does the .swf have any file dependencies like an flv file or an xml file? if so you will have to stick it in the same directory as the swf

I did the same thing as you.

Then I then tried using the video player block.. uploaded an flv file and bingo, it created a flash video player for me. Only problem now is stopping the autostart feature 'coz I'd like several clips on one page and would prefer them to be parked at frame 1 instead of playing.

Any suggestions?
3DHack

I think you have two (three) solutions to prevent the auto play:

1. The first would be to replace the FLV player with a new one. If you are familiar with Flash you could write one, or there may be one available on the internet that can be adapted

2. You can try and delay the creation of the Flash by creating a new view template for the video player block, which instead of embedding the video right away has an image, then runs the Javascript to embed the Flash movie after you click the image

3. I actually built a Flash video block that's pending approval for the marketplace. It is a custom block so it includes options for controlling fullscreen, auto-play, the background color and other options. Here's a preview of what it looks like:

http://eclecticdesignstudio.com/code/concrete/example/...

check this past discussion. I and others have posted some potential solutions to your problem. ;)

http://www.concrete5.org/index.php?cID=12580...

I have the same question that started this thread. I haven't been able to find the answer.

The video block shows my flash video (flv) just fine. The flash block doesn't.

I don't know anything about flash or xml.

Should I expect the flash block to simply play my flash video? Or is it structured differently, maybe with dependence on an additional xml file?

I'm using 5.4.0RC1. Thanks.

In order to watch a video with Flash, you need to first embed a Flash file which is capable of loading and playing videos. Then you need to pass it the video you intend to watch.

The video block includes a Flash video player, but I built my own player because it didn't meet my needs well.

I have a new version of the Flash Video block which I'll be releasing once the Marketplace accepts add-ons which are specific to Concrete 5.4. I automated the thumbnail process, so it works like this:

1. You upload a video
2. In the file manager, you click the file and click "Edit"
3. You play the video to the frame you like
4. You click "Update Thumbnail"
5. Done! Instances of the player will then automatically display the frame you selected as the "poster frame" before a user begins watching

Other players often require an XML file which contains the paths to your poster frame image and video file.

Thanks for the response. It sounds helpful, but I still don't get it. :-/

Does the video block require embedding? I just point it to my foo.flv, and it works. Does the flash block require embedding? I point it to foo.flv, but it doesn't work. Why the difference?

Your thumbnail functionality sounds great. Thanks for the suggestion.

Well, think of it this way. Flash is pretty flexible, and can be what you program it to be. It can be a game, an application, or in this case, a video player.

Think of it as if the FLV file were an MP3. You need an MP3 and an MP3 player for it to work.

The Flash block will embed a Flash file on the page, like an image block embeds an image on the page. In this way, you can embed a Flash "MP3 player" if you want to, but it will still need to be fed content (MP3s) in order to really accomplish its purpose.

Conversely, the Video block goes the extra step, and already embeds the player on the page. Now you just need to choose what goes into it.

I hope that helps make it more clear. I understand that it can be a little confusing.

Very helpful. Thanks!