Should I get Flash or Director?

[cosmic_starfish]

HI everyone.

I learnt how to use Macromedia Director in my first year at University to
create interactive programs. I now want to create them again but I would like
to know if it is possible to create them using the newest version of Flash.

I want to be able to create a program, with text, videos and sounds, which
will then be saved onto a CD-Rom. Then when the CD-Rom is put into a computer,
I want the file to autorun and open on the desktop (like the interactive
content on CD albums). I've always preferred to use Flash rather than Director
and find it easier to use, but I want to make sure I am getting the right
product before I buy it!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Chris Georgenes]

It looks like Director died a quiet death a couple years ago - the latest version was Director MX
2004 and it isn't available on Adobe's site. So safe to say your choice has been made for you - and
yes, Flash can probably do what you would have done in Director - the lines between both programs
were blurred even back then which is why Direcot was probably forgotten about or put down like a
horse with a broken leg :)

Ok - that was harsh - sorry all you Lingo peeps :)

Chris Georgenes
Adobe Community Expert
mudbubble.com
keyframer.com
http://tinyurl.com/2urlka

Post by cosmic_starfish
HI everyone.
I learnt how to use Macromedia Director in my first year at University to
create interactive programs. I now want to create them again but I would like
to know if it is possible to create them using the newest version of Flash.
I want to be able to create a program, with text, videos and sounds, which
will then be saved onto a CD-Rom. Then when the CD-Rom is put into a computer,
I want the file to autorun and open on the desktop (like the interactive
content on CD albums). I've always preferred to use Flash rather than Director
and find it easier to use, but I want to make sure I am getting the right
product before I buy it!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[DMennenoh **AdobeCommunityExpert**]

Well, while Chris is obviously biased there's some truth to what he's said.
Some. Flash is likely fine for what you are wanting to do. However, Director
is hardly dead (though you'd hardly know it from Adobe's marketing
efforts) - a new version has been announced, and an update to Shockwave was
just released a few weeks ago. And while the lines between the two are
blurred, Director can still do much Flash cannot - 3D is a big one, and
don't anyone say PaperVision or Sandy - they are weak toys compared to
Director's 3D. You also have Xtras - Director can burn CD's, write to the
Registry, open Databases and files directly, etc, etc, etc... so it really
depends on what you need to do.
I personally rarely use Director these days, aside from an ongoing internal
project. Clients want Flash, and it's tough to argue with the ubiquity of
Flash player.

[Chris Georgenes]

Thanks Dave - good to know :)

Chris Georgenes
Adobe Community Expert
mudbubble.com
keyframer.com
http://tinyurl.com/2urlka

Post by DMennenoh **AdobeCommunityExpert**
Well, while Chris is obviously biased there's some truth to what he's said.
Some. Flash is likely fine for what you are wanting to do. However, Director
is hardly dead (though you'd hardly know it from Adobe's marketing
efforts) - a new version has been announced, and an update to Shockwave was
just released a few weeks ago. And while the lines between the two are
blurred, Director can still do much Flash cannot - 3D is a big one, and
don't anyone say PaperVision or Sandy - they are weak toys compared to
Director's 3D. You also have Xtras - Director can burn CD's, write to the
Registry, open Databases and files directly, etc, etc, etc... so it really
depends on what you need to do.
I personally rarely use Director these days, aside from an ongoing internal
project. Clients want Flash, and it's tough to argue with the ubiquity of
Flash player.

[secret_warrior]

Personally I have chosen to go with Flash and a 3rd party wrapper application
that gives support for ALL windows integration like writing to registry,
manipulating files and directories. While at the same time giving full access
to the web through FTP, HTTP and slew of other features including creating
screen savers.

Apparently Adobe AIR also supports file manipulation and registry access.
They have a version that works with Flash CS3 and Adobe AIR is FREE. I have
not yet worked with it but skimming through the feature list it seems to be
able to do many of the things I do with the 3rd party app I have chosen to
purchase.

By the way, NewTek has a nice plugin for Flash that gives nice 3D support.

[DMennenoh **AdobeCommunityExpert**]

Post by secret_warrior
By the way, NewTek has a nice plugin for Flash that gives nice 3D support.

Not the same thing. I meant a realtime 3D engine - like PV or Sandy - for
making things like games, product demos, educational apps, etc.. AIR looks
promising for sure, I have looked briefly at it but have yet to work with it
at all.

[In8Media]

IMHO, Flash is more approachable, and you get all the benefit of a larger (and
often times, opensource) development community. There are more learning options
available and support online, and the plug-in is nearly universal. There may be
some unusual cases where Director is better suited for a particular problem
(performance wise with HD video, or for built in 3D), but for most purposes
Flash is the better choice. You don't have to decide immediately, though. Try
the free trial for Flash and then decide if its for you. Also, if employment is
a consideration for you, Flash work is probably a lot more common than Director
work because of the web.