Which Player API Should I Use?

Brightcove offers two player APIs for creating dynamic solutions for Video Cloud players:

• The Flash-Only Player API—The legacy Player API for creating JavaScript solutions and ActionScript plug-ins for Flash players only, with no support for HTML players
• The Smart Player API—The JavaScript API for creating solutions for Video Cloud players that work in both Flash and HTML mode

The decision tree below illustrates Brightcove's recommendation for when to use the Flash-only Player API, when to use the Smart Player API, and when to use a combination of both APIs, acccording to your approach and solution.

Resources by project approach

• To implement a hybrid solution, using a combination of supported elements of the Smart Player API along with elements from the Flash-Only JavaScript API that may not yet be supported by the Smart Player API, see Coding a Hybrid Solution Using Both Player APIs.
• To update your existing code for Flash-only players to the Smart Player API code, see Refactoring your Flash-Only Player Code to Smart Player Code.
• To create new solutions that work for players both in HTML and Flash using the Smart Player API, get started with these resources:
  • Using the Smart Player API provides an overview of this API for smart players and details the currently supported features.
  • The Smart Player API Reference lists the methods and events available for coding solutions supported for players in both Flash and HTML mode.
  • Preparing the Player for the Smart Player API gives step-by-step instructions for accessing player components in your solution.
  • Dynamically Loading Videos using the Smart Player API offers a sample of a typical Smart Player API solution.