MACROMEDIA FLASH 8-USING FLASH Use Manual page 281

Comparing the On2 VP6 and Sorenson Spark video
codecs
The On2 VP6 codec is the default video codec to use when encoding FLV content for use
with Flash Player 8. The On2 VP6 codec provides:
Higher quality video when compared to the Sorenson Spark codec encoded at the same
data rate
Support for the use of an alpha channel to composite video
In order to support better quality video at the same data rate, the On2 VP6 codec requires
noticeably slower to encode and requires more processor power on the client computer to
decode and play back. For this reason, you should carefully consider the lowest common
denominator of computer you intend your viewing audience to use when accessing your Flash
Video content.
If you anticipate a large user base that is using older computers, it may be advisable to encode
your FLV files using the Sorenson Spark codec.
About encoding video
Flash provides several video encoding solutions that let you encode your video clips into the
FLV format.
Flash Video Import wizard
the Flash Video (FLV) format when you import them. However, the Video Import wizard has
limitations in that you can only encode one video clip at a time, and the process of encoding
can be both time- and computing-intensive.
For users who work extensively with video-based content, Flash Professional 8 includes the
Flash 8 Video Encoder and the QuickTime Exporter.
Flash Basic 8 only provides video encoding for use with embedded video.
Flash 8 Video Encoder
clips at a time without having to interrupt your workflow. In addition to selecting encoding
options for video and audio content, the Flash 8 Video Encoder also lets you embed cue
points into video clips you encode, and edit the video using crop-and-trim controls.
For more information, see the online help included with the Flash 8 Video Encoder
application.
The Flash Video Import wizard lets you encode video clips into
lets you batch process video clips, allowing you to encode several
About digital video and Flash 281