Camtasia 7 import won't play in AIR

[Guest]

I created a training video in Camtasia and saved it for Web (generates a folder with: HTML, SWF, MP3, etc.).

I have the following two ways to import it into RH8, but both methods yield a video that doesn't play in the compiled AIR output.  It does, however, play when I generate WebHelp.  Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

Method 1 - Import the SWF

Method 2 - Import the HTML

1 - I generate a training video from Camtasia.

2 -- I import the HTML into a RH8 as a new topic.

3 - The movie displays properly in the new topic and when viewed in "Preview".

4 - The movie will not play in the compiled AIR.  I see the placeholder pic, but the video won't play.

1 - I generate a training video from Camtasia.

2 -- I import the .swf into a RH8 topic using the Captivate button icon.

3 - The swf pays fine when I drag it inot IE and in my project "Preview".

4 - The swf will not play in the compiled AIR.  I see the placeholder pic, but the video won't play.

[Guest]

I have also had the same experience with FLV imported from Camtasia not playing in the AIR output.  I have posted to this forum and likewise have submitted a bug report to Adobe.  (In the past, its taken ~ 9 month to get support to even read and respond to my report, so I'm not too hopeful.)  On the bright side, now our odds are double.

[Captiv8r · Accepted solution]

Hi there

Note that contacting Support and where Bug Reports end up are two totally different places.

Support goes to the outsourced support area where they may know how to help and they may not. They are notoriously slow to respond and are reported as being far from helpful.

Bug reports end up in front of the Captivate Development team. Sometimes they reply back to you with proposed workaronds.

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links Captivate Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Adobe Certified Captivate Training SorcerStone Blog Captivate eBooks

[Captiv8r]

Addendum here - You are also among some who have decided to use a new format for Adobe. In essence, you are blazing a trail for others to follow. The simple fact is, there are precious few users that are aware of all the nuances of working with this AIR Help output. This means a dearth of knowledge to help you out.

It's not unlike strapping a jet engine to a BiPlane (I've actually seen that and it was both entertaining and terrifying at the same time!) so you have a teeny tiny pool of support for this format.

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7 or 8 within the day - $24.95! Adobe Certified RoboHelp HTML Training SorcerStone Blog RoboHelp eBooks

[Guest]

My apologies if this is too simplistic to resolve the problem. I've used Captivate videos in an AIR Help project, and one thing I didn't expect is that the SWF files weren't part of the AIR output when I copied the project over to my web server. I know you've verified that the FLV files are baggage files within RoboHelp, but did you look to see if the SWF files are in the same location as the .air and supporting files?

Becky Williams

[Guest]

Thanks for your reply.  That's a good idea...I thought of it also and it did help.  Before I copied it to the output folder, the entire movie container was blank.  When I copied the swf to the output data folder, the placment pic showed up in the container, along with the play indicator.  But, it still does not play.

[Guest]

Drats! Foiled again...

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

On Apr 26, 2010 11:24 AM, hylandwriter1 <forums@adobe.com> wrote:

Thanks for your reply.  That's a good idea...I thought of it also and it did help.  Before I copied it to the output folder, the entire movie container was blank.  When I copied the swf to the output data folder, the placment pic showed up in the container, along with the play indicator.  But, it still does not play.

[Guest]

Sorr for the unclear terminology.  In all cases, I created bug reports.  I was apparent that the responses I was getting

were outsourced, and unfortunately, like you pointed out, were not helpful nor timely.

[Guest]

Yes, my dissapointment with the bug reporting process does not reflect my love of the product. The Robohelp AIR format has been very well received at my company, and we have high hopes for implementing more projects using this format. Many very cool features that I am excited to author with...including training video!  Now, if I can only get them to play.... 

[Captiv8r]

hylandwriter1 wrote:

...The Robohelp AIR format has been very well received at my company, and we have high hopes for implementing more projects using this format...

That's interesting to hear. I say that because most of the folks I've talked to about the AIR format like it but hate the fact it has to be installed like an application in order to function. That bit alone is enough to make them slam on the emergency brake.

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7 or 8 within the day - $24.95! Adobe Certified RoboHelp HTML Training SorcerStone Blog RoboHelp eBooks

[Guest]

The first project I used AIR for was a software development kit that included interactive code examples and integration of Microsoft Sandcastle output for code reference. All of these being HTML-based and allowed for our developers to write custom javascript for added functionality!

Previously, we had to build our own installer that placed all the needed files on the user's local PC.  Now, we can deploy the SDK with the double-click of an .air file...and have updates dynamically pushed to the user!  Its awesome for our purposes.

The next project is for our medical installation team.  These solutions engineers will rely on these features, as well as the commenting capabilities to call out unique scenarios that allows the engineers to share installation concerns real time. It is also looked at as the perfect training tool and best practice guide for new installers...and, then there's thing about getting the training video's to play.....

[Captiv8r]

Hi again

I suppose if all else fails you could place the training videos in a known location and create a link from the AIR app that would present the video?

Have you entertained that idea?

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7 or 8 within the day - $24.95! Adobe Certified RoboHelp HTML Training SorcerStone Blog RoboHelp eBooks