Embedded videos turn into HTML5

[Thor_MN]

Embedded videos here on DU initially render normally, then turn into an HTML5 display. This is on a Firefox browser. I don't particularly like the HTML5 control as it doesn't display the info that the previous (Flash?) control does. As far as I know I haven't changed anything. I'm mostly annoyed that something switched a setting without my permission. Does anyone know how to make the HTML5 go away?

[edgineered]

1. Had the same problem recently.

Resetting Firefox to its default settings worked for me.
Click on the 'help' button, and select 'troubleshooting Information'.
In the tab that opens, click on the 'Reset Firefox' button.

If your menu bar is hidden, type 'about:support' in the address bar to get to the same place.

Good luck

[hunter]

2. I see that as a feature, not a problem.

I don't use Adobe products on my personal computers. If that makes certain sites unusable to me, or certain videos unplayable, that's the site's loss, not mine.

[Thor_MN]

3. I see it as the opposite.

I can watch some videos if I can click on them prior to whatever is hijacking the control. The HTML5 control seems to be buggy and lacking in features. If the HTML5 controls weren't so crappy I would not mind, as I hate how pushy Adobe is with their products.

A lot of it is about winding up with something I didn't ask for. If I had been offered a choice, I may have switched and been fine with it. A program or update that makes changes I didn't request... I'm not going to be too happy with that.

[hunter]

4. On DU there are two embedded video providers -- Google and Vimeo.

I'm not going to figure out the code, but I'm guessing it's their servers deciding to serve up HTML5 rather than flash.

I don't have flash installed. The only embedded videos I'll see the "Install Adobe Flash plugin" message for here on DU are for highly commercial pop music and mass media television posts that will be tracked, that will try to leave a bunch of Flash cookies on my machine.

Since I tend to avoid mass media and consumer society in general (I have no cable or satellite television and I don't watch broadcast television) this "Flash Only" requirement tells me it's some content I'd probably avoid anyways.

[Thor_MN]

5. For me, ALL videos initially render looking like the flash control, then switch to the ugly HTML5

as the page finishes loading. This does not happen on IE. Some videos will not play on the HTML5 and it gives no useful info as to why, just vague not found messages. HTML5 in my opinion, is not ready for prime time.


Thanks for trying, but obviously you are not going to have any answers as you don't want what I want.

[hunter]

6. Here, this might help...

http://www.youtube.com/html5

You can turn html5 off if it was somehow turned on along the way.

Sorry for being pedantic this morning.

You might also try going to Firefox Edit-Preferences-Applications and make sure Flash is the default video and flash player.