| FrontPage 2003 directly supports the integration of several video and audio file types. You can either place the file directly into your Web page or provide a link to the file in your Web page. TIP If a video or audio file isn't essential to your Web page, consider offering a link to the file so that your audience has the choice of whether to view the file. Users will appreciate the fact that you gave them the choice.
FrontPage will also let you set playback options for these files by right-clicking the icon in the page and selecting Set Properties from the list of options. Supported file types include Windows Video files (*.avi) Audio and video files for use with the Microsoft Windows Media Player. These are standard for the Windows system desktop application but usually aren't compressed, so they take a great deal of time to download. Compressed AVI files most often require an advanced codec that won't be standard on all user systems. Even when compressed, AVI files are considerably larger than ASF files examined next. Windows Media files (*.asf) Compressed streaming file format used with Windows Media Player. These files are compressed, providing for a quicker download option. In addition, the file can be streamed (if supported by the Web server), enabling the user to listen or view the file as it is being downloaded.  | If you can't get your video file to stream, see "Video File Doesn't Stream" in the "Troubleshooting" section at the end of this chapter. |
RealAudio files (*.ram; *.ra) The compressed streaming file format used with Real Networks RealPlayer product. Streaming services are provided by the Web server. If the server doesn't provide streaming capabilities, the files are downloaded completely and then played. Moving Picture Experts Group (*.mpeg) File format used for movies, video, and music in a digitally compressed format. MPEG files are generally compressed and much smaller than most other video formats. ASF and RA files are typically smaller than MPEG files, but usually sacrifice quality accordingly. Apple QuickTime (*.mov; *.qt) QuickTime is Apple's audio and video compression technology. Windows users can view or play QuickTime files with the QuickTime plug-in available from Apple.
When a video or audio file is inserted in a Web page, FrontPage will place a graphic in the page to show the location of the file. | If you can't get your video file to play, see "Video File Doesn't Play" in the "Troubleshooting" section at the end of this chapter. |
Video and Audio File Properties Double-clicking any video or audio file in a Web page will open the Picture Properties dialog box. The third tab in the dialog box lets the user pick file looping details and if she wants the file to load when the page is opened or when she mouses over the file. Figure 6.18. The third tab in the Picture Properties dialog box sets specific multimedia elements. 
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