LightUp Web Plugin

tfdesign

I'm just poking fun. But yes I'm in total agreement with you.

I too have also got to bite the LightUp bullet. LightUp is a truly great plugin- probably the best in its class imho.

tbd

let's wait for the WebGL version

Gaieus

Years can pass until all browsers will adapt WebGL (and everyone - or at least the majority of users) update to those browsers. There are still people with IE 6 nowadays!

Otherwise I completely agree. Best would be not to have to use plugins at all.

tfdesign

Yes. Agreed.

They're generally a PITA.

AdamB

Yes, WebGL will be some time away unfortunately. Just FYI, The rule of thumb for browser based content is you lose around 80% of your potential users the instant they see the need to download a plugin. So using WebGL or Flash 11 will be great - when it arrives.

Currently, we've got:

Safari - done
IE - working but unfinished
Firefox - just started

Based on the LightUp website stats, these 3 browsers cover the large majority of visitors to the site.

It is frustrating to have to produce 3 entirely different plugins like this but in the short/medium term its the only way to deliver.

While out here in San Fran, I've been talking with the Google guys about perhaps using a Native Client solution. This would work very nicely but again its just for Chrome / Webkit based browsers.

Lastly, if you have used the latest LightUp Player on OSX and Windows (http://www.light-up.co.uk/index.php?t=player), you'll see that you can embed a URL in the watermark in the corner. Clicking on this launches a browser to tht URL you've set and we plan on having the same functionality in the browser plugin.

Adam