[Flashcoders] Q:Justifying Flash 8 Content

I'm working on a large commercial site that uses FP7 based content. What are some of the arguments and/or approaches that Flash developers have and are using to push the transition to FP8 content? The bottom line is really about providing the best user experience possible Jim bachalo

[Flashcoders] Q:register a movieclip with a class dynamically

Hi I have a pretty basic question concerning registering Movieclips that are created dynamically. //CODE START import com.mydomain.util.MyClass; var holder=this.createEmptyMovieClip(_mcRef+_xPos,this.getNextHighestDepth()); //CODE END How do I register 'holder' with MyClass? Thanks in advance

[Flashcoders] Q:Shared Object and image data

Hi Has anyone used shared objects to store actual image data? I am guessing that it would be necessary to first serialize the data but haven't done any tests yet. [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all improvisation

[Flashcoders] Q:passing a variable as argument with getURL(javascript:testfunc(arg));

Hi I'm having a problem using getURL to pass a variable argument to a javascript function this works(notice 'arg' is a string) getURL(javascript:testfunc('arg')); this DOESN'T work: var arg='myvar' getURL(javascript:testfunc(arg)); Any suggestions??? [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c]

[Flashcoders] Q:simple trig question

Ok i'm sure this is elementary for any math whizzes out there, but this is my problem: Given an initial point x1,y1 on the cicumference of a circle, how do we determine point 2(x2,t2) and point 3 (x3,y3) if point 2 and 3 are 120 and 240 degrees respectively removed from point 1. ie all 3

[Flashcoders] Q:Elementary Trig part 2

Another way of stating my problem: Given an initial angle, and a circle with radius r, how do you determine the x,y coordinates of the point p1 on the circumference of this circle...assuming the circle's center is at 0,0.? [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q:Change center registration point for dynamically created MovieClip

Hi Does anyone know if its possible to change the center registration(rotation) point for a dynamically created MovieClip? I have one parent movieclip that I would like to rotate around the center of the stage. Roating it causes it rotate around the origin (0,0). [e] jbach at bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q:Playing with BitmapData

Hi There are two things I am trying to do with bitmap data. The first is to analyze every pixel in an image using getpixel and then store this info as xml data for later manipulation. Can anyone offer suggestions to speed up this process? The second techinique is to simulate splitting up an

[Flashcoders] Q: Javascript Injection Examples

Hi Trying a new technique that allows javascript to be 'injected'from within a swf. Has anyone seen any interesting examples of this technique? Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca into the html page from within a

[Flashcoders] Q; tweening distortions using BitmapData and transformMatrix

Hi Can anyone suggest the best approach for tweening image distortions using the transform Matrix? I'd like to not only simulate a variety of 'photoshop-like' filter distortion effects but also add tweens to these distortions. So I assume I need to first define start and end transform

[Flashcoders] Q:Repurpose flex to flash

Saw a fantastic Flex demo recently http://demo.quietlyscheming.com/fisheye/index.html Seems counterproductive but my question is there anyway to leverage the code from a Flex only app to Flash? Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q: Full Browser flash and IE bug when resizing browser

Hi I'm using full browser flash code that works fine in Firefox. When I resize the browser window the flash elements dynamically recenter themselves. However, in IE this does NOT workflash does NOT know that the browser window is being re-sized. Has anyone come across this? [e] jbach at

[Flashcoders] Q: passing flash form data with NO server side scripting

Hi I have an unusual flash form project in that the hosting provider doesn't support ANY server side scripting. My goal is to simply pass name value pairs from a form...I assume the only way I can do this is using sendAndLoad and a LoadVars object. Since the hosting provider dooesn't support

[Flashcoders] Q:LoadVars send WITHOUT refreshing the browser

Hi Currently working on a simple flash form using LoadVars object. However, I have an unusual request in that I'm not supposed to refresh the browser window at all after the send command. I currently have: this.myloadvars.send(myFilepath, _self, GET); but this causes the browser window to

[Flashcoders] Q:Change publish path dynamically

Hi Does anyone know if there is a way to change the publish path dynamically? This would be really useful if working with the same FLA in different test environments instead of manually having to change the publish settings...time consuming with projects involving lots of fla's. Thanks Jim

[Flashcoders] Q:AddProperty and getters/setters

I know AddProperty was useful in creating getter/setters when defining AS1 based classes ie //CODE BEGIN //create a new square class _global.Square= function(side){ this.side=side this.addProperty(area,this.getArea,this.setArea); } Square.prototype.setArea=function(area){

[Flashcoders] OT: Nodebox

Hi Read a recent post on Brendan Dawes site about a python based graphics tool, similar to Processing, called Nodebox. Has anyone used it? How does it compare with processing? Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q:Reduce file size of mx.transitions.Tween ??

Hi Working on a project where file size is important...and the built in mx.transitions.Tween comes in at over 6k. Any suggestions to reduce the size? Thanks! Jim bBachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all

[Flashcoders] Q:2 Way Comunication between classes

I have 2 menus systems that I need to establish communication between. Each menu system is controlled by a class that uses EventDispatcher to keep track of which button is currently selected. The problem is when I try to establish 2 WAY communication between these 2 menu classes. I can use

[Flashcoders] Q;Communicate between 2 class based menus systems

Hi I have two menu systems. Each menu system is comprised of 'movieclip buttons; which in turn are controlled through a class for rollover, out and hit states. So two classes, one for each menu system. What's the most efficient way to communicate back and forth BETWEEN the menu systems? I

[Flashcoders] Q:Determining timeline scope from within class

Hi Normally when defining local scopes in the timeline I'll use //set local scope _global.localScope=this; However this doesn't seem to work if I need to call a 'timeline based' method from a class. Only '_root' seems to work which I'd like to avoid using... Any suggestions? Thanks in

[Flashcoders] Q: Pixellated Mouse Trail Effect

Hi A beautiful pixellated mouse trail effect. I know there is a variety of ways to achieve this, but would apprecaite hearing different viewpoints from a pseudo-code perspective. And could FP9 enhance the experience? http://www.beyes.jp/editwall/ Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c]

[Flashcoders] Q:Create UML from EXISTING classes

Hi I'm aware of several tools and plugins that allow creation of stub code from UML diagrams. But is anyone aware of any tool that allows creation of UML from existing AS classes? Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q: 3d Navigation done in Shockwave

A really beatiful 3d nav with transparency and transformation http://interact10ways.com/usa/emotion_interactive.htm Although done in shockwave, does anyone know if this can be duplicated in Flash? Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q: creating oval mask with 4 bezier points

Hi I want to use the drawing api to create an oval mask whose shape is controlled by 4 bezier points. To start I need to look into simulating bezier control points in flash. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034

[Flashcoders] Q: Upload image and embed in video

Hi I'm trying to achieve a similar effect to what is done on the 'weddingCrasher' movie site http://www.weddingcrashersmovie.com/crashthistrailer/ Can anyone point me in the right direction as to how to achieve this? I assume some sort of server side scripting is required. Additionally,

[Flashcoders] Unity vs Flashcom for chat and messaging

Hi Developing an online chat system and am considering using either flashcom or Moock's Unity server. other than the price, ca anyone tell me what the pro's and cons are for the two options? Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q:RED5 vs Unity vs Flashcom

Hi Follow-up to an earlier post. Forgot to mention RED 5. Other than price, can anyone summarize the pros and cons of the open source RED5 , Moock's Unity and the Flash Media Server for creating an online live chat system? Any feedback appreciated! Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c]

[Flashcoders] Q:Convolution filter and Zoom blur effect

Hi Anyone been able to use the convolution filter to create realistic motion blur effects? Jim bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all improvisation is life in search of a style. - Bruce

[Flashcoders] Q:Flash 8 and memory leaks

Hi I built a quick demo recently thats crashing my Firefox browser...:) www.bitstream.ca/flash8/ Is anyone aware of any memory leak issues as they pertain to flash 8? Is this a coding issue or simply a player/plugin issue? Any help appreciated! Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c]

[Flashcoders] Q:del.icio.us API

Hi Has anyone incorporated the del.icio.us API or similar social bookmarking feature into any of their projects? Just looking for examples and ideas at the moment and what is/isn't possible. Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q: FlexBuilder for AS development

Hi After watching Colin Moock's presentation yesterday at FITC, I'm interested in using FlexBuilder for my AS development. Currently there is both a trial (time restricted) version avilable and a beta version available on Adobe labs. Is anyone using Flexbuilder for AS as opposed to Flex

[Flashcoders] Q: Flash Object vs UFO for flash detection and as eolas workaround

Hi Was wondering what everyone is using for flash detection currently. Is there and consensus as to which is better, UFO http://www.bobbyvandersluis.com/ufo/ or Flash Object methods http://blog.deconcept.com/flashobject/ Thanks in advance! Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c]

[Flashcoders] Q:Problems with Tween class

Hi having some difficulty getting the handlers working with the built-in Tween class also, does the Tween class actually exist in more than one place? //CODE START import mx.effects.*; import mx.transitions.easing.*; function myTweenFunc(){ myMC.onTweenUpdate = function(value) {

[Flashcoders] Q:Tween Class..detect tween in progress

Hi using the built in tween class and not able to figure out how to detect a tween in progress. There's 'OnMotionFinished' and 'OnMotionStarted' With fuse you can simply do a boolean check (if (tween)). Any Tween Class experts out there? Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q:Add tracking to dynamic text

Hi Does anyone know of an easy way to add tracking to dynamic text? Thanks Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all improvisation is life in search of a style. - Bruce Mau,'LifeStyle'

[Flashcoders] Q: FlashPluginSwitcher

Hi has anyone used the flash plugin switcher? http://www.kewbee.de/ Haveing an issue setting it up since in the help it refers to the cab files, but all that's available for download are exe installers. Dows anyone know if current and older flash player(cab) files are available for downloading

[Flashcoders] Q;Flashdevelop users

Hi Any FlashDevelop user fans? Trying to find some basic info on configuration...setting fonts etc. [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all improvisation is life in search of a style. - Bruce

[Flashcoders] Q; Extending the media playback component

Hi I would like to extend the media playback component, essentially adding more features. Is this simply a matter of extending the class mx.controls.MediaPlayback.as ? Would it really matter if I use inheritance or composition? Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c]

[Flashcoders] Q: Referencing a class method from a _parent MovieClip reference

Hi having what I think is a scope issue I can't seem to resolve. In one Class I have: //::CODE BEGINS: for(var n=0;n9;n++){ var mc=target.createEmptyMovieClip(+n,target.getNextHighestDepth()); c=new

[Flashcoders] Q: Referencing a class method from a _parent MovieClip reference

Well solved I think... Instead of 'createEmptyMovieClip' I'm using attachMovie with an initbj that references the correct class //CODE BEGIN::: var initObj:Object = {creatorRef:c}; var mc=target.attachMovie(mc_blank,+n,target.getNextHighestDepth(),initObj);

[Flashcoders] Q:getter setters vs accessor methods

Hi Just wondering if there was a consensus on which use of getter/setters is used most often traditional getter/setters ie public function get Size():Number{} or accessor methods public function getSize():Number{} Which do you prefer and why...? [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034

[Flashcoders] Q:implementing quadtrees

I need to perform distance calculations between a number of fixed 'hotspots' and a draggable movie clip on a 2d plane. To reduce the number of calcualtions I only want to be concerned with those 'hotspots' that are 'closest to' the movieclip at any given time. So I need to perform some sort of

[Flashcoders] Q:creating a 'snappable' class

Hi I'm creating a 'snappable' class, that would work with a predefined set of x,y pairs or 'hotspots'. When a dragged movieclip was within a 'offset' distance of any of these hotspots it would 'snap to' and stop drag. The best way of doing this I thought would be to simply pass an array of

[Flashcoders] Q: All OOP or ??????

Hi I was curious what approach most developers are using for their projects: 1 doing ALL of there development for every project within an OOP based framewrok, ie everything, from drawing and/or placing of objects, transitioning, interacting with server special effects, is done with a custom

[Flashcoders] Q:OOP and ARP

Hi I was wondering if anyone might suggest the type of projects that the ARP framework might best be suited to... [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all improvisation is life in search of a style. - Bruce

[Flashcoders] Q: Best tweening engine for Flash 8 filters

Hi I was wondering what everyone is using to tween flash filters. The built in tween in Flash, or some third party tweening engine. Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all improvisation is

[Flashcoders] Q:Configure Eclipse for use with Doxygen??

Hi I'm trying to configure Doxygen to work with Eclipse. In Eclipse when I choose the the compiler path for Doxygen I always get the message: 'Value must be an existing file' What gives??? I'm browsing to and selecting the Doxygen binary I'm on OSX and usiung the latest Eclipse... Jim

[Flashcoders] Q:ASSetPropFlags and nested objects

Hi I want to be able to trace out ALL properties and values for nested objects. Will ASSetPropFlags allow me to do this?? If I define an object as: //BEGIN CODE myObject={ a:1, b:2, c:3, _event:{_parentOb:this, method:'func', _params:{arg1:1, arg2:2,

[Flashcoders] Q:Class relationship puzzle

John No, Global can and does function independently of Local. It doesn't 'need' Local. The basic sequence again is this: Application class is instantiated on the main timeline or _root. Global is instantiated from within the 'Application' class which also references the Global class thru a

[Flashcoders] Q:creating and animating a gradient?

Hi Can someone point me to a tutorial on creating and animating a gradient in Flash 8? Didn't see anything in the dev on Macromedia(I mean Adobe) site. Thanks Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all

[Flashcoders] Q:Class relationship puzzle

Hi I have several Classes, lets call these GlobalA, GlobalB, GlobalC that are referenced by global variables and instantiated by a main or Application class . I also have another class, lets call it Local, that references one of these Global classes and passes an Object to one of its' (let's

[Flashcoders] Q:Tracing out objects in an array

Hi I'm populating an array with objects. When I trace out the array I get ==[object Object] Whats the best way to trace out the contents of the objects once they're in the array? Thansk in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] aseditor discussion

I've used just about everything on both PC and Mac. On the PC (currently better supported for developers) PrimalScript, Sepy, and although haven't tried it yet, Keith Peters mentions great things about FlashDevelop http://www.flashdevelop.org/community/ My choice (although pricey)

[Flashcoders] Q: Strategies for loading large classes

Hi I'm trying to reduce the 1st frame load hit for some large external class files. Examining my size report I see 73395 bytes of ActionScript 2.0 Classes being loaded on the first frame. So I assume these class files must load before even my preloader can play...which means a few seconds

[Flashcoders] Q:using BitmapData to Record Screen Actions

Hi I want to create a simple app that allows the creation of 'recordings', basically movies that are recordings of anything that might happen on the stage. I'd appreciate any feedback on my basic logic which is as follows: 1) Create a 'snaphot routine whose only purpose is to create

[Flashcoders] Q: Making a movie using Bitmaps and draw method

Hi I want to create a simple app that allows the creation of 'recordings', basically movies that are recordings of anything that might happen on the stage. I'd appreciate any feedback on my basic logic which is as follows: 1) Create a 'snaphot routine whose only purpose is to create

[Flashcoders] Q: Converting from base 10 to hex?

In order to use the fillRect method you need to pass in the color as a Hex value. To start I want to fill with a 50% grey, which as an argb number would be 255,128,128,128 I tried using the following function from Guy Watson's tutorial: function argbtohex(a:Number, r:Number, g:Number,

[Flashcoders] Q: Random wave pattern on single line

I want to create a random wave pattern on a single line using the drawing API. Can anyone suggest a starting point for creating and drawing the random motion? I need to vary the amplitude. I seem to recall seeing a downloadable flash demo/tutorial of motion on an animated wave path, I believe it

[Flashcoders] Q: Advanced math book for designers?

Hi Just finishing the excellent Head First Design Patterns book. I was wondering if anyone might recommend something similar that focused on advanced math concepts, like matrix math, bezier curves, etc, and whose target audience might be designers? Thanks in advance. Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at

[Flashcoders] Q: dedicated UML tool for Actionscript 2?

Hi I've been using dedicated UML tools to create class diagrams from Java code and output stub code from diagrams. Outside of Eclipse and the the online gModeler, does anything similar exist yet for actionscript development? Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c]

[Flashcoders] Q:Animating a gradient

Hi Has anyone seen examples of animating a gradient in flash8? Recall seeing something as part of the original maelstrom demo, but having some difficulty reproducing the effect. Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca

[Flashcoders] Q:UMl/Class Diagram plugin for AS2 development in Eclipse

A question for people using Eclipse. What UML/Class diagram plugin do you use/recommend for AS2 development? Any other favorite plugins? Thanks in advance Jim Bachalo [e] jbach at bitstream.ca [c] 416.668.0034 [w] www.bitstream.ca ...all