- FLA file (.fla)
- The source file for any project and created in the Flash authoring tool. This type of file can only be opened in Flash (not in Dreamweaver or in browsers). You can open the FLA file in Flash, then publish it as a SWF or SWT file to use in browsers.
- SWF file (.swf)
- A compiled version of the FLA (.fla) file, optimized for viewing on the web. This file can be played back in browsers and previewed in Dreamweaver, but cannot be edited in Flash.
- FLV file (.flv)
- A video file that contains encoded audio and video data for delivery through Flash® Player. For example, if you had a QuickTime or Windows Media video file, you would use an encoder (such as Flash® CS4 Video Encoder, or Sorensen Squeeze) to convert the video file to an FLV file.
SWT files are template versions of the standard .SWF file format.
The difference between a streaming media and progressive download is the server software and corresponding network protocol used to transmit the media file. For organizations utilizing only a web server, distributing a media file using progressive download can often be the simpler option because it utilizes existing infrastructure.
Progressive download can be achieved using a regular web (http) server. The client handles the buffering and playing during the download process. If the playback rate exceeds the download rate, playback is delayed until more data is downloaded.
A streaming server works with the client to send audio and/or video over the Internet or Intranet and play it almost immediately. They allow real-time ‘broadcasting’ of live events, and the ability to control the play-back of on-demand content. Playback begins as soon as sufficient data has downloaded. The viewer can skip to a point part way through a clip without needing to download the beginning. If the data can not be downloaded fast enough, a streamed web cast sacrifices quality in order for the viewing to remain synchronized with the original timing of the content.
