SlideShowPro News

09.04.08 | SlideShowPro for Flash AS3 (Final) now available

At long last, an ActionScript 3 (AS3) version of SlideShowPro for Flash is now available as part of the product download. This gives Flash CS3 users a choice of which version of the component to use in their projects.

While the above reads rather innocuous, the splintering of the component into two versions does present some challenges and (potential) confusion amongst users who don't know (and may not care about) the differences between AS2 and 3. I'll try to answer what I assume will be the most common questions both here and in the wiki. But until the wiki is updated, here are the broad strokes.

Only compatible with Flash CS3
Because AS3 was introduced in Flash CS3, only people who own that version of Flash will be able to use the AS3 version. Flash MX 2004 and Flash 8 users should continue using the AS2 version, which has been renamed / labeled so you know which version you have installed (and is in your FLAs).

Same functionality in both
We purposely avoided adding anything new or different to the AS3 version (functionality wise) to avoid any confusion between the two. So pretty much everything that's possible in one is the same in the other (with one exception, read on).

If they're the same, why use the AS3 version?
While the surface of both versions are the same, the underlying code is completely different. AS3 ushered in many enhancements and optimizations to the language that make it faster than ever. This includes everything from XML parsing to startup time to code execution. To coin a phrase, it's snappy. Plus it allows Flash developers to use the component directly inside their AS3 projects (instead of loading it as an external SWF, like before).

Do I use the AS3 version the same way as before?
Yes. Simply drag it to the Stage just like you've always done. That said, if you're comfortable with AS3, there's something unique to the AS3 version -- dynamic instantiation. You can now add an instance of SlideShowPro from the Library to your movie with ActionScript, so you don't have to add it to the Stage if you don't want to. More information can be found in the SlideShowPro AS3 help documentation in the Flash Help panel.

Can I install both versions of the extension?
If you are using Flash CS3, yes. They peacefully coexist in Extension Manager. That said, we do recommend uninstalling the current AS2 version you have and installing the updated AS2 MXP that's part of the updated download so that the version numbering / labeling reflects their differences to avoid any confusion.

Can I update an existing AS2 instance with an AS3 instance?
Yes. The updated builds for both extensions include an updated "SSP - Import Param XML" command that automatically converts any AS2 parameter values to their AS3 equivalents. So simply export your params, create a new AS3 FLA, add the AS3 version of SSP, and import. Your custom settings will be imported and reused.

I have a beta version installed. Should I uninstall it?
Yes. This final build includes some fixes that were found in the last public beta, so it's a new version.

Has the standalone version changed also?
Yes. The standalone version now uses the AS3 version, and has been recompiled as a single SWF ("slideshowpro.swf") to make embedding easier and less error prone.

Will SlideShowPro for Lightroom be updated to the AS3 version?
Not yet. Lightroom, the application itself, can only display a live preview of the gallery if the SWF is published using AS2. It's our intent to update SlideShowPro for Lightroom with the AS3 version as soon as we can, but until Adobe updates the app we'll have to wait.

And there you have it. If you have a question that wasn't addressed here, feel free to drop us a line.