Flash has been around in some version since 1996 and
although it has been able to incorporate animation and video since the
beginning, it wasn't until recently that it became an internet video
powerhouse.
With the release of the Flash Player 9 Update 3 in 2007,
Adobe included support for the MPEG-4 video standard including the popular
H.264 codec. This allowed for higher quality video, while keeping file size to
a minimum.
Flash technology is currently used in popular internet video
sites such as YouTube, Hulu, Google Video, Facebook and many more.
Progressive Downloads
The area where the FLV video format shines is when watching video embedded in
webpages. Flash is very good about handling progressive downloads, meaning the
video playback is started before the entire movie is downloaded; this process
is often referred to a streaming video.
By determining the size of the video file and the speed of
your internet connection, Flash can estimate the amount of time needed to download
the rest of the file and begin playback as soon as a big enough buffer is
established to watch entire the video without interruption.
Video Quality
There is a widespread perception that the quality of Flash video is lacking
compared to some other formats. This thinking originated from before the Flash
update, which added support for MPEG-4 codecs.
Another possible reason for this misconception is that many
people are aware of the low quality Flash videos on YouTube. This is due to the
lack of restrictions being placed on YouTube users, who oftentimes upload very
low quality video to being with.
The biggest limitation in quality is the average user's
internet connection; but as higher speed broadband rolls out and better codecs
are developed, you will start to see some very high quality HD video streamed
from the internet.
 Microsoft Silverlight
Although Flash is by far the dominant force in online video, Microsoft has
released an alternative called Silverlight, which they hope will one day be
completely integrated to users' online experience. The upcoming release of
Silverlight 3 will alleviate many of the formats shortcomings, including be
able to play Silverlight content outside a browser.
The biggest supporter of Silverlight is Netflix, who uses
the technology for their 'Watch Instantly' service. Major League Baseball (MLB)
previously used Silverlight for online broadcasts of baseball games, but has
switched to Flash for the 2009 season. NBC, who broadcasts the Olypmics online,
seems to be jumping back and forth every year - with Silverlight 3 planned for
the 2010 Winter Games.
As you can imagine, Microsoft is not one to sit still while
Adobe takes all of the glory. You can bet their marketing team will work out
deals to get their technology integrated in more websites after the official
launch of version 3.
TV Streaming Support
Flash has taken over web video in a very short period of time, but so far has a
lack of hardware support for television set top boxes. Popular devices such as
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Popcorn Hour, and WD Media Streamer all stream video
from a users PC to their television, but have a lack of support for the Flash
video format.
Adobe means to change all that by aggressively working with the makers of
set top boxes and DVRs to get their content into people's living rooms.
Interactive television has been toyed with for years, but has yet to take off.
Do you think Adobe will finally get it right this time?
More Info:
Adobe in Push to Spread Web Video to TV Sets
Is Silverlight Stalling?
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