Using the Same Video for Flash, QuickTime and the iPhone

Flash and QuickTime (which, unlike Flash [grrr], is supported by the iPhone) both support MP4 video. This means that it is now possible to use the same video file for use in Flash, QuickTime and the iPhone.  I first noticed this possibility while viewing Lee Brimelow’s new “Flasher” magazine. At the very bottom of the page he includes a direct link to the video file – and, it plays perfectly (albeit slowly) on the iPhone.

So…I think this has amazing potential! Apparently, the only trick is to make sure the video is compressed in a way supported by both formats.

One other limitation to keep in mind, is that this would only work for video portions of Flash presentations. Anything contained in the Flash container (player controls, for example) will not work.

One last bit of coolness. Bobby Vandersluis, of SWFObject 2 fame (among other things) has a great mockup that would allow  one to offer video content in a “cascaded manner.”

http://code.google.com/p/swfobject/wiki/iphone_mp4

So, to a prospective video viewer: if Flash is available use that. If Flash is not available, but a player that recognizes QuickTime is available, use that. If neither is available show a graphic. (The graphic, could say: “Really?!”)