- Broadband Days Are Here to Stay
- How Broadcasting Over the Internet Works
- Broadcasting with Microsoft's Video and Audio
- Broadcasting with Apple's QuickTime
- The New Kid on the Block: Macromedia Flash Video
- Using RealNetworks Solutions
- Searching for Video and Taking It with You on the Road
- Video Killed the Radio Star
- Tip Sheet
The New Kid on the Block: Macromedia Flash Video
For years the video streaming world was dominated by RealNetworks, Microsoft, and Apple. Now a new company is stepping up to the plate: Macromedia.
Macromedia's Flash Animation Player is installed on more than 98 percent of all computers accessing the Internet. Two years ago a new feature was added to Flash: the ability to play video. The success for Flash Video has been amazing. Today, more than 500 million computers have the correct version of the Flash Player to watch Flash Video. That is more, nearly 50 percent more, than the nearest video broadcasting competitor. This means that almost every computer can view video if it is with the Flash format.
The ripple effect for video in Flash is stunning. CNET, MSN, and many other companies are now using Flash Video within their traditional Flash based advertising. You can now give your customers the same level of ad experience they are used to with TV, together with the interactive features the Web offers.
The main downside of Flash Video is quality. You can't duplicate DVD quality video in the Flash Player. However, as this is an evolving space, that may well change over the next year.