DataPlayers- Frequently Asked Questions 

Answers to the most common questions

If you have questions about creating and publishing Flash DataPlayers, this is the place to start.

Installing & Testing Flash

Q: How can I make sure myself and others have the latest version of Flash?

A: Click on this link to determine your current Flash version, upgrade if necessary, and access your Settings Manager, which controls security and other aspects of Flash usage on your machine:

http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/about/

Scaling & Performance  

Q: How many records can I put into a DataPlayer?

A. There is no fixed upper limit on the number of records (rows) you may put into a DataPlayer. The limit depends on many factors specific to each data set. A data set with up to 5-10,000 records (rows) and 10 fields (columns) will normally load and perform well in a DataPlayer. Using larger data sets is possible, but even some smaller ones may not load (if the data set contains very long text values, for example) and some larger data sets could experience performance problems on slower machines. The best way to determine how a very large data set will display and perform on both publisher and user machines is to use the Omniscope 30-day free trial period to make large test DataPlayers using your data. For more information on scaling and performance of DataPlayer .SWF files, consult our Knowledge Base.

Q: Does it make a difference if a DataPlayer is embedded in a document or displayed on the web?

A: The main difference involves images. DataPlayers embedded in documents include only the thumbnail images used in a Tile or Table View. DataPlayers displayed on the web can also  use larger, higher-resolution images for display in the Details window.These images are uploaded to the web server along with the DataPlayer files. Zooming re-sizing images are not possible in DataPlayers. If you prefer Tile or Table views where the size of the images increases or decreases automatically as the user filters, you should consider also making the original Omniscope .IOK/.IOM working file available as a download for users.

(return to top)

Configuring DataPlayers  

Q: I created a DataPlayer and made some changes, but they were not saved?

A: The DataPlayer displayed in the DataPlayer View is only a preview of the DataPlayer .SWF file that will be created and exported. Changing the fields using the interactive drop-downs will not be remembered.  Only changes made under Views > {choice of View} > Edit Options will be remembered and applied when the file is re-opened or exported. Always check that your working file settings faithfully reproduce your DataPlayer before you save your working .IOK/.IOM file.

(return to top)

Adding and Managing Images  

Q: Can I display higher quality image(s) larger than the DataPlayer itself in the Details window?

A: No, you cannot display images larger than the dimensions of the DataPlayer itself, but you can use an external web page URL that includes the user-selected image reference from your data. Under Set up Details and Links, choose Use external web page for details.

Q: Why can't I show more, higher-quality images in DataPlayers embedded in documents?

A: It is not possible to put a separate folder of images into a document. If you would like larger, zooming images to be available when users filter, consider putting your data and images into printable (and portable) Omniscope .IOK files, instead of DataPlayers. Recipients of your files will need only the free Omniscope Viewer to fully experience your file, with zooming, re-sizable images etc.

Using maps (including Google Maps)  

Q: Can I capture coordinates for my data from your free maps?

A: Yes. Omniscope's  Map View Place Marker Mode allows you to add coordinates to your project data file manually. See the User Guide and Knowledge Base for more information

Web Page Display  

Q: What changes do we need to make on the web server display DataPlayers on our web sites?

A: Usually, none. DataPlayers are standard Flash .SWF files that can be added to any web page as easily as a picture.

Q: Can I embed .SWF DataPlayers inside another Flash .SWF?

A: Yes, but DataPlayer SWFs have an absolute positioning that makes it difficult to load into another .SWF. Unless you follow the procedure below, it will appear in the top left corner of the enclosing .SWF. To load a DataPlayer into another .SWF please do the following:

1. Create a movie clip named "parentClip" in the _root of the enclosing .SWF;
2. Call _root.parentClip.loadMovie("name of ff.swf");
3. Position _root.parentClip wherever you want it on the stage.

Branding and Advertising

Q: Is it possible to display our logos and client advertising in DataPlayers?

A: Yes, contact us. Flash animated DataPlayers are very flexible in this regard and can be adapted to a wide range of business models for content organisers, owners and providers.

(return to top)