1.0 - DMC Introduction
1.1 What is a DMC file?
DMC is short for Dynamic Multimedia Clip. Think of DMCs as customizable stock multimedia clips, much like stock photography, and video. You can easily create DMCs in Flash and then sell them, so this is a great opportunity to generate some extra revenue using your multimedia skills.
DMCs have an infinite range of uses, such as 'Chapter Change' screens, 'Agenda' slides, digital signage ... anything you can think of; the possibilities are endless. These pre-built, high-impact multimedia files can be easily customized using E-mark morePower!, a new presentation authoring tool. To get a better idea of what DMCs are and how they can be used, check out the morePower DMC sample page at http://www.getmorepower.com/dmcdemo/.
1.2 What is E-mark morePower?
E-mark morePower! is a innovative presentation authoring tool that serves a 'multimedia jukebox' to let users create presentations comprising existing PowerPoint, Flash, Director, graphics, video files, and DMC files. This new tool is powerful, flexible, and very easy to use. Get more information and download a demo at http://www.getmorepower.com
1.3 How are DMCs used in morePower?
To use a DMC, first the user creates a new screen and selects the DMC format. Then user then clicks the 'Browse' button to select a DMC file, and then enters customizing text or other info in the input fields. The user can preview the file by hitting the 'Preview' button. Below are shots of the DMC setup screen and a resulting preview.
You can see how powerful and easily it is for users to integrate and customize DMC files. Next, we'll explain how you can create your own DMCs using Flash.
2.1 First steps
The first step in creating a DMC is to determine its function. Ask yourself, ¡°How will this DMC be used?¡± As an attract screen? As a ¡°tah-dah¡± for a presentation point? As digital signage? Keep in mind this isn¡¯t gratuitous animation, but a part of a business, educational, or entertainment presentation.
Next, we suggest that you take some time to sketch out or storyboard the concept and animation ideas. This will save time in development. Once you¡¯ve determined the type of DMC you¡¯d like to make and have a sketch of your ideas, you¡¯re ready to develop.2.2 Flash development
Create your animation in Flash as usual. To create a DMC where the user can customize the text, follow these steps:
- Use the type tool to create some text
- From the ¡°Window¡± menu, select ¡°Panels,¡± and then select ¡°Text Options¡± to display the dialog box shown below.
- Click the pulldown menu and select ¡°Dynamic Text.¡± In the ¡°Variable¡± field, enter the value ¡°dmc_1¡±, ¡°dmc_2¡±, ¡°dmc_3¡± or ¡°dmc_4¡±. These variables correspond to the four DMC text setup fields in morePower¡¯s DMC setup screen explained earlier. In the ¡°Embed fonts¡± section choose to embed the whole font (as shown) or a only subset.
- Convert the text to a symbol, drag it to the stage, and animate as normal. Repeat this process as needed.
- Finally, export your finished animation as a standard .swf file and you¡¯re done! (We recommend selecting the ¡°Protect from Import¡± option.)
You can use the above method to animate the exact text the user entered, or you can use it to store text for later ActionScript manipulation. This is a good way to accept more than just 4 pieces of data. For example, you could have the user type in multiple titles separated by commas into one DMC input field, i.e. ¡°morePower, gives you, way more, flexibility¡± and then use ActionScript to parse the input and transfer the individual text items to dynamic text symbols. Or, you could have the user enter ¡°a,g,e,b¡± to specify an animation or scene sequence, or to animate symbol X as opposed to symbol Y. With a little ActionScript, the possibilities are endless.2.3 Testing
Once you¡¯ve developed your DMC, test in morePower! to see how it works. Try different texts such as 2 lines, no text, etc., to make sure your DMC works with the widest variety of input.
2.4 Distributing your DMCs
When distributing your DMC (.swf file), be sure to include a ¡°READ ME¡± file explaining the input and what the input controls or customizes in your DMC.
2.5 Selling your DMCs
DMCs you create are digital assets, much like stock photography, video, illustrations, and software plug-ins. If they are of high-quality and have a good use, you can probably sell them. One option is to sell them on the morePower web site. Every month, you¡¯ll receive a check for the revenue that your DMC created, minus a sales commission. We also plan to feature DMC artists to increase your exposure, and possibly increase your sales. For more info about selling your DMCs on the morePower web site, e-mail: dmcstore_dev@getmorepower.com. Another option is to sell them on your own web site, to clients, and to other multimedia developers.
DMCs are a great opportunity to generate some extra revenue with your multimedia skills, so good luck!
Check out some DMC samples at http://www.getmorepower.com/dmcdemo/
For more DMC support info, visit http://www.getmorepower.com/support/dmc/
» Level Intermediate
Added: : 2002-02-16
Rating: 7.23 Votes: 13
Hits: 3187» Author I'm a new media developer in Chicago that does Flash, Director, and video. » Download Download the files used in this tutorial. Download (70 kb)
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