General
Q: What is the Media Framework for Adobe Flash?
A: The Akamai Media Framework is a foundation for the rapid development of video player applications using the Adobe Flash Player compatible video format. The Media Framework is designed as a valuable resource to help developers start building video players for Adobe® Flash® Player compatible video technologies. The Akamai Media Framework enables the creation of video player applications for streaming and progressive download for content created in Adobe Flash Player compatible video, Adobe Flex®, and Adobe AIR™.
Q: Is there a cost associated with the Media Framework?
A: The Media Framework is a free resource for interactive developers and designers.
Q: What is the benefit of the Media Framework?
A: The Media Framework which leverages best practices and open technologies to simplify the task of creating Flash video player applications which are often complex and time consuming to create. This allows customers to focus their resources on features and design, rather than the more standard functionality such as connection layer or building a player from the ground up that supports industry standard workflows like Media RSS.
A combination of the Media Framework, deployment techniques and the Akamai delivery network, customers can quickly implement a world-class solution for delivering Flash video content and provide audiences with a consistent, high-quality experience.
Q: How can I get access to the Media Framework?
A: The Media Framework is available for download at
http://www.akamai.com/mediaframework_flash.
Q: Is there a software license associated with the Media Framework?
A: Yes, acceptance of a BSD based End User License Agreement is required to use the Media Framework. This is accomplished by simply downloading the Media Framework.
Q: What is the difference between the Media Framework and the Akamai ConnectionClass?
A: The Akamai ConnectionClass was launched in 2006 to provide an easy way for Akamai customers to connect seamlessly to the Akamai network by offering standard ActionScript code for the connection layer as well as tools for bandwidth detection. The Media Framework, implemented in ActionScript 3 and built on the ConnectionClass, offers even more functionality including support for metadata management using RSS feeds.
Q: Is the ConnectionClass still valid?
A: Yes, the ConnectionClass is still valid and works, however, moving forward ConnectionClass functionality will be rolled into the Media Framework. Future Akamai development efforts will be concentrated on supporting and enhancing the Media Framework. For information on the Akamai ConnectionClass, please contact Akamai Customer Care.
Q: Why is there no ActionScript 2 version of the Media Framework?
A: As of December 2007, the Adobe Flash Player 9 has an adoption rate of over 93% is all markets and thus Akamai feels that the timing is right for promoting an ActionScript 3 version.
Q: What is included in the Media Framework?
A: The Media Framework includes ActionScript code, sample implementations, documentation, and graphical assets which can be used for skinning video player applications.
Q: What is the format of the graphical assets?
A: The graphical assets are layered Photoshop (PSD) files. Included are a "black skin" and a "blue skin", the latter of which can be modified to change overall color theme for the skin (e.g., green).
Q: Is there documentation that explains what the Media Framework provides and how to use the Media Framework?
A: Yes, all methods and properties, and the event model are included and documented using the ASDoc format.
Q: Are there any samples included with the Media Framework? Can I use those samples as part of my own applications?
A: The samples can be used as a base for a customized application. Examples include the following:
- Single file playback
- Live and on-demand streaming
- Progressive download content
- Play lists/channels using the Yahoo! Media RSS specification
Q: Do I need to be using Akamai to take advantage of the Media Framework?
A: Not necessarily. While the Media Framework does have specialized features to support Akamai specific workflows, it also offers code to support display of industry standards such as Yahoo! Media RSS which is valuable to non Akamai customers alike.
Technical
Q: What content delivery options are supported?
A: The Media Framework supports the development of video player applications to deliver Flash video content as live and on-demand streaming content and also progressive download content.
Q: Is there any support for play lists or channels of content?
A: Yes, support is provided using the Yahoo! Media RSS specification to request and store metadata including thumbnails, content links, title, description, and more, and make them accessible in video player applications.
Q: Is the code integrated with any business models such as advertising?
A: The code is not directly integrated with any business models today however vendors for business models such as advertising can easily be supported through a generic plug-in architecture.
Q: Can I use the Media Framework in Adobe Flex or Adobe AIR applications?
A: Yes, the framework works with Flex 2 and 3, and can be used to build AIR applications as well.
Q: Are there special considerations (advantages and/or disadvantages) when using the Media Framework and Akamai services?
A: The Media Framework is not completely locked down to any Akamai services, however using Akamai services adds value as follows:
- Akamai delivery network
- On-demand Flash streaming
- Live streaming
- HTTP downloads
- Stream OS
- Content Manager
- RSS Manager
- Profile
Support
Q: What support options exist if I am an Akamai customer?
A: There is no direct development support for the Media Framework today. Akamai customers have the normal channels of support through Akamai Customer Care for troubleshooting content delivery and other Akamai services such as Stream OS. Please submit bugs, features, comments, and questions to Akamai Customer Care.
