Providing alternative images if Adobe Flash isn't available

Question

Are there any ways providing an alternate GIF/PNG image, in case the user has no Adobe Flash installed and/or deactivated. I’ve found recommendations, like the following from W3C, which determine via JavaScript the existence of Adobe Flash on the client: W3C Providing alternative images

Honestly, I would prefer a non JS technique. I’m thinking of some XHTML tag, equivalent to <noscript>. (like <noobject> if the object (in our case Flash) can’t be displayed/loaded).

The reason for needing this separation is the following: The bank I’m working for will preferably display their banners in Flash format. In case it isn’t possible a simple image should be shown. In the past it was solved very likely in the way mentioned before. We’re currently working on a design refresh and that’s where I stumbled upon this piece of code which makes me wonder if it’s really the most elegant and compatible way of doing so.

Another idea that strikes me: Is it actually possible to load Flash-objects in a JavaScript disabled environment?

Answer 1

Actually having flash installed but javascript turned off is a valid scenario. This should work across most browsers:

<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="800" height="600" id="flashContent">
  <param name="movie" value="flash.swf" />
  <!--[if !IE]>-->
    <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="flash.swf" width="800" height="600">
  <!--<![endif]-->
      <img src="(...)" alt="Put your alternate content here" />
  <!--[if !IE]>-->
    </object>
  <!--<![endif]-->
</object>