What is Flash video?

It is a compressed video format for the transmission over the internet. It is, in this respect, similar to streamed video formats such as that for Real Player or Windows Media Player.

Is it "streamed video"?

Yes. However there are two possible modes. Full streaming (similar to Real Player) needs to hosted on a special server (Flash Communication Server). The other mode is "progressive download". This appears superficially similar to the viewer . There is virtually no delay before the video plays.

What are the pros and cons of "progressive download"?

The main advantage is that the video files can be stored on any server (hence cheaper). One drawback is that the video is not "random access" until it has downloaded completely. i.e. you can not skip to a later part of the video. A major advantage is that the video is viewed using a standard Flash Player, which most users have installed. If they don't they will be prompted to install it. In addition the video can be integrated into a "Flash Movie" . Exact timing can be maintained by using "cue-points" which synchronise action to exact times on the downloading video.

The video plays in a standard Flash Player which is almost universal. Flash is more usually associated with animations. The small videos at the top of this page are looping Flash videos.