Embedding Sound with Flash, Part III: Streams

In this column we continue our series on embedding sound with Flash, and conclude our miniseries on FlashSound JavaScript API. We presented the basics of Flash and FlashSound JavaScript API in Column 81, Embedding Sound with Flash, Part I: The Basics. We extended our coverage to multiple tracks and the interaction between them in Column 82, Embedding Sound with Flash, Part II: Playing Variations. In this column we cover more methods and properties of the FlashSound API. We describe the fourth and last sync type, the stream. We'll use the stream sync to teach you how to start a stream in different frames, how to pause and play, and how to check if a SWF is completely loaded.

In this column we'll also deal with the issue of the Flash player version number. You may want to support only a limited set of versions. We'll show you how to set the minimum player version number, what to do when the player version is inadequate, and what will be the sound effect of a sub-standard player version. Finally, we'll show you how to hide or reveal error messages that JavaScript generates. You may want to see error messages during your debugging phase, but hide them from your users.

In this column you will learn:

• How to hide the embedded SWF
• How to play a stream sync SWF
• How to start a stream from a designated frame
• How to pause and play a stream
• How to check if a track is playing
• How to test if the player is ready
• How to find the loaded percentage of a SWF
• How to verify that a SWF is completely loaded
• How to check for the player version
• How to set the minimum player version number
• How to suppress error messages

You can download the Flash Player, the FlashSound JavaScript API, and the two SWF examples we use in this column: earsonly and scale music. You can also find these files in one zipped file.

Next: How to hide the embedded SWF