Special server for Flash Video

[dvpmevans]

This may seem like a silly question, but do you need to have a specific server if you want to stream Flash video?
I hear talk about Flash communication server, do I need that type of server to make the video work?
Thanks

[dvpmevans]

So no one knows the answer to this question. With all the Flash video out there someone must know?
Thanks

[Wheels]

Yes, to stream an .flv you'll need to incorporate the communication server - it's around $5K for a single license.

You can progressively download an .flv in Flash 7 via http - but technically, this is not streaming but rather downloading. When the stream (download) is terminated by the client on http the file will continue to download in the background.

This is one of the main advantages to using a streaming server - the file is streamed in packets so a terminated request results in the transfer being terminated.

[wallacedvd]

Wheels,

Thanks for that clarification of the difference. I am trying to do a progressive download, and it works on my computer, but when I upload it to the web it won't load the file. I have double and tripled checked to make sure the FLV file is in the right location and that the call is correct. Any ideas why it would work from the hard drive and not progressivly download from the web?

Thanks!

David

[Wheels]

I'm not too sure - sounds like maybe your plugin version for your browser needs to be updated to Flash 7. If it's not that, I don't know. I've actually stayed with Flash 6 methods for doing video - so I don't have much experience with .flvs.

If you're still stuck you may want to post a new question on the forum, there a quite a few people who have the .flv thing figured out that would be happy to help.

[XcVbSdRw]

Originally posted by Wheels
When the stream (download) is terminated by the client on http the file will continue to download in the background.

This is one of the main advantages to using a streaming server - the file is streamed in packets so a terminated request results in the transfer being terminated.

are you sure about this? I just did a test where I started my SWF from my web site and it began loading (and playing) my FLV. but I intentionally closed the SWF before the entire FLV could download and then checked my cache and it is not there. nor does it ever show up. seems like if what you were saying is true then it would be in the cache after it downloads "in the background".

can you provide any instructions as to how I could independently verify this? thanks.

[Wheels]

I'm not absolutely certain about this - but if you have Safari you can open the activity window and watch the .flv downloading if what I said is correct.

My experience with .flv is limited - and I don't have time to test it right now, let me know what you find.

[pelicano]

i have been trying to solve the download termination problem with flvs for months & can tell you yes, that download continues unless you do one of two things:

switch to a new html page, or

structure like this:

main swf containing a movie clip, then create a second external swf that loads your flv into itself. now load each external swf/companion flv into the same movie clip in the man swf sequentially, each will cancel downloading of the previous.

whew.

[Wheels]

Cool...I'll give that a whirl.

[wallacedvd]

I tried posting to the main board and haven't gotten any bites yet. I just checked and I definitely have the Flash 7 plug-in. I tried this to test it too...I uploaded the FLV to my website, then I hard coded the path to the FLV in my MediaPlayback component. I ran it from my computer and it gave an "Error opening URL." I know that the FLV file is there. Is there anyone who can enlighten me as to why this is happening? Thanks!

[jankratochvil]

Hi
Have you solved your problem with FLV file?
Works it already?
I had the same problem.

Originally posted by wallacedvd
Wheels,

Thanks for that clarification of the difference. I am trying to do a progressive download, and it works on my computer, but when I upload it to the web it won't load the file. I have double and tripled checked to make sure the FLV file is in the right location and that the call is correct. Any ideas why it would work from the hard drive and not progressivly download from the web?

Thanks!

David

[wallacedvd]

No, I am still having this problem!

[jankratochvil]

i constrained my FLV to work, is it cca 2 months ago i try to find the thread on flashkit, where is it described

Originally posted by wallacedvd
No, I am still having this problem!

[gianpasha]

I'm very happy with all MM products, really,
but in my opinion is not necessary to use FCS to deploy good swf/flv videos on the web.
I think that a good and cheap http server with high throughput (about 1Mbps)is enough.

[jankratochvil]

MM = Macromedia
FCS = ?

Thank you

Originally posted by gianpasha
I'm very happy with all MM products, really,
but in my opinion is not necessary to use FCS to deploy good swf/flv videos on the web.
I think that a good and cheap http server with high throughput (about 1Mbps)is enough.

[Wheels]

FCS = Flash Comm Server

[jankratochvil]

Thank you

Originally posted by Wheels
FCS = Flash Comm Server