Maybe its because I’m from the midwest, or maybe its Dave’s hospitality, but I always feel like I’m coming home when I get to Minneapolis. With an amazing lineup of speakers (in which I was honored to be included) and a friendly, laid-back crowd of talented developers and designers, this year’s FlashBelt was a great experience.

Although my session, “Demystifying Flash Video Delivery,” was up against rockstars Hugh Elliott and Ralph Hauwert, I had a great turn out. Thanks to everyone who attended, and stayed awake for, my preso.

If you missed the session, or missed any details, you can grab the presentation here in PDF format:

http://www.flashconnections.com/flashbelt10/FB2010_Mysteries.pdf

I also promised that a whitepaper on HTTP Dynamic Streaming that I’m working on will be published by Adobe “any day now.” That is still true… watch my blog for an update and a link to the free doc when it’s published.

On Wednesday, June 9 at 11am PST/2pm EST I’ll be presenting an online Connect session to introduce Open Source Media Framework 1.0.

http://www.eventsadobe.com/osmflaunch/invite.html

I’ll introduce the fundamentals of Open Source Media Framework (OSMF), give you a head start with some basic code examples, and also show you some quick and easy no-code options for building players on the framework. This session is for beginner to intermediate programmers and web developers who want to gain a better understanding of OSMF, and how it can simplify media player development.

And just for attending, you could win a copy of CS5!

So go register now, and I’ll see you there…

6/18/2010 UPDATE: Session recording will be available shortly (I’ll update this post when I have the link). Sample code and assets available now: http://www.flashconnections.com/osmf/OSMF_Launch_Code.zip

I’m presenting an FMS Crash Course tomorrow, online via Connect on Adobe Groups:

Getting Started with FMS . Adobe Groups.

Over 75% of web video today is delivered on the Flash Platform. Flash Media Server (FMS) is Adobe’s streaming server that is powering this content delivery. The latest version of FMS provides robust, scalable live and on-demand streaming, along with powerful features such as real-time interaction, Dynamic Streaming, DVR functionality, smart buffering and more.

Attendees of this presentation will gain a deeper understanding of how the server works, what it can do, and how to deploy streaming media applications that leverage its features. We’ll look at where files go and why, what you can do with server-side ActionScript and what it looks like, and even see how easy it is to create a custom 2-person videoconference. We’ll also look at the pros and cons of various hosting solutions.

You’ll walk away with an understanding of streaming on the Flash Platform, along with an overview of what is possible with FMS — and how to achieve it.

Times by Zone:
9:00am Pacific
10:00am Mountain
11:00am Central
12:00pm Eastern

See you there!

.. and now Streaming Media Magazine has given me one!

I doubt it'll be traded, but here it is!

Thanks to everyone who nominated me; it was a very pleasant surprise to be chosen!

Adobe has released the latest version of their free desktop encoding application for Flash Media Server live streaming. Top features include Multi-bitrate encoding (encode up to 3 different bitrates at once for Dynamic Streaming delivery), DVR functionality, chunking of output files for easier file management, and enhanced auto-adjust for degrading quality when bandwidth is limited to ensure a smooth stream.

And the biggest new feature of course, is that all of this is now supported ON THE MAC. I like it when Adobe listens.

Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder 3.1 for Windows and Mac OS

It’s not often an instructor will post their unedited feedback from a workshop or class… but that’s just what Seb has done for his Flash Games Programming workshop he taught in Brighton, UK recently. As you can see, attendees became raving fans.

Well, I’m happy to announce that I’m helping Seb bring this course to NYC, in association with the Flash and the City conference, May 13, 2010.

Flash Games Programming – NYC training course – Eventbrite

Suitable for beginners to advanced Flash programmers, Seb will walk you through the creation of Flash games from basic concepts to completed projects. This is a rare opportunity to gain knowledge about game design, learn tips and tricks, and really understand how to make games that rock!

There is limited seating available for this one-day course, and as of this writing there is just one “super-early-bird” ticket left… so grab your seat!

Flash Games Programming – NYC training course – Eventbrite

Jan Ozer and I had a quick ooVoo video chat about our upcoming workshop, Streaming Production and Flash Seminar – March 23 in NYC. Watch it for more info about what we’ll cover!

The always-entertaining Jesse Warden (JesterXL) shares some pearls of wisdom and some insights on getting started with the Open Source Media Framework. Enjoy.

Along with streaming media luminary Jan Ozer, I am presenting a one-day intensive workshop on “Streaming Production & Flash Delivery” to be held on March 23, 2010 in New York City.

DETAILS and REGISTRATION: Streaming Production & Flash Delivery Workshop – Eventbrite.

If you need to brush up on any part of the workflow involved in getting video on the web, this workshop is for you.

Jan will cover the production end of things with “Production for Streaming” and “Encoding H.264 video for Flash, iPod/iPhone/iPad and Silverlight.”

I will cover the technical end of things with a morning session “Flexible Protocols and Custom Player Development” which gets you up to speed on the various delivery methods now available in Flash (including adaptive streaming via HTTP Streaming, P2P via RTMFP) and custom video player development for both the programmer and the non-programmer using Open Source Media Framework and third-party streaming (Influxis.com). Then in the afternoon I present a “Flash Media Server Crash Course” which will get you going with FMS with a full understanding of how to set up the server, what it can do, and how to do it.

Sign up now before it sells out… we are only presenting one day of training this time around, and there is limited seating!

Streaming Production & Flash Delivery Workshop – Eventbrite.

Flash Media Server hosting and applications generously provided by

This morning’s VideoNuze email brought some good news for Adobe:

Fox Switches from Move to Flash; ABC Plans Transition Too.

Looks like the gamble on adding HTTP Streaming to Flash Player has paid off. The advantages of the Move Networks solution just didn’t add up for the premium price tag. Congrats, Flash Media team!