I'm creating a site with two containers - sidebar and content. I want to put a Flash video in my sidebar which continues playing uninterrupted even when the user clicks on a new menu option and displays new content. In the old days I would have used frames but I want something a little bit more sophisticated and guess this can be done using CSS. What is the best option to achieve this?
You can set the flash video to loop in the code but if they went to another page then it would start the video from the start again. You could try to use a html page within a html page, its similar to frames but really do you need the video to play constant? It can become quite annoying for the user if the video plays contineously, and if the video is quite long! Use the video with player options and give the user the freedom to stop, start and replay the video
I agree that the constant looping will potentially frustrate users but this is what the customer wants How can I put an html page within an html page, though?
I can't believe I'm about to say this. You have two options. One is to use frames, and the other is to use the OBJECT element (or an iFrame). I'd go with the OBJECT element if a Strict DOCTYPE is being used. Create your site's layout, but put the main content (including your menu) inside the OBJECT, and then let the rest of the layout flow from there. Basically, something like this: <h1>Header</h1> <object ... > </object> <div id="sidebar"> (Sidebar Content) </div> <div id="footer"> (Footer Content) </div> Code (markup): As for the object element, you can learn how to make it work cross-browser (without having to use an iFrame) here: http://www.456bereastreet.com/archive/200612/dump_iframes_and_use_object_elements_instead/
Thanks a lot, Dan. I'll try to persuade the customer not to go with the looping video but, if they do, I'll give your solution a whirl.