Similar to this question (that one doesn't want to use Flash, though, while I'd be fine with it):
Is there a reliable, works-in-most-browsers way to have a full-area Video background in an HTML page, the Video starting to play automatically and looping endlessly, and being able to put HTML elements on top of it transparently?
I'm fine with using a Flash video player.
"Most browsers" means, support for IE 6 would be perfect, but if it can't be done it can't be done. IE7 is a must, though, as are all the modern browsers Firefox 2.x and 3.x, and the Webkit family. Don't hesitate to also post solutions that have a more limited scope, though.
Ideally, it would automatically stretch to 100% document width anmd resize the video accordingly.
I'm open about which video format to use, although H.264 would be perfect.
Also ideally, this could be done with a minimalistic player component that works out of the box (i.e. doesn't require me having Flash to compile a movie). A simple volume control / mute button would be nice but is not mandatory.
Unlike in the question I linked to, waiting for HTML 5 is not an option.