Linking to Multimedia Files

The easiest and fastest way to give your visitors access to multimedia files is by creating a link to the file. Links have several advantages. First, your visitor gets to choose whether to load a potentially large file or not. Second, the file will open in any compatible player the visitor has available, not just the one you chose, making it more likely the visitor won't have to download any special software.

Figure 18.4. The link to the movie encloses a still image.

To link to multimedia files:

1.	Create a multimedia file and upload it to your server.
2.	Type <a href="multimedia.ext">, where multimedia.ext is the location, name, and extension of the multimedia file.
3.	Type the text or insert an image that the visitor will click on to activate the link.
4.	Type </a> to complete the link. Figure 18.5. When the visitor clicks the image... Figure 18.6. ...the video opens, loads, and plays automatically in a separate browser window (notice the gray background) in an embedded player (as long as one is available).

Tips

• You may wish to also include information about players with which they can view the file and a link to the download page.

• On most browsers, if the visitor has an appropriate plugin installed, the multimedia file will be opened in a new window with an embedded player. If the visitor does not have an appropriate plugin but does have a player, the linked file is opened in the external player. And, if there is neither a plugin nor a player available, most browsers will let visitors download the file and/or choose another program with which to open it.

• You can create links to songs in iTunes Music Store. Go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/linkmaker and the program will generate the link for you.