Embedding Sound with Flash, Part I: The Basics

Using the Flash player is a whole lot different. First, the file format is much more complicated. It is based on the timeline approach, and includes both sound bits and commands such as stop, start, and fadetostop. In this column we'll explain the role of Flash to create sound files for the Web (SWF files), and what is the structure of this SWF file. We'll introduce the FlashSound JavaScript API by the sonify.org organization. We'll show you a step-by-step recipe for sonifying links in your Web pages. We'll present three example SWF tracks that you can play around with.

In this column you will learn:

• How to tell a Flash player from a Flash editor from a Flash file
• How to maneuver an SWF file
• How to sonify links
• How to author sonified pages

You can download the Flash Player, the FlashSound JavaScript API, and the three SWF examples we use in this column: beamscan, kung fu, and funky music. You can also find all these files in one zipped file.

Next: How to tell a Flash player from a Flash editor from a Flash file