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Im looking to build my portfolio in flash to burn to a CD and distribute...
Anyone have any insight on the flash projector function? Is it worth wild? Can a flash projector file handel itself on a CD?
Or should I just cave and build it in director? =)
Thanks,
Davis
But i too burned a flash projector file and a .swf file onto a cd recently to show to univerity, and the exe did not work! Maybe because the persons comp was a Mac? The swf played in Quicktime though, but very very choppy.
I found it worked fine. The only thing I would be wary of is that if you have a very powerful computer you are "treated" to your swf's being able to run at high frame rates . . . beware that lesser powerful computers may not be able to hold these frame rates as well - esp if you are linking in with sound-clips . . .
Yeap Flash works great on CD rom. We've used in numerous times (mainly because projects have required elements to be available for inclusion on the web as well).
Potential problems that you may run into:
Watch for standardisation of frame rates. 24/25 fps is a good average, also works well for imported video and any synchronisation issues. Otherwise you will notice a big discrepancy when playing on machines of different quality…
Use exe not swf otherwise you need to ensure that the end user has got the correct plugin installed.
Targeting files not in the exe. Everyone has different set-ups and this can be a major headache when someone has to go on-line because you linked to audio file and they have set their system to make IE the default player :( . If possible import the files.
Fonts: If you are using non-standard fonts make sure you convert to graphics – you would be amazed at how many complaints you get from people re. having to install OR not being able to install to their system.
Working with videos. If you import them the bloat is unbelievable, we have also found problems when playing swf’s containing video footage on MX – the system seems to hang but we cannot find out why, suspect a software issue but the videos where produced by a 3rd party so it’s just a guess at this point.
Any videos exported from Mac OS and imported (presumably a software issue I don’t think it’s a platform issue but we haven’t had time to look into…), again we haven’t solved this one just gone for a work round. Best results are to decompile from DVD and then recompile and import into the swf. If it’s a very large file opt for a seperate swf
Provide a help file (print option is definitely recommended) if you are going to control the exe via the keypad. Otherwise you will be offering 24/7 phone/email support.
Old machines will just not play large files, mainly a memory issue, but obviously depends how old.
Exporting for Macs is a completely different issue you need to export to hqx file or export for QuickTime 4, however, the end user needs the correct plugin… It gets messy.
Can’t think of anything else but I’m sure there are %)
HTH
Rich
Just a quick followup... any suggestions on file sizes? And I'm curious whether or not I can call an external file (from the cd) into the player, or is it all inclusive into the .exe?
Thanks again :)
-Davis
richardb, dont irregular fonts get embedded with the exe?
Calling external files is not a problem but as before if it's a non-Flash file you need to know the end users set-up. You can target any file types from an exe or swf. There are also a few 3rd party utilities for writing files to disk…
Watch how you target, you cannot assume system set-ups i.e. CD player = D drive so target files in sub directories.
File sizes is difficult one. From my POV it's all about presenting a smooth end product so targeting large files when an exe is running is a big no go. Most of the projects we have done are between 16 - 400 Meg. I always work on the basis that if it is a large project (i.e. a long load time) you need to show something ASAP but we hate preloaders, so tend to script or animate a introduction which keeps the interest and is relevant to the project and that takes care of any loading issues.
Re fonts
"When you use a font installed on your system in a Flash movie, Flash embeds the font information in the Flash SWF file, ensuring that the font is displayed properly in the Flash Player. Not all fonts displayed in Flash can be exported with a movie. To verify that a font can be exported, use the View > Antialias Text command to preview the text; jagged type indicates that Flash does not recognize that font's outline and will not export the text."
So to save time we just check the reports and include all necessary fonts. BTW watch out for any copyright when distributing :0
Rich
thanks
Try Peter Yau ( nice bloke :) ) site
http*//www.lpflashex.com/
Have emailed version 1 to you, v 2 is now available.
Rich
