HTML5 introduces new native multimedia functionality that upgrades audio and video elements into first-class elements. Because they are native elements (as opposed to plug-ins), they can be styled with CSS, can be accessed via JavaScript, and will utilize the GPU.

In addition to being flexible, this functionality is also easy to use—in most cases it’s as easy as embedding an image in the page. HTML5 audio and HTML5 video have very similar implementation methods and very similar JavaScript APIs. Although most of this chapter presents hacks that utilize HTML5 video, take note that many of the same hacks can be performed with the audio element as well. The API for “play” on a video element is the same as the API for “play” on an audio element.