Play Flash file in Container field.

[Macaddict]

I have inserted a Flash file into a FileMaker 7.0 v3 Container field on a layout. I would like the file to begin playing when the layout is loaded. A button on another field runs a script that does run the Flash file, but doesn't actually let you see it happen.

If I use the following script steps; when I press the button, FileMaker waits for a moment, then navigates to the other layout where the Flash file has already finished playing. IF the Flash file has sound in it, I can hear the sound playing during the "wait."

Go to Layout ["tryFlash"]

Go to Field [select/perform; tryFlash::flashContainer]

If I use the following script steps; when I press the button, FileMaker navigates to the other layout, pauses with the first frame of the Flash file onscreen, then shows the control bar at the bottom of the container field already finished.

Go to Layout ["tryFlash"]

Refresh Window []

Pause/Resume Script [Duration(seconds): .5]

Go to Field [select/perform; tryFlash::flashContainer]

IS there a way to play a Flash file contained in a Container Field upon navigating to a layout?

Thank you for any help you might give,

Nancy

[stanley]

Nancy:

Curious behavior. I can't make flash files, so I can't test this scenario. Is there any reason that you're using the flash format instead of, say, the native QuickTime format? I ask because .mov seems to behave fine (at least where I've used it).

If you'd like to upload an example, I'm sure plenty of us would like to take a crack at it.

-Stanley

[Macaddict]

Even if I use self-contained QuickTime files, I still get the same behavior.

I have attached a demo FM file and QT file. I'm sure it's something simple. I'm just SURE. ;-)

Thank you for your help,

Nancy

tryQT.zip

[stanley]

Nancy:

I'm looking at it, and it sure is weird behavior. I'll see what I can come up with.

-Stanley

[stanley]

Nancy:

After playing around with this for a while, I believe your problem has something to do with the fact that the movie is a Flash file. I inserted a regular QuickTime .mov file, and your script operates as expected. I have to wonder if this has something to do with the Flash (QuickTime/Wired) format, as the script step Go to Field [select/perform; tryFlash::flashContainer] is the equivalent of double-clicking on the container field (i.e., in the Flash window, which has clickable zones.)

As I said before, I can't create Flash movies, so I can't test this with another one. I suggest you grab a few other Flash files and see if the same behavior applies to all of them. Also, make sure that this works correctly with a regular .mov file.

I suspect you've stumbled onto a bug in FMP 7.

-Stanley

[Macaddict]

Even if I DO use a QuickTime file, I cannot get the behavior I want. I tried a couple of new things with the script, but to no avail. :-(

I've attached my latest try that uses a QT movie.

Thank you for your help,

Nancy

05_0201tryQT.zip

[stanley]

Nancy:

I have to wonder if it is something to do with the movie file, still. Every other .mov file I put in there works fine. However, I've tried the following and it makes no difference: turn auto-play off in the file, turn of mouse-capture in the file. Behavior doesn't change. So, perhaps it is a bug in FMP7, to do with Flash media (because QuickTime still sees this as a Flash track, even though it is a .mov file.)

One more suggestion. Make sure you're running the latest version of FMP, which is 7.0v3

-Stanley

[Macaddict]

You are absolutely right. I dug up another QT file and BAM, everything works like I want it. What are the odds of me choosing maybe the only .MOV file on my computer that wouldn't work? ;-)

Thanks for the patient help.

Nancy

[Lee Smith]

What are the odds of me choosing maybe the only .MOV file on my computer that wouldn't work?

It's called Murphy's Law and it runs about 100%

Lee

[ciklopo]

Why not you try a SMIL file into container?

I guess works

[gatti]

As a game developer I have to make sure that my Flash movies are exported in version 5 format to play properly through QuickTime 6.x. Check the version format that you're exporting the Flash file at. It needs to be 5 or below.