Java 'movies'?

Is it possible to make intros useing Java, making mini 'movies'?

I'm talking something like this, but shorter:

http://lb.wnd.com/columbia.html

Or can you only do that with Flash?

 

I'm pretty sure that's only possible with Flash.

 

You could do a .gif animation.

 

You can make movies in Java. I've even seen people make entire 3D animations (with particle systems, physics, etc). But you'd have to program it all yourself.

 

I don't mind programming or building, I'm rather used to-even fond-of it.

As for .gif animations, can I do those for free?

 

As for free gif's you can go to downloads.com or any other freeware site and I'm sure you'll find a program or demo that is easy to use and makes gif's. if it is a "30 day free trial", just reinstall it after the 30 days. (keep the instalation file.) I use a program called Animation Shop which comes with Paint Shop Pro ($99), but a freeware program should work nearly as well.

As to gif file sizes being large... they can be, but with the right "programming" (setting frame delays, etc.), they can be reasonable. The major problem with gif's is that they are slow if they are too long, etc. by the way, I don't remember when if ever I have seen a java animation. If it ends up being flash (or shockwave, etc.) vs java, don't pick java.
Hope that helps.

 

One more thing to mention: if gif animations are NOT too long, etc. they work great, so if all you want is something like the link pointed to (the space shuttle) then a gif should work fine. as long as it is only a few frames (less than 20 [once the frames reach 50 there may be a slight problem on slower computers, and once they reach the 100's most computers, if not all, will have problems.]) there should be absolutely no problem playing it. To make it longer without adding more frames, set FRAME DELAYS for the frames you want to play longer. Also, as a bonus gif files can loop- replay continuously.
-djr33