Flash is your one-stop for dressing up your video for all to see on the web. First off, Flash can import many common video formats, both universal and OS specific. For the Macintosh you have .avi, .dv, .mpeg/.mpg, and .mov. Where as Windows contains .avi, .mpeg/.mpg , .wmv, and .asf . By default, these are imported using the On2 VP 6 codec. While the On2 VP6 codec was rolled out in Flash 8, the overall importation process for video has been simplified for CS3.
During the importation, you’re given the option for different encoding features like quality and playback deployment that can be set ahead of time for whatever final output you desire. Then, using Flash’s prefabricated components, you can create your own video control interface for your movie. This is great because most of the graphical hard work is done and you can concentrate on getting your film out there in cyberspace. If you’re really ambitious, you can switch out their graphics for your own and still be able to get it to link correctly using Actionscript to get your buttons to interact with the video. Once all that is finished and tested, you set-up your publisher and knock it out with all the necessary code to upload it to the web. Again, the code and Flash video can be imported into Dreamweaver and arranged in your webpage for easy integration. (For owners of the new Production Premium suite, Dreamweaver is the only program I’ve mentioned that is not included in that package. Unfortunately, you’ll have to buy Dreamweaver separately.)
Performance
All and all, I think the new FlashCS3 handles just as well, if not better than its predecessors. Simple animations were never really taxing to the system before, but haven’t slowed down any either. The real improvement comes in the form of the aforementioned simplification of video integration and the more versatile Actionscipt 3.0 that promises better optimization. With all the options for encoding your video for the web, Flash seems highly suited for handling all your video needs for the final output and storage situation.
Value
Adobe FlashCS3 Professional will have a lot of longevity and necessity for the avid filmmaker. I have to admit, upon hearing about all the new functionality, toolsets, integration, etc. that the Adobe CS3 line was offering, I gladly upgraded my system to improve my workflow. For anyone who wants to get a discount on Flash, it’s included in every single Production suite Adobe currently offers, though most microfilmmakers will find it best to get it as part of the Adobe CS3: Production Premium package. From Premiere to After Effects, Encore to Photoshop, all these programs working in better synchronicity can only advance your creative objectives. So in the long run, owning FlashCS3 as part of one of the Creative Suites that most suits your needs can be a substantial investment that you won’t regret.
Final Comments
What can I say, I love Flash. For those of you that are anxious to put your films online, I can offer no better substitute for publishing your video. I encourage anybody that is interested in exploring animation, or even coding for that matter, to use Flash CS3 as their exploratory gateway. The fundamentals are basic enough to build the confidence of any novice while having enough underlying complexity to please the most hardcore of interactive crafters. Download the demo, purchase a book, and get started.
Ease
of Use
9.0
Depth
of Options
10.0
Performance
9.0
Value
9.0
Overall
Score
9.3
Michael Muwanguzi is a graphic artist and web designer currently living in Los Angeles, CA. Apart from working on print ads, web-related advertising, and 3D design work, he is currently working on new film production work and is designing a 3D adventure game from scratch.
