How do you integrate a Flash movie into DX?

Sunday, February 25, 2007 by Ronan H | Discussion: DesktopX

I have a Flash movie that i want to bring into a DX theme im working on. I don't want to just have a shortcut to the file though. I would like to be able to display the movie in the top right hand corner of the screen, and obviously it would need to be functional too, as in i would need to be able to use the movie as if it were on a website etc...

I was reading a thread which touched on this but it was really about another issue so i thought i would create a separate thread for it.

Maybe its not even possible? I dunno, but im sure someone out there does, so if they are watching, please share the knowledge as this would be a great addition to my theme...

Thanks ever so much...

Ronan H
4 Reply 9 Referrals
ZubaZ
Reply #1 Monday, February 26, 2007 2:11 PM
The way I usually do stuff like this is to create an object that uses the browser activeX control and have that load the source file for the video.

I created a simple widget that palyed a SWF video (bloodmobile.swf) using the code below:

'Called when the script is executed
Sub Object_OnScriptEnter
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
If objFSO.FileExists(workFolder & "bloodmobile.swf") = False Then
objFSO.CopyFile Object.Directory & "bloodmobile.swf", workFolder & "virtual-bubblewrap-distv1.1.swf"
End If
Control.Navigate2 Object.Directory & "bloodmobile.swf"
End Sub

'Called when the script is terminated
Sub Object_OnScriptExit

End Sub

I had to embed the swf file using the Summary tab in the DX object by clicking the Custom File button.

Ronan H
Reply #2 Tuesday, February 27, 2007 8:46 AM
Thanks Zubaz, ill give that a shot an see what happens.

Actually since i started this thread i found a widget that plays .SWF files and modified it to my needs and it works great. I think it uses the Web Control or something like that? The .SWF file isnt embedded via the Custom Files though, its just called from the script so it loads automatically and it can be changed in the script to point to a web based .SWF or a local one.

I have uploaded the new file to WC so it will take a couple of days to go live if they accept it. Im still gonna have a look at your suggestion though and see how it goes. Thanks for the knowledge...

Ronan H

ZubaZ
Reply #3 Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:18 AM
The advantage of embedding the swf is that a user doesn't have to have a web connection, doesn't have to worry about that swf still being there. or have that particular swf in a particular file location.

Glad your version worked.

Ronan H
Reply #4 Friday, March 2, 2007 10:58 AM
Yes thats very true, nothing more annoying than a hosted file that is no longer hosted! Anyway the version i made is in the DX Objects gallery now so ya can have a look if you are interested, and i must say im chuffed to see my first proper contribution to WC live for all the world to see. I think I've caught the bug...

Simple Flash Player

Once again, thanks for the wise words...

Ro

Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

  • Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
  • Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
  • Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
  • It's simple, and FREE!
Login

Home | About | Privacy | Upload Guidelines | Terms of Service | Help
Copyright © Stardock Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


web-wc01