Home > Store

Special Edition Using Macromedia Director MX

Add To My Wish List

Special Edition Using Macromedia Director MX

By Gary Rosenzweig
Published Jun 13, 2003 by Que.

Book

Sorry, this book is no longer in print.

Not for Sale

Description

Sample Content

Updates

More Information

Description

Copyright 2003
Dimensions: 7-3/8" x 9-1/8"
Pages: 840
Edition: 1st

Book
ISBN-10: 0-7897-2903-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-2903-3

Special Edition Using Macromedia Director MX is a comprehensive guide to creating and publishing Director movies.

The book includes complete coverage of the newest version of Director, from advanced issues such as Lingo scripting and multi-user applications on how to employ the 3D API.

This edition includes more coverage of multi-user applications, using 3D media, efficient sprite editing with the context-sensitive Property Inspector, increased control of cast members through the Cast Manager, vector drawing tools that add illustration capability, and special imaging effects and transition behaviors to add pizzazz and drama to applications.



Sample Content

Online Sample Chapters

Writing Lingo Scripts

Writing Lingo Scripts for Macromedia Director MX

Introduction.

1. Using the Director Interface.

The Macromedia Director Metaphor. Exploring Windows and Panels. Understanding the Cast and Cast Members. Using the Stage. Using the Score. Working with Tool Panels. Setting Director Preferences. Getting Help. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

2. Working with Director Member Types.

Using Bitmaps. Using Text Members. Using Field Members. Importing Font Members. Importing and Using Sounds. Creating Shape Members. Creating Vector Members. Adding Flash Members. Importing Digital Video. Other Member Types. Adding New Cast Member Types with Xtras. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

3. Writing Lingo Scripts.

What Is Lingo? Creating Scripts. Understanding Lingo Elements. Navigation with Lingo. Understanding Messages and Behaviors. Writing Lingo Code. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

II. BUILDING DIRECTOR MOVIES.

4. Using Sprites and the Score.

Creating Animation. Sprite Placement Tools. Working with the Sprite Spans. Animation Techniques. Using Score Effects Channels. Controlling Sprite Appearance. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

5. Adding User Interaction.

Types of User Interface Elements. Mouse Input. Keyboard Input. Interface Elements. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

6. Controlling Sprites.

Changing the Sprite's Member. Controlling Sprite Location. Changing Ink, Color, and Blend. Distorting a Sprite's Shape. Other Sprite Properties. Mapping Sprites. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

7. Controlling Sound with Lingo.

Playing Sound Members. Using Cue Points. Playing External Sounds. Using Shockwave Audio. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

8. Controlling Flash Members.

Using Flash Member Lingo. Lingo and ActionScript Interaction. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

9. Controlling Digital Video with Lingo.

Using Video Commands. Building Video Controls. Using Other Video Techniques. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

10. Creating MIAWs and Controlling the Director Environment.

Using MIAWs. Creating Custom Dialog Boxes. Creating Oddly Shaped MIAWs. Other Uses for MIAWs. Using Linked Director Movies. Using MUI Xtra Dialog Boxes. Using Menus. Using Cursors. Learning About the Computer. Telling Time. Quitting and Shutting Down. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

III. ADVANCED PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS.

11. Understanding Variables, Operations, and Lists.

Using Number Variables. Using String Variables. Constants. Comparing Variables. Using List Variables. Symbols. Identifying Variables. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

12. Using Object-Oriented Programming and Behaviors.

Understanding Behaviors. Controlling a Single Sprite. Creating Simple Behaviors. Creating a Simple Button Behavior. Using Complete Behaviors. Building a Complete Button Behavior. Creating Animation Behaviors. Communicating Between Behaviors. Using Parent Scripts. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

13. Using Lingo to Alter Text Members.

Field Properties and Functions. Text Member Properties and Functions. Creating Text Lists. Creating Text Pop-Up Menus. Using Rich Text Format. Using HTML and Tables. Using HTML and Hypertext. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

14. Using Lingo to Create Images.

The Image Object. Drawing with Lingo. Examining Pixel Color. Manipulating Images. Images of Other Member Types. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

15. Using Lingo to Draw Vector Shapes.

Vector Shape Properties and Commands. Vector Shape Commands. Building Vectors with Lingo. Using Vectors for Collision Detection. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

IV. CREATING AND CONTROLLING 3D.

16. Creating 3D Models.

3D Basics. Importing Models. The Shockwave 3D Panel. Displaying a 3D Model on the Stage. Using ShapeShifter 3D. Creating Primitives with Lingo. Particle Systems. Modifying Primitive Models with Mesh Deform. Creating Complex Scenes. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

17. Controlling 3D Models.

Setting a Model's Position. Setting a Model's Orientation. Moving and Rotating Models. Scaling Models. Duplicating Models. Orienting Objects Using pointAt. Grouping Models. Controlling Animation. Bones and Joints. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

18. Implementing 3D User Interaction.

Click Tracking. Collision Detection. Havok Physics Engine. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

19. Modifying Shaders, Textures, and Lights.

Coloring Models. Applying Textures to Models. Understanding and Using Lights. TroubleShooting. Did You Know?

20. Controlling Camera and Rendering Effects.

Moving the Camera. Multiple Cameras. Camera Effects. Using Special Model Modifiers. Optimizing Shockwave 3D. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

V. EXTENDING DIRECTOR.

21. Reading and Writing Data Files.

FileIO Xtra Basics. Reading Files. Writing Files. Choosing Files. FileIO Utility Handlers. FileIO Commands. File-Related Lingo Properties. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

22. Programming Network Communication.

Controlling the Web Browser with Lingo. Getting Text over the Internet. Downloading Files. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

23. Adding Multiuser Communication.

Shockwave Multiuser Server. Setting Up the Multiuser Server. Using the Multiuser Behaviors. Learning Basic Multiuser Lingo. Creating Your Own Multiuser Application. Using Peer-To-Peer Connections. Using the Multiuser Database. Using User Data Protocol (UDP). Using Server-Side Lingo. Using the Flash Communication Server. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

24. Building Authoring Tools.

Type of Authoring Tools. Score Recording. Creating MIAW Xtras. Using Behavior Libraries. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

25. Addressing Accessibility Issues.

Understanding Accessibility. Building Accessible Movies. Using the Speech Xtra. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

26. Using Xtras.

What Are Xtras? Xtras Shipped with Director MX. Using Xtra Lingo. Using Xtras in Shockwave. Third-Party Xtras. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

VI. PRODUCTION PROCESS.

27 - Error Handling and Debugging.

Writing Good Code. Using Lingo Debugging Tools. Testing Your Code. Did You Know?

28. Creating Applications.

Creating a Standalone Projector. Stub Projectors. Building CD-ROMs and DVDs. Making Installers. Building Screensavers. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

29. Publishing Shockwave Movies.

Publish as Shockwave. Working with Shockwave HTML Tags. Troubleshooting. Did You Know?

30. Addressing Performance and Cross-Platform Issues.

The Importance of Performance. Designing for a Target Machine. Recognizing Issues Affecting Performance. Improving Performance. Optimizing Projector Performance. Optimizing Lingo Performance. Mac and Windows Cross-Platform Issues. Browser Cross-Platform Issues. The Cross-Platform Checklist. Did You Know?

VII. APPENDIXES.

Appendix A. What's on the CD-ROM.

Book Source Files. Bonus Chapters. Software Applications, Xtras, and Goodies.

Appendix B. Glossary.
Appendix C. Online Resources.

Top Resources. General Director Resources. Non-English Director Resources. Director-Related Mailing Lists. 3D-Related Resources. Major Xtra Developers and Distributors.

Appendix D. Lingo Index.
Index.



Updates

Submit Errata



More Information



InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Privacy Notice

Overview

Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information

To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information

Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security

Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children

This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing

Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information

If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out

Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information

Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents

California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure

Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

As required by law.
With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links

This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact

Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice

We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020

Email Address