When we are just placing flash or similar objects with object parameter and embed src etc., we are surely keeping a link of source.. does google/other search engine consider as backlink ? example: youtube video embed code.
Hi, though I have no evidence for this, I think that any "link" is counted. no matter if embedded flash or a pure <img src="">, in my opinion they are recognized and do help. I have never done a split test but, honestly, I think they do as they´re bringing an additional info about the originality of the used source, which may be one of the parameters that are evaluated by SEs.