flash and CD-ROMs

[Ian Jones]

I don't think there are any huge problems with it. Noone has ever told me any differently so just go for it.

[tb66k1]

I've seen it done with Flash, but mostly not too successfully. While you can certainly deliver a multimedia CD using Flash, the choice should be driven by the complexity of your needs and the development time and budget constraints for the project.

I've been developing Stand-alone and networked based Director eLearning and eMarketing CD-ROMs for 10 yrs. - I wouldn't even consider Flash (but that's just me). The primary reason for my choice is my comfort level with Director is high, and it's a very mature application development environment that enjoys huge 3rd party xtras development and support.

Since you ask the question, I'll assume you don't have alot of experience developing in Director. If that's true then if you choose Director -- be prepared for a steep learning curve. If you're already good at ActionScript, JavaScript, Java, VB etc, then Director's Lingo programming should be a relative no-brainer.

(just my $.02)

Good Luck with your project.

-Tom

[poe]

interestingly, ive been developing e-Learning for web and cd deployment for 5 years, and i would never consider using director.

the main problem is that large corporate tech managers are not keen on having to roll out something as large as the shockwave plugin to all their pcs, so when we deliver a web version what do we do...redevelop in flash? pointless extra time wasted.

the content engine i developed for rapid deployment works equally well on both, so from our point of view flash is the killer app for the job.

the only time i wish actionscript was better is with its I/O abilities. not being able to write out to files or local connection to a db is a pain, however this has largely been fixed with the shared objects.

[tb66k1]

poe wrote:
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...the main problem is that large corporate tech managers are not keen on having to roll out something as large as the shockwave plugin to all their pcs, so when we deliver a web version what do we do...redevelop in flash? pointless extra time wasted.

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If Flash is working for ya, then cool...

For me the plug-in foot-print is not a good reason to choose Flash over Director - unless it's an issue for the client -- (given, there may be other, better reasons) - Regardless, I think Stu's original post is more about CD-ROM deployment and not so much about distribution over a network. He also wanted to know if there's a downside to using flash for cd-rom.

Either ( Flash or Director ) way, I recommend the choice be dictated by the needs (scope - features and functional spec) of the project first, and then the comfort level of the developer.

For my $ developing CD-ROMs with Director is hands down the way to go... Let’s also not forget that Flash MX and Director MX are also tightly integrated now, so using both together (in certain circumstances, depending on lots of factors) might be a good choice too - thereby makeing repurposing content much easier.

Aside from personal preferences, I believe the question needs to be – What factors drive the choice?

Putting Budget constraints aside for now... I’d say that question can only be properly answered (and a recommendation provided to the client) on a case-by-case basis, thorough analysis of the issues:


- Minimum installed target base system
- Complexity and Types of Media required
- Complexity of the end product's Features
and Functional requirements
- Client’s Preferred/Required method(s) of deployment
- Preferred/Required method(s) of end-user tracking (if any)
- Accessibility Requirements (if any)
- Future needs (repurposing) and open extensibility
requirements of the end-product (and/or it’s content)
- Time constraints for development

What does Macromedia have to say on the subject of when to use Director, and not Flash?

Macromedia says use Director, when:

You must deploy to fixed media (CD/DVD, kiosk) -- Advanced memory management, extensibility, and integration with high-quality media formats, such as Apple QuickTime and Real Media; When you need Interactive real-time 3D -- Intel Internet 3D graphics software included with Director; When you need Long form video -- Director can handle video from minutes to hours in length without overloading system memory or slowing performance; When you are developing Large applications suited for CD or DVD distribution (hundreds of megabytes) -- Advanced memory management enables optimal playback of large files; For Customized applications -- The extensible Director architecture (Xtra extensions) provides the ability to add unique functionality for unlimited extensibility; When multiple media formats needed -- Supports most media types (QuickTime, Real Media, MP3, Flash, bitmaps, vectors, text, and more); When you need high performance -- The Lingo scripting language offers a high degree of performance and control over complex, media-rich applications; When you need to launch external applications -- Launch external applications from within Director for a seamless user experience; When you need access to file systems -- Available through Macromedia Shockwave Player by integrated security mechanisms; When you need more input devices -- Director supports multiple input mechanisms, such as joysticks and the multibutton mouse; When you need precision sound control -- Director offers a powerful, fully scriptable sound mixer, allowing low-level transformations of audio; When you need many objects on the Stage, including games -- Director offers a highly optimized rendering engine optimized for high-speed graphics and sound—both 2D and 3D.

When should you use Flash, and not Director? Macromedia says use Flash for:

Website user interfaces -- 98% ubiquity of Macromedia Flash Player streaming content optimized for the web; Video: Short form (less than two minutes) -- Sorenson Spark codec within Macromedia Flash MX provides the most optimized video content on the Internet, with an integrated, customizable viewer; Internet-based rich-media applications -- Build user interfaces for existing web applications that use server-side logic and Macromedia Flash Player as the presentation layer, rather than a thin layer of HTML; Online advertising -- Macromedia Flash Player is the most widely distributed rich-media runtime, available on 98% of desktops. It offers a powerful scripting language for tracking user interactions, and seamless integration with existing tracking systems; Content for devices -- Macromedia Flash Player has been ported to many popular devices—including Pocket PC handhelds and leading set-tops—from vendors such as Liberate and OpenTV.

Consider either product when you need to deliver accessible rich media -- Macromedia Flash Player 6 adds native support for assistive technologies, such as screen readers (Window-Eyes, JAWS) used by people with disabilities; Director MX enables the creation of accessible content that is available on Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows platforms, in browsers, or as a stand-alone executable, without the need for a screen reader.

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Also - If a project had to be delivered online I might say Flash, but I might say use more traditional tools (HTML, DHTML, JavaScript, Java) to deliver the application architecture, and use Flash for content - Again, this depends upon the scope and complexity and required features of the project, and how it must fit into the organization’s methodologies and requirements for tracking the use of the product.

If an organization is delivering true online learning, then they've likely got a Learning Management System (“LMS”) solution to administer and track learners and track/manage use of courses and 'learning objects'. Whatever the solution employed to develop and deliver the courses - IF the product must interact with their LMS then it becomes a much more complex set of issues….

Although it's a bit outdated, If anyone is interested in more of the Flash vs. Director debate (this time focusing on online delivery) Here's a decent article on the topic…

http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/99/27/index3a.html?tw=multimedia

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(just my $.02)

Cheers!
- Tom

[3deeish]

thanks guys, and your right, im faster at design/development in flash and find director to be a bit clunky at times. the project im about to start has a very short shelf life and only showcases products and sepcial offers, store locatations etc with a few qt movies of adverts from the tv.

i know flash mx 100% but i also know director only 50%. my main concern was if i do the project in flash is there a BIG downside that might trip me up later in the project? or would it be safe to develop in director for a smoother job.

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