Flash video
 

Other than YouBube, whose flash quality is a perfect example of what not to do, has anyone successfully implemented higher quality? When you get to useable compression, does it really make a difference vs. QT or WMV?

I have yet to use Flash video myself, but I've seen some good Flash encoded video. Just like with any other format, using proper compression techniques and the proper codec will ensure the best image quality. Currently, the On2 VP6 codec is the best Flash video codec, though it requires the Flash 8 player.

You can see some Flash 8 video samples at the On2 Web site.

Flash video on YouTube looks horrible because people often post videos obtained on the net to begin with, some already recompressed from say QT to WMV, and then it gets recompressed AGAIN to Sorenson for Flash.

Sorenson or On2 can look great if it's done right. Put another way, ANY codec can look great if the bitrate is high enough.

Thanks Christopher. I'll try out the On2 demo and do some comparative testing.


Nate I agree with your statement about high bitrate, it's just those majic settings I'm looking for. My concern is saving bandwidth if the visual quality it there, that's where the rubber meets the road. Does a 282 KB Flash fair better quality than a 282KB wmv or QT file?

The other issue is with having the proper codec/player. The likelyhood that an average viewer/client will have flash already installed and the file will be viewable immediately, makes for a good first impression. As Chris pointed out, the prevelance of flash 8 will be an issue.

Thanks again guys.