Using Flash startup movie for those who don't have flash?

[David Delaney]

If I make a startup movie and the user doesn't have flash, what happens? Does the project skip the startup movie and continue on or will it hang? Is there a way aroung this?

[Corey]

Hi. You can use Project > Dependencies to automatically check for certain stuff, like Flash, and offer a download link or installer to those who need one... Check out Project Dependencies in the AMS Pro docs, it's pretty straightforward. Hope that helps.

BTW some technologies such as Flash may have a built in dependency check but it all depends on the control and how you are using it. For example if you send someone with no Flash to a Flash web page, they will generally get a pop-up install window asking them to install Flash active X control. Depends on their browser. Anyhow the Flash control has been built into Windows for a while now I think and it's something you can more or less count on being present in most cases. Again that depends on your audience. If your CD-ROMs are going out to software developers for example then you can be sure they are 100% aware of Flash and will have it installed whereas if you are distributing CD-ROMs for small kids you wouldn't have the same level of confidence and would probably want to work out a very simple dependency check... Perhaps even one of those things which says, "If you can't see the bouncing ball above click here."

FWIW for the most part Flash is pretty ubiquitous though nowadays so you generally don't have to worry about it too much except in special circumstances.

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[David Delaney]

Thanks I will check into the dependencies. It is a Promo CD that is going out, so some might not be connected to computers at all. Is there a way to have them install a FLASH player or something from the CD that I send (is there a downloadable STANDALONE flash player? - if you know of one, please send me the link and the way to get the user to install it is necessary.) Thanks!

[Corey]

Hi. Yes there is. Here's some good threads, you can often find quick answers using the forum search:

http://www.indigorose.com/forums/sho...flash+checking
http://www.indigorose.com/forums/sho...ighlight=Flash
http://www.indigorose.com/forums/sho...flash+checking
http://www.indigorose.com/forums/sho...lash+installer

Hope that helps.

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[David Delaney]

Yikes, that seem pretty complicated. Anyone have a file they can upload - so I can download it? If there is a file that someone has that installs the flashplayer (like the downloadable file on here for PowerPoint presentations that included the viewer) from the distribution source CD, that would be great because I am a little lost. thanks!

[Leko]

Does any one know when Microsoft start embeding Flash player on Internet Explore? Seems to me that since IE3, but I don't know that for sure..... Does any one?

David>> I don't know what you are trying to do with Flash and I know that flash can do a lot, but if you are using flash just to move couple things around the page or just a cool intro, AMS can do a lot when using the page timer start/ stop and position get/set and etc for objects.....

[longedge]

Yikes, that seem pretty complicated. Anyone have a file they can upload - so I can download it? If there is a file that someone has that installs the flashplayer (like the downloadable file on here for PowerPoint presentations that included the viewer) from the distribution source CD, that would be great because I am a little lost. thanks!

Daivid you need to go to Macromedia's web site and sign up for a free licence to get the redistributable installer. It's a quick and easy process.

p.s.
LEKO - it'll be even easier when you can pop an anigif on a page

[MIchaelD]

Hi David,

This might solve the problem in a much simpler way. You can convert the Flash movie to AVI using this freeware download.

http://www.pizzinini.net/?category=8...37&language=en

I hope it's helpful.