I am trying to find a way to make a frame or text link "clickable" in
a downloaded .wmv file. To give an example, Quicktime allows you to
create a global HREF or an HREFTrack which enables a user to click on
a movie and have an http link load in a browser window. As well,
Quicktime supports javascript and flash which can link out.. Does this
same functionality exist in Windows Media Files? I am only interested
in .wmv files that are downloaded, not streamed.

So to reiterate, I am looking for a way to click on a downloaded .wmv
file and load a URL in a browser window. (or in the WMP main window if
it supports HTML).

Thank you,

Revilo123

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Request for Question Clarification by googleexpert-ga on 13 Jan 2005 19:34 PST

Hi revilo123-ga,
There does not seem to be way to make a text link "clickable" in a
downloaded .WMV file.
However, there is a way to have a .WMV file load a URL.

Is this what you are looking for?
Thanks.

-googleexpert

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Clarification of Question by revilo123-ga on 14 Jan 2005 12:40 PST

I am looking for a way to create a hyperlink that is clickable. It
could be just by clicking in the media window.. not necessarily a
"text link". Basically I am looking to put a frame in the movie that
says "Click here for more" and have it link into my website. I have
seen .asx streaming server commands that allow banner's etc. however I
am trying to create a downloadable file. I think it might be possible
with .asf files but I do not have a PC (mac only here) so I can not
verify it.

Thanks
Revilo

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Request for Question Clarification by googleexpert-ga on 14 Jan 2005 14:15 PST

Hi Revilo,
I think you should take a look at how URL Flips work at:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnwmt/html/wmp7_urlflips.asp

URL Flips work as I described before, basically loading a URL or webpage but 
thepage  loading can be in sync with the content
Again, there doesn't seem to be a way to create "links" in .WMV files but at 
least you can time it when the page should load.

Since you want to work with only downloaded files, you will need
the Windows Media File Editor.

Description of how to use Windows Media File Editor:
http://www.plattsburgh.edu/technology/it/help/streamingmedia/mediafileeditor.php

I can give you more information, but I would like to know if this is a
suitable alternative.
Thanks.

-googleexpert

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Clarification of Question by revilo123-ga on 14 Jan 2005 17:04 PST

You are definitely getting close. My real desire is to not initiate
the URL until a user clicks on it. For instance if the user clicks on
a frame. Basically I am trying to avoid making a "pop-up". I want the
user to want more information and click on it.

You are definitely on the right track. And I thank you for your work. 

Is there a way to maybe load a java script or flash that might provide
this interactivity?



Revilo.

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Clarification of Question by revilo123-ga on 14 Jan 2005 17:11 PST

In looking at the great links you provided, I am wondering if you can
not create a banner that has a url assigned in a movie. I know this is
possible for the streaming.. but I am not sure about the downloadable
one.
Revilo

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Request for Question Clarification by googleexpert-ga on 14 Jan 2005 22:04 PST

Hi Revilo,
In case you are not aware, you don't need a streaming server to stream.
In other words, you can upload your .WMV file to your server and
create an .ASX file
so that a banner is included.

Please read: "Advertising Solutions: Windows Media Player Interface"
for more information on how to include Ad banners
[URL: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/howto/articles/adsolutions.aspx]

Now about downloadable content where the user is viewing the .WMV/.ASF file
in a standalone player, It doesn't seem to be possible to add a banner.

Please let me know if that answers your question.

-googleexpert

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Clarification of Question by revilo123-ga on 16 Jan 2005 21:46 PST

Thank you for the work.. not the answer I wanted.. :-) but yes.. the
answer nonetheless.
Yu have answered the queation to my satisfaction.. I am not sure what
to do now.. how do I let Google know?

Keep your eyes peeled. Maybe there is a hack...

Thanks.
Revilo

Hi,
I did not find any solution that still uses .WMV Files...

However, I did find a .WMV to .MOV converter at:
http://www.riverpast.com/en/support/tutorials/convert/wmv/mov.php

It requires Video Cleaner [URL:
http://www.riverpast.com/download/videocleaner_setup.exe]
and MOV Booster Pack [URL:
http://download.riverpast.com/download/boosterpackmov_setup.exe]
These tools requires Windows to use.

There is also AsfTools which converts .ASF/.WMV to .AVI files
[URL: http://www.geocities.com/myasftools/]

One more tidbit,
RealMedia files ( .RM ) supports a type of HREFTrack, Hotspots, or 
Interactive Video Hyperlinks
[See: http://www.streamingmedia.com/tutorials/view.asp?tutorial_id=129]


I'll try to keep my eyes peeled for such a solution for you.
I'm thinking a future solution involves some VisualBasic code (MsgBox)
and some onClick events.

Please let me know if you have anymore questions.

Thanks

-googleexpert