Flash Video using Skin confusion

[kathleen1357]

Hi all, I am learning flash. I am at the point of creating video files. I want to do a Progressive Download from a web server (so I can use a skin)
I import my video, choose my skin design, it creates the .fla file as well as the .flv file including the skinchoice.swf and the video.swf

As far as I know that's everything. If I play the video.swf it shows it using the skin and it works properly but when I insert the swf file into my html web page it doesn't show the skin just the video.

Obviously I need whatever html coding it is to get it to use the skin, or is there actionscript that needs to be added to the fla file to use the skin?

I own the ActionScript Bible, can't find the answer there. Anyone know what it is I am doing and how to accomplish it?

Thanks

[Eye for Video]

What version of Flash are you using? What format was the video file in originally..you say
it creates the .fla file as well as the .flv file
so that's why I'm asking.
Are you using an external .flv file or is the video being placed in the main timeline and therefore the complete video is contained in the .swf...meaning no .flv file needed on your server.
Have you tried to "Publish" the .fla? That will give you a sample of code that you could use to place the video on the page.
Your finished .swf should be everthing you need to load the .flv file. Can you post a link?
EfV

[kathleen1357]

the video was originally a short avi (test file)
I use Flash 8
I created a new flash document, import video, chose progressive download from a web server, chose the skin, and it created the whole video on the documet. Then I saved all files directly in the flash folder and uploaded all to my server. I work a lot in FrontPage (no scolding please) Insert, Movie in Flash Format. I threw the flv and the swf on the page to try it, the swf played but no skin. http://kathyrogersrealtor.com/video.htm

So I bit the bullet and opened dreamweaver, created a new html page, did Insert, Media, Flash Video, chose progressive Download, the skin, it put it on the page, I tested the page and it worked, I uploaded it all to the server including the skin.swf and the flvplayer_progressive.swf files that Dreamweaver created, nothing played. http://www.texasauctionlink.com/Untitled-1.html

I have read I may need to be on a specific server to use this feature. if that's the case I'll give up the dream and start learning how to create my own play, pause and volume buttons but it sure seems like the harder way to do it. It also seems crazy to download some other program to use flv when I have the very expensive Flash 8 already.

So I must be missing some really simple step right? Thanks for helping.

[Eye for Video]

Too bad it’s not working for you… I know the feeling. Well here’s my 2 cents worth.
The first link seems to work just fine for me from my server. The controls show, etc.
http://www.cidigitalmedia.com/web_devel/flash_video_problem/video.htm
There’s really no need for the second .swf since all the controls are incorporated into the first .swf. I’m not really sure why they don’t show up when viewed from your server. Could be something with the server or it could be something with Front Page, but all the controls should be incorporated into the .swf and the placing on the page should have no effect.
My advice, use a FTP program, something like SmartFTP to upload your files. This will always allow you to view the folder structure and help make sure all your pathing issues are correct.
Second page does not download the “FLVPlayer_Progressive.swf”, yet you can download it directly from:
http://www.texasauctionlink.com/FLVPlayer_Progressive.swf
when downloaded that way, it brings along a JavaScript file “objectembed_neutral.js”.
You can verify these this by emptying your Temp Internet Cache, and downloading from your second link. No .swf. Then click and download from the link above. swf is downloaded.
So problem with second page is the code used to place the .swf on the page…it’s not working. My suggestion, don’t use DreamWeaver or Front Page to place the .swf on the page. The code they generate is really bloated.
Overall, since you already have that expensive Flash program, I would recommend creating your own player and controls. It’s actually pretty simple and you can make the player skin to be whatever shape or color you want. I’ve attached a simple vid player that you can use for practice. Open up the .fla, take a look around, and experiment by moving the controls, etc. around. Put a new skin, or whatever you want on a layer over the top of the video, just punch a whole through for the video. All the real action is in the invisible ActionScript. I’ve made a few code comments for autostart, filename path, etc. It’s expecting a video called “video1”, with the html, the .swf, and the video file, all in the same foder...but you can change the name to whatever your video is (just be sure path is correct relative to the final placement of the .swf on the html page). See the code in sample html page for how to place on page. As you get more familiar with the process, try to place the .swf player on the page using swfobject, it’s a much better (but more complicated) way
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flashplayer/articles/swfobject_02.html
Best of luck on your project,
Eye for Video
www.cidigitalmedia.com/video.html
for a shape, or skin placed over the top of the video in custom player…