AIR for Desktop – Video 'wall' using 'virtual' tiles

Creating a huges video wall- 10x6 ft  which is actually 1 large screen and will display a variety of video, pictures and text content. I want to break up the screen using 'virtual' tiles. A variety of approaches will be taken to create transitions, 3d rotation effects, ripple effects etc.

I know I will make ample use of Bitmapdata, rednering my video(s) and loaded images off stage and probably copyPixel or drawRect  methods to render my main canvas.

What are some other 'best pratices' I should keep in mind to optimize performance and playback?

What are some general guidelines for video encoding if all video content will be prerendered and played back locally?