| Using the embed tag is actually forbidden in HTML and XHTML. Instead, the object tag is supposed to be used, but support for this element is limited to newer browsers, especially Internet Explorer. So, how do you make a document that uses the embed element valid? Unless you're willing to write your own Document Type Definition in Modular XHTML (which is beyond the scope of this book), you can't. So, either insert all audio using the object tag or make the choice to have an invalid document. The other concern with audio and video is accessibility. People who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hearing impaired will miss out on aspects of audio and video content. (See http://www.section508.gov for some details on making sites accessible.) The "best practice" here is to ensure that you do not rely on audio and video to express your main point. Also, add descriptive text near the audio or video that provides context and adds detailed information about what you are displaying or playing for your visitors , no matter their physical abilities . |
