Q&A about the End-of-Life for Adobe Flash Player

In brief,

1. What is flash?

Adobe Flash is a cross-browser software plugin that has been widely used for displaying rich digital media and web applications, including web distribution, interactive kiosks, and industrial touch panels.  Analog Way uses Adobe Flash for some versions of “web RCS” control software.

2. Why is Flash being discontinued?

The decision to end support for Flash was made by Adobe due to the diminished usage of the technology and the availability of newer solutions such as HTML5 that adhere to open standards.

3. When is Flash being shut down?

Adobe will fully end its support for Flash on December 31, 2020. Popular browsers have begun to alert users of this upcoming event. Currently, these browsers allow you to access Flash content on a case-by-case basis by manually approving it, but even that option is going to disappear by the end of 2020. Exactly when that will happen depends on the browser you’re using, as they’ve all announced different timeframes for removing Flash support, but if everything goes according to plan, any Flash content will be largely inaccessible by the end of 2020.

4. Which products are affected?

The user interface used to control the VIO 4K image processor as well as the entire LiveCore™ product line is based on Flash technology (Web RCS). This means these products are directly affected by the decision to end support for Flash. All the other Analog Way products don’t use the Flash technology at all and therefore are not affected by this change.

LiveCore Products:

Table Example
Reference Product Name
ASC1602 Ascender 16
ASC1602-4K Ascender 16 - 4K
ASC3204 Ascender 32
ASC3204-4K Ascender 32 - 4K
ASC3204-4K-PL Ascender 32 - 4K - PL
ASC4806 Ascender 48
ASC4806-4K Ascender 48 - 4K
ASC16LE-4K Ascender 16 LE - 4K
ASC32LE-4K Ascender 32 LE - 4K
ASC48LE-4K Ascender 48 LE - 4K
LOE016 LiveCore Output Expander 16
LOE016-4K LiveCore Output Expander 16 - 4K
LOE032 LiveCore Output Expander 32
LOE032-4K LiveCore Output Expander 32 - 4K
LOE032-4K-PL LiveCore Output Expander 32 - 4K - PL
LOE048 LiveCore Output Expander 48
LOE048-4K LiveCore Output Expander 48 - 4K
LOE048-4K-PL LiveCore Output Expander 48 - 4K - PL
SMX12 SmartMatrix Ultra
NXT0802 NeXtage 08
NXT0802-4K NeXtage 08 - 4K
NXT1604 NeXtage 16
NXT1604-4K NeXtage 16 - 4K

Vio4K :

Table Example
Reference Product Name
V701 VIO 4K

5. Doesn’t the Pulse2, QuickVu and other Midra devices use Adobe products?

The Midra products RCS utilizes Adobe AIR and not affected by the end of Flash support. AIR technology will continue to be supported after end of 2020 (but managed by HARMAN) https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2019/05/30/the-future-of-adobe-air.html

6. Does this mean the LiveCore series and the VIO 4K are no longer supported?

No, the VIO 4K and the LiveCore series are fully supported by Analog Way and will continue to be fully supported in the future.

7. So, what actions need to be taken?

If you are using the VIO 4K or any of the LiveCore™ live presentation switchers, Analog Way has specifically created a ‘custom browser’ to provide specific access to Analog Way devices based on Flash technology, and only these. This browser named AW Browser, is available both for Windows and Mac OS and can be downloaded directly on the Analog Way web site or using the download link below:

AW Browser

Once installed on your computer, you can use the AW Browser application to connect your VIO 4K or LiveCore processor as you previously did with popular web browsers.

If you are using any of the affected products but utilize the Vertige or Shotbox control panel, AW Toolbox application, or programmed control system such as Crestron, AMX, Extron, or others to control the device and do not require access to the Web RCS, no action is required to continue operation.  The device will continue to operate, as only the Web RCS GUI interface is affected.

8. Adobe says continuing to use Flash is a security risk.  Am I at risk if I continue to use the Analog Way products that utilize Flash with AW Browser?

These risks do not apply when using AW Browser as this is not a regular browser that allows you to browse the Internet. On the contrary, AW Browser rejects access to named URLs and restricts access to local IP addresses only. In addition, AW Browser systematically blocks pages that contain Flash modules except those developed, signed, and certified by Analog Way.

9. I have additional questions that aren’t on this list.  Where can I get further assistance?

Contact Analog Way technical support

Download AW Browser