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Help Converting SWF Video File

by Andrew Servis
10 replies
Hi Guys

this is my first shot at converting a video file currently to something that is as compatible as possible with as many devices/browsers etc. I have tried all the free converters and I get 3 different problems, either:

1) Sound but no video
2) Doesn't recognise file
3) Converts but full screen of video not captured (in one converter I had it set on original size for conversion) so that never worked

Read up a bit on this link just to get more info:

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ones-ipad.html

Originally trying to convert to MP4; Spent about 4 days on this now and downloaded about 12 converters and no results yet. I am looking for some help from someone in the know about videos and conversions as I am total noob at this.

Ok so what I want to do is convert the SWF file to a 'as compatible as possible' file type and have it streamable as it is going on a Website.

Any advisers able to show me the way before I waste another week

Thanks

Andrew
#converting #file #swf #video
  • Profile picture of the author Brandon Tanner
    1) Use this to convert your video, and convert it to 'HTML5' format (which will give you mp4, webm, and ogv files).

    2) Use this on the converted mp4 file... it will allow it to play back much quicker than if you don't use it (ie no 'buffering').

    3) Use a good web video player like Flowplayer or JWPlayer. Make sure you use the 'HTML5' version of the player, with Flash fallback. This will make your video compatible with just about every browser out there.
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    • Profile picture of the author Andrew Servis
      Originally Posted by Brandon Tanner View Post

      1) Use this to convert your video, and convert it to 'HTML5' format (which will give you mp4, webm, and ogv files).

      2) Use this on the converted mp4 file... it will allow it to play back much quicker than if you don't use it (ie no 'buffering').

      3) Use a good web video player like Flowplayer or JWPlayer. Make sure you use the 'HTML5' version of the player, with Flash fallback. This will make your video compatible with just about every browser out there.
      Thanks for the advice. I tried this and it comes up with a generic error when I load the file. I think the problem is the file isn't actually a video as I tried to convert with AVS4you converter. I got an error with this as well and asked their support who said:

      Dear user,

      The message you get from AVS Video Converter means your SWF does not really contain video, only images with audio, that is why AVS4YOU software can not process this kind of files.

      We are really sorry, but for now we can not help you to convert your type of files. However I will surely pass your suggestion over to our developers' team.
      Given that I now know the file is not an actual video file is there any way I can still stream the SWF file on a Website that will be compatible with as many devices as possible?
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      • Profile picture of the author Brandon Tanner
        If you've tried 12 different video converters with no luck, then that would tell me that the problem is with your SWF file, not the converters.

        Here's a simple test you can try... open Firefox, then drag the SWF file into the Firefox browser area (assuming you have Flash installed). If it doesn't play, then your SWF file is bad.
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        • Profile picture of the author Andrew Servis
          Originally Posted by Brandon Tanner View Post

          If you've tried 12 different video converters with no luck, then that would tell me that the problem is with your SWF file, not the converters.

          Here's a simple test you can try... open Firefox, then drag the SWF file into the Firefox browser area (assuming you have Flash installed). If it doesn't play, then your SWF file is bad.
          Plays fine when I do that
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          • Profile picture of the author Brandon Tanner
            Hmmm... that's strange. If you email me the file, I'll be glad to take a look at it. I'll PM you my email.
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  • Profile picture of the author SmallBizWebsites
    The converter I use is the free Any Video Converter - excellent.

    Video Converter, DVD Converter - Any Video converter - The versatile video converter for iPod, iPhone, PSP, Zune, cell phones and more

    To ensure compatibility with all browsers, you need to encode in both mp4 and ogv formats. Then an HTML5 player will play in any browser without needing any Flash fallback, which is becoming obsolete if it is not so already.
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    • Profile picture of the author Brandon Tanner
      Originally Posted by SmallBizWebsites View Post

      Flash fallback, which is becoming obsolete if it is not so already.
      It's becoming obsolete, but it's definitely not obsolete yet. Maybe in another 4-5 years it will be. For now, there are still too many people using older, non-HTML5 compatible browsers to ignore them, in my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael71
    Not true.. you need a flash fallback for older browser since they can not handle HTML5 video.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrew Servis
    Ok so I did eventually solve this - can't believe i've been on this for over a week sheesh! Found an audio jack on our external speakers on a home PC we have and swiped that, then shorted out the audio jack for mic and speakers.

    So if you try and set the record system sound in your camtasia recorder audio setting options simply don't - it probably won't work anyway and you wouldn't be reading this otherwise right . Instead go to the main camtasia application main menu and go to tools > record camera then hit the set up button.



    You get dialog as below. Select the Microphone and System Audio radio button, click next - set the sound up as you want it and you should be good to go. Remember to short out your mic and speaker jacks with your cable.

    Please note I was using a Compaq laptop with XP so the way you need to do this on your PC/Laptop/Mac etc. may differ from that described.

    Thanks for all the suggestions as well
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  • Profile picture of the author Simple Ryan
    Does anybody have advice for the best converter to convert .SWF files to .FLV files for upload to YouTube?

    I'm looking for something that doesn't lose quality in the conversion as the end result has to look and sound great.

    Some time ago, I had success with this using 'VMeisoft Flash SWF Converter' but they are charging for this now (or I was previously using a free trial which has now expired - can't remember).

    If there are some free options that would be great. If not what is the best paid option?

    Thanks!
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