Instructions on Flash-based, close captioned video for the web:
These instructions assume you have some working knowledge of Flash, HTML and video as it pertains to the web. You may need tools such as Quicktime Pro and Macromedia Flash to perform some of these functions. But if you already have your .flv files, then you can use this code as is, provide you modify the variables. On with the instructions:
- After you've created your video, use a tool such as Quicktime Pro (version 7 or greater) to export your video file to an .FLV file (I suggest with the approximate dimensions: 320px wide by 240px high).
- Create your close captioning file (a .txt file) with a format similar to this one: caption.txt
- Place the caption file and your .flv video file on the SAME domain (or location) as your HTML and .swf file are located.
- Modify the XML file (cc_configuration.xml) to appropriately match the location of your caption file, the .flv video file, the dimensions of your video, and its length in seconds.
- Upload your cc_video.swf and cc_configuration.xml files (in the same directory) and whereever you want your video to be embedded, add the necessary HTML and you're all set. Your video can now include basic close captioning. Remember that it's dependent upon the accuracy of your close captioning file.
Hope that helps you out. Source credit: David Cline and his colleagues at the University of Iowa. I did NOT develop this application. Seek them out for questions regarding technical support, usage, etc.
Downloads:
Source (.fla) file
Streaming host(.swf) file
Configuration XML file
Example caption file (.txt)
Example vide (.flv) file
HELPFUL TIP: If you have the need for more than one XML file or want to be able to pass variables to a server-side script that outputs XML, consider passing the XML file name through as a variable to Flash from your HTML.