Adobe had been steadily moving away from Flash, introducing their new HTML-based meeting client, delivering a faster, more modern and more accessible experience for customers. Now Adobe has released Adobe Connect version 10.6 which gives customers the ability to watch recording in the HTML client.
Adobe believes this feature will have a tremendously positive impact for customers, making it easier than ever to play back Adobe Connect recording. And although they have long included the ability to convert recordings to MP4 videos, HTML offers many benefits over a video version.
- HTML keeps the recordings interactive. Interactive recordings have always been unique to Adobe Connect. Someone watching a recording can still download a file in the file share pod, scroll through chat or Q&A, click on links, or make a share pod full screen. Quizzes and other interactive content created in authoring tools such Adobe Captivate and Presenter also retain their interactivity – enabling a learner to complete the quiz even if watching a recorded version of the the session.
- HTML is more accessible than video. While the MP4 videos created by Adobe Connect can be played on virtually any system using a media player, the reality is that they’re not accessible to applications such as screen readers. HTML recordings show the content in the same format that was used during the live meeting. That means that text is text and can be selected, copied, or exposed to a screen reader.
- HTML is faster. The new HTML recordings available in 10.6 are using the native Adobe Connect format. Unlike creating an MP4 version, there’s no waiting around. The HTML recording is made available immediately.
While we don’t think there are many scenarios where you wouldn’t want HTML recordings, Adobe Connect will respect the meeting options that you have set. If you’ve turned off the HTML client for a specific meeting – requiring the Adobe Connect application, then the recordings associated with that meeting will also open using the desktop application. Recordings associated with rooms that have the HTML client enabled, will open up using the new HTML recording viewer. If your recording is stored in Adobe Connect Central, the viewer will be given the option to use the desktop application or view in HTML.
