Shockwave

1
Shockwave

• Distributing your movies online

2
Features

• Compressed media (enhanced throughput)
• Streaming (allows playback before download is
  complete)
• Allows browser- and platform-independent playback

3
Components

• Authoring Director, Flash, others
• Authorware produces different files
• Distribution Server
• Playback Plugin

4
Limitations

• No control for external devices
• No access to local files
• No custom menus
• See pp. 140-141 for more

5
Enhancing Throughput

• Remove all unnecessary cast members
• Use smallest possible palette size, image
  resolution, and sound resolution
• Use compressible images
• Dont overuse animation
• Avoid uninterrupted repeat loops and frame looping

6
SWA format

• Shockwave Audio is an MP3 variant
• Can be streamed

7
Step 1 Get WAV file

• In browser
• Go to Director CD links
• Select a WAV file (Win only)
• Right-click, Save As (desktop)

8
Step 2 Convert to SWA

• In Director
• Xtras Convert WAV to SWA
• Change Folder for Converted Files to C\temp or
  your locker
• Click Add Files and select saved WAV file
• Set Bit Rate to 16, accuracy to High
• Click Convert (e.g., Chacha shrinks from 1.643 MB
  to 0.134 MB (92) at 16 Mhz)

9
Step 3 Import SWA file

• In Director
• Insert Media Element Shockwave Audio
• Use Browse to select audio file
• Select sound channel if Lingo control required
• Set Preload time

10
Using Shockwave Audio

• From Score
• Add SWA cast member to a regular score channel
  (NOT an audio channel)
• Audio starts when first frame reached, stops when
  last frame left
• Use sprite length or Tempo setting

11
Using Shockwave Audio

• Using Lingo
• preloadBuffer(member chacha)
• play member(chacha)
• Also pause and stop
• member(chacha).state (see p. 1059 for states)
• See movie