How to Encode or Convert to Flash Video (.flv)

Before you can display a video in Flash, you must encode or convert the video into the Flash Video (.flv) format. If your video is already digitized, you can use one of the two tools discussed below to convert it to .flv. If you're video is on tape, you will need to have it digitally encoded. Stanford Video offers this service, for a fee. You may also be able to find a commercial conversion service locally, or through the Internet. You may want to request more than one format, and can request .flv as one of them.

Flash Video Encoder Sample
(click play to view):

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Sorenson Squeeze Sample
(click play to view):

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Flash Video Encoder

Flash Video Encoder is bundled with Flash Pro and with the Studio packages with Flash. So, if you already have Flash, you probably also have the encoder software. Here's a fuller comparison of the encoding softwares.

File types you can convert with Flash Video Encoder:
Any system: .asf, .avi, .dv, .mov .mp4 .mpg, .mpeg, .qt
Windows only: .wmv

File types you CAN'T convert with Flash Video Encoder:
Real, .rm and .ram



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Step 1: Launch Flash Video Encoder. You will see the screen at right for adding files to be converted.

Step 2: Add your video file or files. You can drag-and-drop, or use the Add button and browse to the file. Files with the extensions .avi, .mov, .mpg, .mpeg, and .qt are directly supported. Files with the extensions .rm and .ram (Real) are not.

Step 3: With the video selected under Source File, click the settings button. If you select multiple files, your settings will be applied to all the selected videos.



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Step 4: Click the Settings button if you want to view your settings. Default settings usually work fine. See the screen, right for typical settings. Changes will affect quality and file size. You can give the Output a new file name, or set cue points in the video, for interactive controls you create with Flash, or edit the length of the video using the slider controls. Click OK when satisfied.

Step 5: Click the Start Queue button to begin the conversion. Allow plenty of time, as conversion typically takes longer than play length.

Step 6: Embed the new video into a test Web page (see Install Flash Video), upload and test in your browser.

Sorenson Squeeze

Sorenson Squeeze is a compression/conversion software available from Sorenson Media. The main advantage is the ability to encode from a live or analog source via Firewire. Here's a fuller comparison of the encoding softwares.

File types you can convert with Sorenson:
Any system: .asf, .aif, .aiff, .avi, .wmv, .wma

File types you CAN'T convert with Sorenson:
Real, .rm and .ram; QuickTime, .qt (at least on the Windows version)



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Step 1: The screen at right shows the Sorenson interface. If you have a Firewire source, you can use the Capture Video button to bring it into Sorenson. To import an existing digital file, click Import File and use your computer's browse function to find and import it.

Controls in this first panel allow you to edit the video's stop, start and length.

Step 2: Apply a settings profile from the list under Format & Compression Settings. A menu of pre-existing settings is provided. Select one of the .flv profiles and click Apply to apply it to your file.



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You can duplicate, rename and edit settings files or create your own. See the image below right for typical settings applied in the demo video above.

Step 3: With your settings profile applied, click the Squeeze It! button. Allow some time for the conversion. The converted file, with a new name, will appear in the same directory as your source file.

Step 4: Embed the new video into a test Web page (see Install Flash Video), upload and test in your browser.

See also:
Convert/Encode Flash Video | Flash Plug-in detection I Getting Video On Your site |