This book is broken up into a collection of hands-on seminars that each focus on teaching a specific aspect of Flash MX. The author begins each seminar by teaching core concepts and techniques. Then, in the workshop, she takes the reader step by step through applying those concepts and techniques to an actual Flash movie. By working through the book cover to cover, you can build an entire Flash web site that includes compelling graphics and animation, audio and video, ActionScript-driven activities, games and personalization, components, and XML-driven forms.

Provides in-depth information to the more than one million Flash developers who want to take their animations to the next level using sophisticated interaction and data-driven content Flash ActionScript is an object-oriented scripting language used with Flash that allows the designer to control a movie in non-linear fashion, create sophisticated interactivity, control elements on the stage, collect and track input from the movie viewer, and exchange and manipulate data from external sources The most comprehensive Flash ActionScript guide available, cowritten by Robert Reinhardt, coauthor of Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Bible (0-7645-4303-2) Published to coincide with the release of Flash "X," the newest version of this widely used Web development tool

The totally revised, enhanced and expanded update to the smash bestseller. * Covers the very latest release of Macromedia Flash. * Includes enhanced coverage of using Flash with other powerful Web applications and exclusive expert tutorials from the world's top Flash gurus. * The most comprehensive Flash book on the market. * Documents Flash's integration and implementation of new technologies ABOUT THE CD-ROM The accompanying CD-ROM is packed with trial software, add-ons, plug-ins, shareware, templates, and scores of exclusive sample files from the book

savvy n. Practical know-how Both new and experienced Flash users need plenty of help mastering these versatile, powerful applications. Whichever group you belong to, Flash MX 2004 Savvy gives you the resources you need to advance your skills. This means clear explanations, real-world examples, and carefully crafted tutorials in which you'll learn the full range of Flash techniques. You'll find in-depth introductions to the features new to Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004: Timeline Effects, the expanded components library, built-in project management tools, and more. Designed so you can work your way from front to back or focus on the topics most important to you, this book helps you understand why Flash works as it does and how to meet the demands of your Flash-based projects. Coverage includes: Content creation: painting and drawing, text manipulation, reusable content, interactive slideshow presentations, content for the Pocket PC ActionScript: manual scripting, movie clip management and parameter control--plus a complete ActionScript Reference on the CD Interactivity: interface elements and controllers, new Flash components, new ActionScript behaviors Audio integration: synchronization, compression schemes, implementing interactive audio Media integration: with Director, with CD-ROM content, with 3D animation, with full-motion and streaming video Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

As a designer using Flash you will see how you can apply your creative skills to the many stages of game production and produce your own interactive games with this versatile package. Creating games for mobile devices is now also covered! As an animator you will be able to add interactive functionality to your own animation and produce a game. As a web developer you will see how to make the best use of the sophisticated development environment Flash offers for the production of both artwork and code to create low bandwidth, animated web content that sells! The free CD-Rom includes all the code and files you need to try out each tutorial from the book so you can see exactly how each game was created. Learn from the many different types of games provided as examples, from simple quizzes to platform-based games. High score tables and multi-player games using sockets, vital to higher level online games, are also covered in detail to ensure you have the complete skill set needed to succeed in this competitive arena.

The Flash Reference You've Been Waiting For—Covers Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004 Flash MX 2004 at Your Fingertips is the first ever task-based reference to Flash. Every page of this unique, highly practical guide is focused on giving you immediate access to the information you need to get your work done fast. Inside you'll find: Complete explanations of the most common authoring and editing tasks and ActionScript techniques An intuitive organization that lets you search according to what you want to do Clear, step-by-step instructions At-a-glance shortcuts and time-saving tips A visual reference to the Flash MX 2004 interface This groundbreaking book was written by expert authors who share inside knowledge accumulated over years of intensive Flash use. Whatever your field or level of experience, whether working on the Mac or in Windows, you've found the Flash reference you've been waiting for.

Learn the professional skills you need to make the best use of Flash for creating interactive animation and producing exciting, dynamic Internet content. Nik Lever, writing as an artist for artists, takes you through the entire process from creating the art and animation for games in Flash, to adding the interactivity using Flash's ActionScripting language. He also provides valuable extra coverage of how Flash integrates with Director 8.5 Shockwave studio and C++. As a designer using Flash you will see how you can apply your creative skills to the many stages of game production and produce your own interactive games with this versatile package. As an animator you will be able to add interactive functionality to your own animation and produce a game. As a web developer you will see how to make the best use of the sophisticated development environment Flash offers for the production of both artwork and code to create low bandwidth, animated web content that sells! The free CD-Rom includes all the code and files you need to try out each tutorial from the book so you can see exactly how each game was created. Learn from the many different types of games provided as examples, from simple quizzes to platform-based games. High score tables and multi-player games using sockets, vital to higher level online games, are also covered in detail to ensure you have the complete skill set needed to succeed in this competitive arena.

Towes presents an introduction to the technology, as well a guide to implementation of successful applications. Part one provides ten quick steps to get readers familiar with the server. Part two explores the issues affecting appropriate integration of the Communication Server. Key concepts include understanding digital communication solutions, understanding objects, using server side ActionScripting, and more.

The CD that accompanies this book contains various resources including project files, Macromedia software demos, and finished files of completed Flash projects.

Offering readers a fast, visual way to learn Flash MX, solve problems, and get work done, this guide's step-by-step instructions with accompanying visuals require less time reading and free more time for learning this popular Web authoring software. The new features icon highlights what is new in Flash MX as readers learn to perform everyday tasks.