YouTube’s Flash API are written in AS2, so if you have an AS3 project and want to use their players, it can get pretty tricky.

Matthew Richmond of The Chopping Block (and fellow FlashCodersNY member) has generously created and shared his ActionScript 3 wrapper for the YouTube chromeless player.

Matt has taken the time to not only give us an AS3 wrapper, but to write a comprehensive tutorial as well. Check it out:

http://code.google.com/apis/youtube/articles/youtube_as3_chromeless.html

Thanks, Matt!

Google has made a couple of big announcements in the past few days, all relating to new video features.

Gmail Video Chat
Today they announced that Gmail will now support a free, cross-platform “standards-based” voice and video chat. You need to install a custom plug-in, and the feature only works with Gmail in your browser.

The most interesting part to me is their use of H.264 encoding. We’ve been trying to get Flash to support that (or at least VP6) for some time now, but Adobe’s been reluctant to increase the size of the Flash Player to accommodate it.

More info: http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/say-hello-to-gmail-voice-and-video-chat.html

YouTube Live
They are also working on live streaming on YouTube (possibly using a related plug-in?) This looks like it’ll be a service that competes with sites such as Justin.TV, Stickam, etc. The official launch is set for Nov. 22, so stay tuned for more info!
Post on AlleyInsider: http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/11/youtube-plans-to-launch-live-streaming-november-22

The big news out of FOTB Brighton: they’re headed over the pond in 2009 to the warm and sunny beaches of Miami!

And I’ve had the honor of being asked to speak… It should be my big re-entry into the world after having this baby (any day now, they say….) so I’m really looking forward to it. John Davey knows how to put on a great conference, and I’m certain the US version will be no exception!

Check out the site, get in on the early-early-early bird ticket pricing when they go on sale in November. I’ll keep you posted about any details as the date gets closer. In the meantime, save the date: April 6-8, 2009.

This will likely be my last Flash411 episode for awhile, and it’s pretty meaty. I talk about the basic principles of encoding and show off the new video encoder that ships with Flash CS4 in this episode, which just posted this week:

[ For a full-size version, visit Adobe.TV ]

And if you’d like to download the encoded samples, you can find them here:
http://www.flashconnections.com/flash411/flash411_ep4_examples/

I’ve squeezed in a couple of more episodes of Flash 411 (the baby’s coming soon!)… Here’s episode 3, which posted last week:

[ For a full-size version, visit Adobe.TV ]

And if you’d like to download the examples, you can find them here:
http://www.flashconnections.com/flash411/flash411_ep3_examples/encore_playlist.zip
http://www.flashconnections.com/flash411/flash411_ep3_examples/flash%20video%20player.zip
http://www.flashconnections.com/flash411/flash411_ep3_examples/dreamweaver.zip

Kevin Towes announced yesterday that he’s opened up the beta for the next version of Flash Media Server, looking for some good torture-testing feedback.

This is a great chance to see what’s next for FMS, get a jump on the next version, and let your voice be heard.

Details and application form link on Kevin’s blog:
http://blogs.adobe.com/ktowes/2008/10/help_test_the_next_generation.html

The illustrious and always-illuminating Tom Green has a great little video tutorial about getting Flash HD video onto your site, on LayersMagazine.com. Check it out:

HD Video in Flash Professional CS3

Here’s a Handy chart on Adobe.com, for determining the optimal video frame size for web playback.

Nope, that’s not a typo. If you haven’t heard the buzz about Flash On Tap yet, here’s the deal.

• Top-tier speakers.
• Full-day intensive workshops.
• Two full days of sessions.
• Career Fair.
• Trivia Competition.
• Cool Boston location, “The Castle”
• Smaller conference, giving you a chance to network like crazy.
• The excitement of a beer festival; the inspiration of an info-packed conference.

And did I mention beer is included? Oh, and most meals are covered too (mmm… Smokey’s Longhorn BBQ, anyone?!).

Flash on Tap is also less expensive than other conferences — and if you buy your ticket before Monday, Sep 8 you can take advantage of early bird pricing. (They also offer flexible ala-carte pricing, which isn’t so common with conferences these days…) So get on over there now and reserve your space!

BONUS — ENTER DISCOUNT CODE
FOSBEER
FOR AN ADDITIONAL $50 BUCKS OFF!

FlashOnTap.com >>
October 7-9, 2008
Boston, MA

p.s. I’m heartbroken that I’m missing this conference… my good friends up in Boston have been scheming for over a year now putting this together, and I was so excited to watch it come to fruition. So you all need to go, soak it in, have a beer for me, and be a part of this historic first-annual FOT. I’ll be here gestating…

Adobe announced yesterday that NFL has chosen Flash as their platform of choice to broadcast Sunday Night games. Dubbed Sunday Night Football Extra, they’ve developed a “rich, interactive environment that will include interactive extras such as alternative camera angles, picture-in-picture technology, in-game highlights, live statistics, and interactivity.” And, unlike the Olympics, will feature audio commentary, and even interaction with the announcers via a “live blog”. (Not sure if they mean live chat, here… which would be more compelling.)

For more info, see the official press release.