9780321384034

Offering breakthrough video capabilities and powerful run-time effects, Macromedia Flash Professional 8 is poised to upend the Web video market, posing a serious challenge to Microsoft, RealNetworks, and Applers"s efforts in the process. Here to make sure yours"re ready for it-and can start taking advantage of its creative tools, authoring power, flexibility, and rich video capabilities immediately-is the official Macromedia training for the program. Through 20-plus hours of project-based instruction, yours"ll learn how to program for the enhanced Flash Player; use ActionScript to create dynamic interactivity; take advantage of new Flash 8 features like the improved script editor (which includes a visual interface), revamped library interface, and new Undo feature; and more. Simple step-by-step instructions peppered with plenty of visual aids and a CD that includes lesson files and a trial version of Flash Professional 8 leave you with a solid understanding of Flash development and the techniques required to tap your creative potential by producing dynamic, interactive content.

Tom Green is a professor of interactive media at Humber College in Canada, the author of Macromedia Captivate for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide (Peachpit Press/Macromedia Press) and the co-author of Building Dynamic Web Sites with Macromedia Studio MX 2004 (New Riders).

Jordan L. Chilcott develops eCommerce, Multimedia and Intra/Extranet solutions for various corporations. He's the co-author of Building Dynamic Web Sites with Macromedia Studio MX 2004 (New Riders). As well, he moderates the Dreamweaver Talk List, sharing his knowledge, tips/tricks and experiences.

Introduction

xiii

Learning the Flash Interface

1

(40)

Creating a Flash Document

Setting Preferences

Manipulating Panels

Expanding the Pasteboard

Using the Tools Panel

Object Drawing Mode

Text in Flash Professional 8

Anti-Aliasing Text

Publishing a Flash Document

Adding Flash Player Version Detection

Creating a Flash Project

Version Control

ActionScript Basics

41

(36)

Introducing ActionScript 2.0

Using the Actions Panel

Using Script Assist Mode

Strict Data Typing and Code Hints

The Basics of Classes, Methods, and Properties

Scope

Using LoadVars() to Access External Data

Using Events, Handlers, and Listeners

Graphics in Flash

77

(42)

Vectors and Bitmaps

Manipulating Objects on the Stage

Aligning Graphics to the Stage and to Each Other

Building a Slide Show Interface

Constructing the Slide Show Interface

Adding Interactivity to the Slide Show

Using ActionScript to Create the Slide Show

Text in Flash

119

(42)

Using the Text Tool

Adding Text to a Document

Creating Text-based Motion Graphics

Spell Checking a Document

Text Effects in Flash

Adding Text using ActionScript

Using the TextArea Component

Using Audio in Flash

161

(38)

Flash and the Import Formats

Importing Sound into Flash

Event versus Streaming Sound

Controlling Audio

Using Sound to Provide User Feedback

Adding Sound to an Animation

Creating Animation

199

(54)

Tweening: The Basics of Motion

Creating Motion Using the Blur Filter

Creating an Animated Drop Shadow

Tweening Filter Effects

Animating Color Changes

Tweening Filters and Blends

Programmatic Animation

Creating Flash video

253

(34)

Using Video in Flash

Using the Flash Video Encoder Wizard

Using the Flash 8 Video Encoder and the Advanced Settings

Creating a Video using the FLVPlayback Component

Creating a Video using the MediaPlayback Component for Flash Player 6/7

Using the FLV Custom UI Components to Control the FLVPlayback Component

Building a Custom Flash Video Player

287

(32)

Streaming Video

Creating a Video Object

Connecting Flash Player 8 to a Web Server

Adding Playback Controls

Playing Multiple Videos

Using the TransitionManager Class to Fade in Video

Manipulating Video

319

(34)

FLV Files and Video Alpha Channels

Using Cue Points in a Video to Trigger Events in Flash

Filters, Blends, and Flash Video

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Macromedia Flash Professional 8 : Training from the Source

0321384032

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Rewards Program