 video without having to republish your SWF for Flash
Player 8, as long as users use Flash Player 8 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, you
avoid having to recreate your SWF files for use with Flash Player 8.
