VideoLAN Wiki - User contributions [en]

Windows

2010-04-26T09:03:41Z

Mcicogni: /* Frequently Asked Questions */

The '''Windows port''' of VLC usually starts up with the [[Qt]] interface which is used in the [[Linux]] one as well. The user can decide to use the [[Skins]] interface instead to be able to modify the interface according to his or her mood.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==
There are some user-maintained FAQs (as distinct from the official VLC FAQ that may be found [http://www.videolan.org/support/faq.html here]):
* [[WindowsFAQ-1.0.x|Version 1.0 and newer]]
* [[WindowsFAQ-0.9.x|Version 0.9.x]]
* [[WindowsFAQ-0.8.x|Version 0.8.x]]

==Keyboard shortcuts in the Windows (directx) video output==
:''See also: [[QtHotkeys]]''

Note: these shortcuts are only default settings and can be customized (along with many others). To tweak hotkeys settings, go to Settings->Preferences->Interface->Hotkeys settings

{| class="wikitable"
| F
| Fullscreen
|-
| Space
| Play/Pause
|-
| T
| Show position (time)
|-
| S
| Stop
|-
| Ctrl+Q
| Quit
|-
| +/-
| Faster/Slower
|-
| N/P
| Next/Previous
|-
| Shift+Left/Shift+Right
| Jump very short
|-
| Alt+Left/Alt+Right
| Jump short
|-
| Ctrl+Left/Ctrl+Right
| Jump medium
|-
| Ctrl+Alt+Left/Ctrl+Alt+Right
| Jump long
|-
| Ctrl+Up/Ctrl+Down
| Volume up/down
|-
| M
| Mute
|-
| Ctrl+M
| Show DVD-menu
|-
| Left/Right<br/>Up/Down<br/>Enter
| DVD-menu navigation keys
|}

==How to store streaming station presets==

To use VLC as a streaming client, store your station presets under the Media Library on the Playlist panel (''not'' the bookmarks and ''not'' the actual playlist itself).
#Open the playlist panel (Ctrl-L or click on the Playlist button).
#Click on the Plus button at the bottom of the panel. (A dropdown menu will appear.)
#Select "Advanced Open" from the dropdown menu. (A new panel, named Open Media, will appear.)
#Select the "Networking" tab on the Open Media panel.
#Enter the full URL of the streaming station in the Address field. e.g. http://mystation.org:8000/mystream.ogg
#Click the Enqueue button at the bottom of the panel.

==How to associate media files to VLC==

This should be done through the VLC settings interface, choose "Tools | Preferences " and then click on the "File Associations" button.
Select any file extension that you wish to open with VLC, then click "Apply". This should change all media files icons to the VLC cone, and double-clicking any of them should open VLC and immediately start playing the media.

If this seems to have no effect on the UI, and/or double-clicking the file icon does not start VLC, check that you have correctly set Windows preferences through "Start | Default Programs" (on Vista; see the relevant item on Windows XP or newer Windows OS; possibly this is not applicable to Windows 2000).
In that UI click on "Set default programs", select the "VLC media player" item and check the description (it will usually say "All default settings for this program are active"). Then choose your own course of actions by either clicking on "Set this program as default" or "Choose default settings for this program".

Other ways to achieve the same effects are as follows (not really recommended).

===Use Windows Explorer's context menu===

#In Windows Explorer, ''right''-click a file you wish to open.
#Click "Open With" in the context menu that pops up.
#Click "VLC media player" to use VLC just this once, or click "Default program..."
#Click the name of the program (VLC) which you want to be used to open the file.
#*If VLC is not displayed, click Browse to locate it on your hard drive.

Alternatively:
#In Windows Explorer, ''right''-click the file you want to open with VLC.
#Click Properties in the context menu that pops up.
#On the General tab, click Change.
#Click the name of the program (VLC) which you want to be used to open the file.

Either of these options affects all files that have the same filename extension (the letters after the filename's period) as the file you selected. For example, if you change the program that opens ''goober.avi'', then all ''.avi'' files will be opened with VLC.

===Rerun the installer===
#Reinstall VLC and choose the "associate files" option when it comes up. ''Please note'' that on Vista and newer OSes this will not cure the "Windows Media Player won't go away" symptom, and you should go the "Set default program" route instead, as described above.

===Edit the registry===
'''''Warning''''': this instruction set is outdated and should ''not'' be used. Direct registry editing should be avoided anyway unless you're desperate and you really ''really'' know what you're doing.

'''Warning''': use this technique only if you really know what you are doing! And be sure to back-up your registry first.

#Open a text editor, like Notepad (but not WordPad).
#Copy this text below.
#Modify the strings ''C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe'' to match your VLC installation.
#Save as ''vlc.reg''.
#Execute ''vlc.reg'' (adding this data to your registry).
#Enjoy VLC :)

Text to copy:
<pre>
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ASF]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ASX]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.AVI]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.DIVX]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.MPEG]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.MPG]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.VOB]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.WMV]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile]
@="VLC File"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\DefaultIcon]
@="C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe,0"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\shell\Open]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\shell\Open\command]
@="C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe \"%L\""
</pre>

'''Note''': This associates ''asf'', ''asx'', ''avi'', ''divx'', ''mpeg'', ''mpg'', ''vob'' and ''wmv'' files. If you get the idea, you can associate any file you want.

==How To Start VLC Server with http Interface==
VLC ships with a little HTTP server integrated. It is used both to stream using HTTP, and for the HTTP remote control interface.

===VLC Server Preferences Settings===
1. Set up the http interface details in the VLC server application. Open VLC then select Settings > Preferences. Click on the Advanced Settings button in the lower right hand corner of the dialog box to see all the options that are available.

2. In the left hand window click on the + button next to Interface. This will display three choices. Control interfaces, Hotkeys settings, and Main Interfaces. Click on the plus button next to Main interfaces. This will display four settings HTTP, RC, Skins, wxWidgets. Click on HTTP to dispaly the "HTTP remote control interface settings".

3. Host address: Enter the port number that you want to use. Default is 8080.

4. Source directory: c:\Program Files\VideoLan\VLC\http\ or enter the path where you have elected to install the application.

5. Character set: UTF-8 default

6. If you are NOT using handlers or SSL certificates the setup is complete.

7. Click on the Save button in the lower left hand corner.

8. Remember to edit the .hosts file in the vlc/http directory, will only allow localhost, edit to enable other hosts.

===Command Line Startup===

The VLC appplication can be run in a server or client environment. For complicated
video and audio streaming on a LAN, one should consider dedicating a machine to act
as the VLC server.

To start the VLC application in a server mode with the http interface automatically
set, use the following command line in your desktop shortcut. This assumes the default
location for installation was selected.

<nowiki>"C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe" --extraintf http --intf wx</nowiki>

===Testing the Interface===

From another computer, connect to the VLC server computer using your browser to the URL

<nowiki>http://server_ip_address:8080, such as http://192.168.0.186:8080</nowiki>

The Main VLC Interface page will be displayed,

See [[Web_Interface]] for additional information

==VLC Plugin for Internet Explorer==

This section will provide guidelines to incorporate the VLC ActiveX plugin to be used to view streaming audio and video from a VLC server.

How to embed the ActiveX Plugin in a Web Page: [[ActiveX/HTML]]

Supported ActiveX Function Calls: [[ActiveX]]

==VLC Plugin for Firefox (Mozilla)==
The Mozilla plugin
(Excerpted from the [[Documentation:Play_HowTo/Advanced_Use_of_VLC#The_Mozilla_plugin|VLC User Guide]])

'''Install'''

There are at least two ways to install the VLC Mozilla Plugin. One way is to to check the "Install Firefox Plugin" when you install VLC.

If the standard exe installation does not install the mozilla plugin directory then download zip version which includes the required data and continue with the next installation (2nd way of installing of the plugin)

The second way involves several steps:

1. Quit Firefox or Mozilla

2. Copy the two files in VLC_Installation_folder\mozilla (usually C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\mozilla) to your mozilla plugins directory (Usually C:\Program Files\Mozilla\plugins or C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\plugins).

3. Restart Firefox or Mozilla

'''Use the plugin'''

If you open a link to a video file handled by the VLC plugin (To get the list of handled types, browse to about:plugins) or a page with an embedded video, the plugin should open and read the video.

'''Build HTML pages that use the plugin (VLC version > 0.8.5)'''

Check the [[Documentation:WebPlugin|WebPlugin]] documentation for information on the Javascript API. It's substantially changed since v0.8.5.

'''Build HTML pages that use the plugin (VLC version up to 0.8.5)'''

Additionally to viewing video on all pages, you can build custom pages that will use the advanced features of the plugin, using Javascript functions to control playback or extract information from the plugin.

The vlc plugin for Firefox/Mozilla supports the following function calls:

play() : Start playing media in the plugin.
pause() : Pause playback.
stop() : Stop media playback.
fullscreen() : Switch the video to full screen.
set_volume(vol) : Set the volume. vol has to be an int in the 0-200 range.
get_volume() : Get the current volume setting.
mute() : Toggle volume muting.
set_int_variable(var_name, value) :
set_bool_variable(var_name, value) :
set_str_variable(var_name, value) :
get_int_variable(var_name) :
get_bool_variable(var_name) :
get_str_variable(var_name) :
clear_playlist() : Clear the playlist.
add_item(mrl>) : Append an item whose location is given by the Media Resource Locator to the playlist.
next()
previous()
isplaying() : return true if the plugin is playing something.
get_length() : Get the media's length in seconds.
get_position() : Get the current position in the media in percent.
get_time() : Get the current position in the media in seconds.
seek(seconds,is_relative) : If is_relative is true, seek relatively to current time, else seek from beginning of the stream. Seek time is specified in seconds.

Here are a few examples of HTML pages that use the Mozilla plugin.
Example 1

In this example, the plugin will read an HTTP stream inside the web page. If the user goes fullscreen, he will have to press f or escape to go back in normal view.

<pre>
<html>
<head><title>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin</title></head>

<body>

<h1>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin - Example 2</h1>

<embed type="application/x-vlc-plugin"
name="video2"
autoplay="no" loop="no" hidden="yes"
target="udp:@239.255.12.42" />
<br />
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.play()'>Play video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.stop()'>Stop video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.fullscreen()'>Fullscreen</a>

</body>
</html>
</pre>

More example code, as well as a working implementation using Javascript, XHTML, and PHP that auto-detects browsers (the code is good, but the stream doesn't work) can be found at http://altair.videolan.org/~dionoea/vlc-plugin-demo/

<h1>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin - Example 2</h1>

<pre>
<embed type="application/x-vlc-plugin"
name="video2"
autoplay="no" loop="no" hidden="yes"
target="udp:@239.255.12.42" />
<br />
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.play()'>Play video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.stop()'>Stop video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.fullscreen()'>Fullscreen</a>
</pre>

More example code, as well as a working implementation using Javascript, XHTML, and PHP that auto-detects browsers (the code is good, but the stream doesn't work) can be found at http://altair.videolan.org/~dionoea/vlc-plugin-demo/

== Related article ==
* [[Common Problems]]
* [[VLC command-line help]]
* [[VLCSout]] how to create a DVD

[[Category:Operating systems]]

Windows

2010-04-26T09:03:24Z

Mcicogni: Insert FAQ link

The '''Windows port''' of VLC usually starts up with the [[Qt]] interface which is used in the [[Linux]] one as well. The user can decide to use the [[Skins]] interface instead to be able to modify the interface according to his or her mood.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==
There are some user-maintained FAQs (as distinct from the official VLC FAQ that may be found [http://www.videolan.org/support/faq.html here):
* [[WindowsFAQ-1.0.x|Version 1.0 and newer]]
* [[WindowsFAQ-0.9.x|Version 0.9.x]]
* [[WindowsFAQ-0.8.x|Version 0.8.x]]

==Keyboard shortcuts in the Windows (directx) video output==
:''See also: [[QtHotkeys]]''

Note: these shortcuts are only default settings and can be customized (along with many others). To tweak hotkeys settings, go to Settings->Preferences->Interface->Hotkeys settings

{| class="wikitable"
| F
| Fullscreen
|-
| Space
| Play/Pause
|-
| T
| Show position (time)
|-
| S
| Stop
|-
| Ctrl+Q
| Quit
|-
| +/-
| Faster/Slower
|-
| N/P
| Next/Previous
|-
| Shift+Left/Shift+Right
| Jump very short
|-
| Alt+Left/Alt+Right
| Jump short
|-
| Ctrl+Left/Ctrl+Right
| Jump medium
|-
| Ctrl+Alt+Left/Ctrl+Alt+Right
| Jump long
|-
| Ctrl+Up/Ctrl+Down
| Volume up/down
|-
| M
| Mute
|-
| Ctrl+M
| Show DVD-menu
|-
| Left/Right<br/>Up/Down<br/>Enter
| DVD-menu navigation keys
|}

==How to store streaming station presets==

To use VLC as a streaming client, store your station presets under the Media Library on the Playlist panel (''not'' the bookmarks and ''not'' the actual playlist itself).
#Open the playlist panel (Ctrl-L or click on the Playlist button).
#Click on the Plus button at the bottom of the panel. (A dropdown menu will appear.)
#Select "Advanced Open" from the dropdown menu. (A new panel, named Open Media, will appear.)
#Select the "Networking" tab on the Open Media panel.
#Enter the full URL of the streaming station in the Address field. e.g. http://mystation.org:8000/mystream.ogg
#Click the Enqueue button at the bottom of the panel.

==How to associate media files to VLC==

This should be done through the VLC settings interface, choose "Tools | Preferences " and then click on the "File Associations" button.
Select any file extension that you wish to open with VLC, then click "Apply". This should change all media files icons to the VLC cone, and double-clicking any of them should open VLC and immediately start playing the media.

If this seems to have no effect on the UI, and/or double-clicking the file icon does not start VLC, check that you have correctly set Windows preferences through "Start | Default Programs" (on Vista; see the relevant item on Windows XP or newer Windows OS; possibly this is not applicable to Windows 2000).
In that UI click on "Set default programs", select the "VLC media player" item and check the description (it will usually say "All default settings for this program are active"). Then choose your own course of actions by either clicking on "Set this program as default" or "Choose default settings for this program".

Other ways to achieve the same effects are as follows (not really recommended).

===Use Windows Explorer's context menu===

#In Windows Explorer, ''right''-click a file you wish to open.
#Click "Open With" in the context menu that pops up.
#Click "VLC media player" to use VLC just this once, or click "Default program..."
#Click the name of the program (VLC) which you want to be used to open the file.
#*If VLC is not displayed, click Browse to locate it on your hard drive.

Alternatively:
#In Windows Explorer, ''right''-click the file you want to open with VLC.
#Click Properties in the context menu that pops up.
#On the General tab, click Change.
#Click the name of the program (VLC) which you want to be used to open the file.

Either of these options affects all files that have the same filename extension (the letters after the filename's period) as the file you selected. For example, if you change the program that opens ''goober.avi'', then all ''.avi'' files will be opened with VLC.

===Rerun the installer===
#Reinstall VLC and choose the "associate files" option when it comes up. ''Please note'' that on Vista and newer OSes this will not cure the "Windows Media Player won't go away" symptom, and you should go the "Set default program" route instead, as described above.

===Edit the registry===
'''''Warning''''': this instruction set is outdated and should ''not'' be used. Direct registry editing should be avoided anyway unless you're desperate and you really ''really'' know what you're doing.

'''Warning''': use this technique only if you really know what you are doing! And be sure to back-up your registry first.

#Open a text editor, like Notepad (but not WordPad).
#Copy this text below.
#Modify the strings ''C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe'' to match your VLC installation.
#Save as ''vlc.reg''.
#Execute ''vlc.reg'' (adding this data to your registry).
#Enjoy VLC :)

Text to copy:
<pre>
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ASF]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ASX]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.AVI]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.DIVX]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.MPEG]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.MPG]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.VOB]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.WMV]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile]
@="VLC File"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\DefaultIcon]
@="C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe,0"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\shell\Open]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\shell\Open\command]
@="C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe \"%L\""
</pre>

'''Note''': This associates ''asf'', ''asx'', ''avi'', ''divx'', ''mpeg'', ''mpg'', ''vob'' and ''wmv'' files. If you get the idea, you can associate any file you want.

==How To Start VLC Server with http Interface==
VLC ships with a little HTTP server integrated. It is used both to stream using HTTP, and for the HTTP remote control interface.

===VLC Server Preferences Settings===
1. Set up the http interface details in the VLC server application. Open VLC then select Settings > Preferences. Click on the Advanced Settings button in the lower right hand corner of the dialog box to see all the options that are available.

2. In the left hand window click on the + button next to Interface. This will display three choices. Control interfaces, Hotkeys settings, and Main Interfaces. Click on the plus button next to Main interfaces. This will display four settings HTTP, RC, Skins, wxWidgets. Click on HTTP to dispaly the "HTTP remote control interface settings".

3. Host address: Enter the port number that you want to use. Default is 8080.

4. Source directory: c:\Program Files\VideoLan\VLC\http\ or enter the path where you have elected to install the application.

5. Character set: UTF-8 default

6. If you are NOT using handlers or SSL certificates the setup is complete.

7. Click on the Save button in the lower left hand corner.

8. Remember to edit the .hosts file in the vlc/http directory, will only allow localhost, edit to enable other hosts.

===Command Line Startup===

The VLC appplication can be run in a server or client environment. For complicated
video and audio streaming on a LAN, one should consider dedicating a machine to act
as the VLC server.

To start the VLC application in a server mode with the http interface automatically
set, use the following command line in your desktop shortcut. This assumes the default
location for installation was selected.

<nowiki>"C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe" --extraintf http --intf wx</nowiki>

===Testing the Interface===

From another computer, connect to the VLC server computer using your browser to the URL

<nowiki>http://server_ip_address:8080, such as http://192.168.0.186:8080</nowiki>

The Main VLC Interface page will be displayed,

See [[Web_Interface]] for additional information

==VLC Plugin for Internet Explorer==

This section will provide guidelines to incorporate the VLC ActiveX plugin to be used to view streaming audio and video from a VLC server.

How to embed the ActiveX Plugin in a Web Page: [[ActiveX/HTML]]

Supported ActiveX Function Calls: [[ActiveX]]

==VLC Plugin for Firefox (Mozilla)==
The Mozilla plugin
(Excerpted from the [[Documentation:Play_HowTo/Advanced_Use_of_VLC#The_Mozilla_plugin|VLC User Guide]])

'''Install'''

There are at least two ways to install the VLC Mozilla Plugin. One way is to to check the "Install Firefox Plugin" when you install VLC.

If the standard exe installation does not install the mozilla plugin directory then download zip version which includes the required data and continue with the next installation (2nd way of installing of the plugin)

The second way involves several steps:

1. Quit Firefox or Mozilla

2. Copy the two files in VLC_Installation_folder\mozilla (usually C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\mozilla) to your mozilla plugins directory (Usually C:\Program Files\Mozilla\plugins or C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\plugins).

3. Restart Firefox or Mozilla

'''Use the plugin'''

If you open a link to a video file handled by the VLC plugin (To get the list of handled types, browse to about:plugins) or a page with an embedded video, the plugin should open and read the video.

'''Build HTML pages that use the plugin (VLC version > 0.8.5)'''

Check the [[Documentation:WebPlugin|WebPlugin]] documentation for information on the Javascript API. It's substantially changed since v0.8.5.

'''Build HTML pages that use the plugin (VLC version up to 0.8.5)'''

Additionally to viewing video on all pages, you can build custom pages that will use the advanced features of the plugin, using Javascript functions to control playback or extract information from the plugin.

The vlc plugin for Firefox/Mozilla supports the following function calls:

play() : Start playing media in the plugin.
pause() : Pause playback.
stop() : Stop media playback.
fullscreen() : Switch the video to full screen.
set_volume(vol) : Set the volume. vol has to be an int in the 0-200 range.
get_volume() : Get the current volume setting.
mute() : Toggle volume muting.
set_int_variable(var_name, value) :
set_bool_variable(var_name, value) :
set_str_variable(var_name, value) :
get_int_variable(var_name) :
get_bool_variable(var_name) :
get_str_variable(var_name) :
clear_playlist() : Clear the playlist.
add_item(mrl>) : Append an item whose location is given by the Media Resource Locator to the playlist.
next()
previous()
isplaying() : return true if the plugin is playing something.
get_length() : Get the media's length in seconds.
get_position() : Get the current position in the media in percent.
get_time() : Get the current position in the media in seconds.
seek(seconds,is_relative) : If is_relative is true, seek relatively to current time, else seek from beginning of the stream. Seek time is specified in seconds.

Here are a few examples of HTML pages that use the Mozilla plugin.
Example 1

In this example, the plugin will read an HTTP stream inside the web page. If the user goes fullscreen, he will have to press f or escape to go back in normal view.

<pre>
<html>
<head><title>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin</title></head>

<body>

<h1>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin - Example 2</h1>

<embed type="application/x-vlc-plugin"
name="video2"
autoplay="no" loop="no" hidden="yes"
target="udp:@239.255.12.42" />
<br />
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.play()'>Play video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.stop()'>Stop video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.fullscreen()'>Fullscreen</a>

</body>
</html>
</pre>

More example code, as well as a working implementation using Javascript, XHTML, and PHP that auto-detects browsers (the code is good, but the stream doesn't work) can be found at http://altair.videolan.org/~dionoea/vlc-plugin-demo/

<h1>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin - Example 2</h1>

<pre>
<embed type="application/x-vlc-plugin"
name="video2"
autoplay="no" loop="no" hidden="yes"
target="udp:@239.255.12.42" />
<br />
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.play()'>Play video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.stop()'>Stop video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.fullscreen()'>Fullscreen</a>
</pre>

More example code, as well as a working implementation using Javascript, XHTML, and PHP that auto-detects browsers (the code is good, but the stream doesn't work) can be found at http://altair.videolan.org/~dionoea/vlc-plugin-demo/

== Related article ==
* [[Common Problems]]
* [[VLC command-line help]]
* [[VLCSout]] how to create a DVD

[[Category:Operating systems]]

WindowsFAQ-1.0.x

2010-04-26T08:56:43Z

Mcicogni: /* General problems and issues */

This page contains list of common questions and problems (FAQ aka Frequently asked questions) that [[Windows]] users have about [[VLC media player]] 1.0.x
For 0.8.6 check [[WindowsFAQ-0.8.x]] amd for 0.9.x check [[WindowsFAQ-0.9.x]].

==Video output related questions and problems==
===Why does VLC only give black, white or garbled video output?===
Usually the problem lies in display adapter drivers. If you are too scared to update your display adapter drivers, you can change VLC settings to make video work. If you are using Windows XP or older the easiest fix is usually to disable '''Accelerated video output/Overlay video output''' which can be found first opening '''Tools -> Preferences...''' and then choosing '''Video'''. After you have unticked the Accelerated video output, press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/11a.png Image about Overlay video output setting]

If disabling Overlay video output doesn't help, then the next step is to change video output module. Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Video -> Output module'''. There are multiple output modules you can use. For Windows XP and younger you can try '''DirectX 3D''', '''DirectX''', '''OpenGL''' and '''Windows GDI''' video output modules. With Windows Vista DirectX and Windows GDI output modules will disable Aero so if you want to use Aero, please use DirectX 3D (should be default). Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/11b.png Image about video output modules setting]

===Video shows green, blue or red lines===
See above.

===How can I adjust brightness or contrast?===
You can adjust brightness, contrast and other settings via '''Extended settings'''. Open '''Tools -> Extend Settings...''' to adjust these settings ('''Video Effects -> Basic''' and tick '''Image adjust'''). Changes should show up realtime.

====How can I keep the brightness and contrast adjustments in memory forever?====
Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Video -> Filters -> Image Adjust''' and set values you want to use (trial and error).

====Can I set file specific brightness or contrast?====
Yes, but it isn't that easy. You have to create VLC shortcut or bat file with proper settings. More info can be found from [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=46202#p152964 this] thread

===How do I set the default deinterlace method?===
'''Tools -> Preferences...''' (Show settings: All) '''Video -> Filters''' and tick '''Deinterlacing''' video filter from under '''Video output filter module''' (NOT FROM UNDER Video filter module!). Then '''Video -> Filters -> Deinterlace''' and choose the default mode. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/4220/vlcdeinterlace01hc2.png] image showing the Video output filter module part

==Audio output related questions and problems==
===Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies===
If you hear some unwanted audio problems you can try another audio output module to see if that solves the issue. Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Audio -> Output module'''. There are multiple output modules you can use for audio. '''DirectX''' and '''Win32 waveOut''' should work in most cases. Unfortunately there isn't an ASIO support in VLC.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/10b.png Image about audio output modules setting]

===Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies with SPDIF passthrough===
SPDIF passthrough of Dolby Digital (AC3) and DTS audiotracks don't work with all soundcards. '''Win32 waveOut''' output module should work better with SPDIF.
===I don't hear dialog, conversations etc. while playing 5.1 audio===
Make sure you have select proper speaker setup from Windows audio settings or from soundcard control panel. If you have done so, make sure VLC also has right settings. '''Audio -> Audio Device''' to select proper speaker settings during playback.
===How do I adjust audio delay?===
During playback you can press '''k''' or '''j''' to adjust audio delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
===How can I play external audio track with video?===
'''Media -> Advanced Open File...''' and select the video file and after that tick '''Show more options''' and then '''Play another media synchronously...''' and select the audio file you want to use. Then when playing the video go to '''Audio -> Audio Track -> Track 2''' to select the second (or whichever it is) audio track (this so called Slave-mode doesn't work correctly).
===How do I change my output device in case I have multiple audio devices connected to my PC?===
Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and if you use DirectX, then '''Audio -> Output modules -> DirectX''' and '''Output device number'''. If you use Waveout, then '''Audio -> Output modules -> WaveOut''' and '''Select Audio Device'''.

==(Graphical) user interface related questions and problems==
===How can I separate playback controls from playback window?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video''' and untick '''Embedded video''' selection. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

===How can I make skinned interface my default interface?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces''' and from '''Interface module''' dropdown box select '''Skinnable Interface'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/20.png Image about Skinnable Interface setting]

===Can I jump to certain time?===
You can use '''--start-time''' from command line when you start VLC. There is also '''Playback -> Go to specific time...''' option in GUI.

===How can I change UI language?===
You can use '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface''' and select correct language from '''Language''' drop down list. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

Also you can use '''--language=''' from command line if you can't navigate with current language or you want to use batch files/scripts.
for example:
'''vlc --language=en''' to get English. Other options are auto, en, ar, pt_BR, en_GB, ca, zh_TW, cs, da, nl, fi, fr, gl, ka, de, he, hu, it, ja, ko, ms, oc, fa, pl, pt_PT, ro, ru, zh_CN, sr, sk, sl, es, sv, tr

===How can I disable fullscreen controller?===
You can use '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt''' and untick '''Show a controller in fullscreen mode''' option.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/25.png Image about fullscreen controller setting]

===Why doesn't the time slider show up?===
If you use WindowBlinds or similar custom skin engine, it usually breaks QT4 interface in VLC. So either disable that engine with VLC or change VLCs GUI to something else (like skins2).

===How can I disable showing of the filename when video starts?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video''' and untick '''Show media title on video'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

===How do I disable showing of the Privacy and Network Policies dialog during first VLC startup?===
Launch VLC with '''--no-qt-privacy-ask''' command-line option.

===How do I disable pop up track notification shown in system tray (systray)?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt''' then untick '''Show notification popup on track change'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

==Codec compatibility related questions and problems==
===How can I identify what codecs the file uses===
With VLC, Open the file you want and open '''Tools -> Codec Information...'''.
===VLC doesn't identify used codecs correctly or gives "undf" as codec or I want more information about specs===
There are multiple video and audio identification tools, but one very useful is tool called [http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/ Mediainfo].
===H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback is too slow===
You can speed up the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback by disabling loop filter for H.264 decoding. To do this go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Other codecs -> FFmpeg''' and in the drop-down box for '''Skip the loop filter for H.264 decoding''' change it to '''All'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===Problem with Real audio or Real video support===
Most Real audio or Real video should work with VLC 1.0.0, but if you have file that doesn't work then post thread to forums.
===Why can't VLC use CoreAVC, FFDshow, AC3filter, etc. codecs?===
VLC only uses build in codecs so it doesn't support VfW or DirectShow APIs for codecs.
====But you support [[DMO]] (Direct Media Object) module for WMV video and WMA audio====
WMV and WMA are exceptions to this external codec support.

==File and media format compatibility related questions and problems==
===Some DVD movies don't work at all or they crash/freeze to menu or playback===
If you open DVD with '''DVD''' selection, try with '''No DVD menus''' option (aka '''dvdsimple''').

Some new DVD movies use copy protection mechanisms that VLC doesn't support. It might help if you rip that movie to hard drive using tools like '''DVDFab Decrypter''' or '''AnyDVD''' and use VLC to playback these files from hard drive.

===DVD movies don't playback smooth (they stutter, lag, etc.)===
One thing that might help is increasing the VLC DVD cache. This can be done from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Access Modules -> DVD with menus''' (or '''DVD without menus''' if you use dvdsimple method for playback) and increase '''Caching value in MS''' value to for example to 5000 or to 20000. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

If DVD files from hard drive work better, then check that your DVD drive has DMA enabled (if it is a IDE/ATAPI DVD drive).
===Can I play DVD files (VOB+IFO) from hard drive?===
Yes you can. Use '''Media -> Open Disc...''' and instead of DVD drive, point the location to correct folder by using either '''Browse...''' button or customize field . For example: '''dvd://"c:\movies\BLOOD DIAMOND\VIDEO_TS"'''
===How do I handle the broken AVI files?===
Some AVI files may give '''The AVI file is broken. Seeking not work correctly.Do you want to try to repair(this might take a long time)''' dialog. Those AVI files have some issues and you can try to fix those file temporarily with VLC or permanently with other tools. If you don't fix those files, seeking won't work correctly and those files may also crash players.
====Can I always perform same repair action?====
Yes you can. This can be done from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Demuxers -> AVI''' and select the wanted action from '''Force index creation''' dropdown box. '''Ask''' is default (it will always ask what you want to do). '''Always fix''' tries to always fix AVI files and '''Never fix''' always starts the playback without fixing. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
====Can I fix those broken AVI files permanently?====
Yes. You can try for example [http://divfixpp.sourceforge.net DivFix++] or [http://www.virtualdub.org/ Virtualdub] for fixing. Virtualdub [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=45427&p=143688&hilit=virtualdub#p143688 help].
====Can I fix those broken or partially downloaded Matroska/MKV files too?====
Yes. You can try [http://meteorite.sourceforge.net Meteorite] for fixing.
===Some MP4 or 3GP files don't have audio at all===
If those files have AMR audio (usually ones from mobile phones) they won't work with current stable VLC versions.

==Subtitles related questions and problems==
===How do I adjust subtitle delay?===
During playback you can press '''h''' or '''g''' to adjust subtitle delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
===How can I select right subtitle track?===
If your video has multiple subtitle tracks, you can select the one you would like to see from '''Video -> Subtitles Track'''.
===Can I disable hardcoded or "burned" subtitles with VLC?===
No.
===Can I change font, font size, style or color?===
You can with text-based subtitle formats ([[Subtitles codecs]]). Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD -> Text renderer''' and adjust anything you want. '''Font size in pixels''' overrides '''Relative font size''' selection. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===How can I change subtitles text encoding?===
If you see wrong characters on screen or '''failed to convert subtitle encoding''' error message you should try to change '''Subtitles text encoding''' option which can be found from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Other codecs -> Subtitles'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===How can I select a Unicode font, so I can watch e.g. Chinese subtitles?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD''', then change the '''Text Rendering Module''' from '''Default''' to '''Freetype2 font renderer'''. After that go to '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD -> Text renderer''' and choose Unicode font (like '''ARIALUNI.TTF''') to Font (you cannot select fonts directly from %windir%\fonts by using Browse... because the default Windows explorer behavior doesn't allow it, but you can copy the font to another folder before selecting it or type location directly to Font field, like C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\ARIALUNI.TTF). Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

==General problems and issues==
===VLC crashes/freezes/BSODs my computer===
VLC doesn't do that. Normal apps shouldn't be able to cause issues like these to operating systems. Culprit is usually bad device driver (for example display adapter driver, soundcard driver, chipset driver, network adapter driver etc.) or broken hardware.
===How do I reset VLC settings?===
If you can start VLC, go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' and then press '''Reset Preferences''' and '''Save''' to reset and save VLC settings. Remember to restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

If you can't start VLC, go to '''%appdata%''' folder and delete '''vlc''' folder from there.
===VLC crashes on startup===
This usually happens because VLC setting files have been corrupted. Resetting VLC settings should fix this.
===I messed up my file associations or I want to modify them===
Please read [[Windows#How_to_associate_media_files_to_VLC|this documentation]].

===Can VLC burn CD, DVD, HD DVD or Blu-ray discs?===
No.
===Is VLC legal in all countries?===
Probably not. Specially DeCSS module might violate DMCA (and similar laws) and some codecs would require licenses for personal/commercial use. There haven't been any court cases related to VLC but specially companies should make sure they pay license fees to license holders if they use VLC commercially and use patented formats or codecs.

===Can I run multiple VLC instances?===
Yes you can. Read [[How_to_play_multiple_instances_of_VLC|this documentation]].

===Latest VLC (1.0.0) doesn't work with Windows Me/98/98se/95/NT===
This is by design. You need at least Windows 2000 to run latest VLC. For earlier Windows release, use VLC 0.8.6i
or check out [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=64425 this forum post ] for tips running latest VLC under Windows 98 or Windows Me.

===How can I make VLC to preview my eMule downloads?===
Check out [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=61826#p206451 this forum post ].

===How do I specify the folder where the recorded files (via red rec button) will be stored?===
'''Tools -> Preferences...''' and '''Input&codecs''' and '''Record directory or filename'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

----
This space is left blank to make anchoring work correctly.

WindowsFAQ-1.0.x

2010-04-26T08:50:42Z

Mcicogni: /* I messed up my file associations or I want to modify them */

This page contains list of common questions and problems (FAQ aka Frequently asked questions) that [[Windows]] users have about [[VLC media player]] 1.0.x
For 0.8.6 check [[WindowsFAQ-0.8.x]] amd for 0.9.x check [[WindowsFAQ-0.9.x]].

==Video output related questions and problems==
===Why does VLC only give black, white or garbled video output?===
Usually the problem lies in display adapter drivers. If you are too scared to update your display adapter drivers, you can change VLC settings to make video work. If you are using Windows XP or older the easiest fix is usually to disable '''Accelerated video output/Overlay video output''' which can be found first opening '''Tools -> Preferences...''' and then choosing '''Video'''. After you have unticked the Accelerated video output, press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/11a.png Image about Overlay video output setting]

If disabling Overlay video output doesn't help, then the next step is to change video output module. Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Video -> Output module'''. There are multiple output modules you can use. For Windows XP and younger you can try '''DirectX 3D''', '''DirectX''', '''OpenGL''' and '''Windows GDI''' video output modules. With Windows Vista DirectX and Windows GDI output modules will disable Aero so if you want to use Aero, please use DirectX 3D (should be default). Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/11b.png Image about video output modules setting]

===Video shows green, blue or red lines===
See above.

===How can I adjust brightness or contrast?===
You can adjust brightness, contrast and other settings via '''Extended settings'''. Open '''Tools -> Extend Settings...''' to adjust these settings ('''Video Effects -> Basic''' and tick '''Image adjust'''). Changes should show up realtime.

====How can I keep the brightness and contrast adjustments in memory forever?====
Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Video -> Filters -> Image Adjust''' and set values you want to use (trial and error).

====Can I set file specific brightness or contrast?====
Yes, but it isn't that easy. You have to create VLC shortcut or bat file with proper settings. More info can be found from [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=46202#p152964 this] thread

===How do I set the default deinterlace method?===
'''Tools -> Preferences...''' (Show settings: All) '''Video -> Filters''' and tick '''Deinterlacing''' video filter from under '''Video output filter module''' (NOT FROM UNDER Video filter module!). Then '''Video -> Filters -> Deinterlace''' and choose the default mode. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/4220/vlcdeinterlace01hc2.png] image showing the Video output filter module part

==Audio output related questions and problems==
===Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies===
If you hear some unwanted audio problems you can try another audio output module to see if that solves the issue. Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Audio -> Output module'''. There are multiple output modules you can use for audio. '''DirectX''' and '''Win32 waveOut''' should work in most cases. Unfortunately there isn't an ASIO support in VLC.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/10b.png Image about audio output modules setting]

===Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies with SPDIF passthrough===
SPDIF passthrough of Dolby Digital (AC3) and DTS audiotracks don't work with all soundcards. '''Win32 waveOut''' output module should work better with SPDIF.
===I don't hear dialog, conversations etc. while playing 5.1 audio===
Make sure you have select proper speaker setup from Windows audio settings or from soundcard control panel. If you have done so, make sure VLC also has right settings. '''Audio -> Audio Device''' to select proper speaker settings during playback.
===How do I adjust audio delay?===
During playback you can press '''k''' or '''j''' to adjust audio delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
===How can I play external audio track with video?===
'''Media -> Advanced Open File...''' and select the video file and after that tick '''Show more options''' and then '''Play another media synchronously...''' and select the audio file you want to use. Then when playing the video go to '''Audio -> Audio Track -> Track 2''' to select the second (or whichever it is) audio track (this so called Slave-mode doesn't work correctly).
===How do I change my output device in case I have multiple audio devices connected to my PC?===
Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and if you use DirectX, then '''Audio -> Output modules -> DirectX''' and '''Output device number'''. If you use Waveout, then '''Audio -> Output modules -> WaveOut''' and '''Select Audio Device'''.

==(Graphical) user interface related questions and problems==
===How can I separate playback controls from playback window?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video''' and untick '''Embedded video''' selection. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

===How can I make skinned interface my default interface?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces''' and from '''Interface module''' dropdown box select '''Skinnable Interface'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/20.png Image about Skinnable Interface setting]

===Can I jump to certain time?===
You can use '''--start-time''' from command line when you start VLC. There is also '''Playback -> Go to specific time...''' option in GUI.

===How can I change UI language?===
You can use '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface''' and select correct language from '''Language''' drop down list. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

Also you can use '''--language=''' from command line if you can't navigate with current language or you want to use batch files/scripts.
for example:
'''vlc --language=en''' to get English. Other options are auto, en, ar, pt_BR, en_GB, ca, zh_TW, cs, da, nl, fi, fr, gl, ka, de, he, hu, it, ja, ko, ms, oc, fa, pl, pt_PT, ro, ru, zh_CN, sr, sk, sl, es, sv, tr

===How can I disable fullscreen controller?===
You can use '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt''' and untick '''Show a controller in fullscreen mode''' option.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/25.png Image about fullscreen controller setting]

===Why doesn't the time slider show up?===
If you use WindowBlinds or similar custom skin engine, it usually breaks QT4 interface in VLC. So either disable that engine with VLC or change VLCs GUI to something else (like skins2).

===How can I disable showing of the filename when video starts?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video''' and untick '''Show media title on video'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

===How do I disable showing of the Privacy and Network Policies dialog during first VLC startup?===
Launch VLC with '''--no-qt-privacy-ask''' command-line option.

===How do I disable pop up track notification shown in system tray (systray)?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt''' then untick '''Show notification popup on track change'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

==Codec compatibility related questions and problems==
===How can I identify what codecs the file uses===
With VLC, Open the file you want and open '''Tools -> Codec Information...'''.
===VLC doesn't identify used codecs correctly or gives "undf" as codec or I want more information about specs===
There are multiple video and audio identification tools, but one very useful is tool called [http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/ Mediainfo].
===H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback is too slow===
You can speed up the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback by disabling loop filter for H.264 decoding. To do this go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Other codecs -> FFmpeg''' and in the drop-down box for '''Skip the loop filter for H.264 decoding''' change it to '''All'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===Problem with Real audio or Real video support===
Most Real audio or Real video should work with VLC 1.0.0, but if you have file that doesn't work then post thread to forums.
===Why can't VLC use CoreAVC, FFDshow, AC3filter, etc. codecs?===
VLC only uses build in codecs so it doesn't support VfW or DirectShow APIs for codecs.
====But you support [[DMO]] (Direct Media Object) module for WMV video and WMA audio====
WMV and WMA are exceptions to this external codec support.

==File and media format compatibility related questions and problems==
===Some DVD movies don't work at all or they crash/freeze to menu or playback===
If you open DVD with '''DVD''' selection, try with '''No DVD menus''' option (aka '''dvdsimple''').

Some new DVD movies use copy protection mechanisms that VLC doesn't support. It might help if you rip that movie to hard drive using tools like '''DVDFab Decrypter''' or '''AnyDVD''' and use VLC to playback these files from hard drive.

===DVD movies don't playback smooth (they stutter, lag, etc.)===
One thing that might help is increasing the VLC DVD cache. This can be done from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Access Modules -> DVD with menus''' (or '''DVD without menus''' if you use dvdsimple method for playback) and increase '''Caching value in MS''' value to for example to 5000 or to 20000. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

If DVD files from hard drive work better, then check that your DVD drive has DMA enabled (if it is a IDE/ATAPI DVD drive).
===Can I play DVD files (VOB+IFO) from hard drive?===
Yes you can. Use '''Media -> Open Disc...''' and instead of DVD drive, point the location to correct folder by using either '''Browse...''' button or customize field . For example: '''dvd://"c:\movies\BLOOD DIAMOND\VIDEO_TS"'''
===How do I handle the broken AVI files?===
Some AVI files may give '''The AVI file is broken. Seeking not work correctly.Do you want to try to repair(this might take a long time)''' dialog. Those AVI files have some issues and you can try to fix those file temporarily with VLC or permanently with other tools. If you don't fix those files, seeking won't work correctly and those files may also crash players.
====Can I always perform same repair action?====
Yes you can. This can be done from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Demuxers -> AVI''' and select the wanted action from '''Force index creation''' dropdown box. '''Ask''' is default (it will always ask what you want to do). '''Always fix''' tries to always fix AVI files and '''Never fix''' always starts the playback without fixing. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
====Can I fix those broken AVI files permanently?====
Yes. You can try for example [http://divfixpp.sourceforge.net DivFix++] or [http://www.virtualdub.org/ Virtualdub] for fixing. Virtualdub [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=45427&p=143688&hilit=virtualdub#p143688 help].
====Can I fix those broken or partially downloaded Matroska/MKV files too?====
Yes. You can try [http://meteorite.sourceforge.net Meteorite] for fixing.
===Some MP4 or 3GP files don't have audio at all===
If those files have AMR audio (usually ones from mobile phones) they won't work with current stable VLC versions.

==Subtitles related questions and problems==
===How do I adjust subtitle delay?===
During playback you can press '''h''' or '''g''' to adjust subtitle delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
===How can I select right subtitle track?===
If your video has multiple subtitle tracks, you can select the one you would like to see from '''Video -> Subtitles Track'''.
===Can I disable hardcoded or "burned" subtitles with VLC?===
No.
===Can I change font, font size, style or color?===
You can with text-based subtitle formats ([[Subtitles codecs]]). Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD -> Text renderer''' and adjust anything you want. '''Font size in pixels''' overrides '''Relative font size''' selection. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===How can I change subtitles text encoding?===
If you see wrong characters on screen or '''failed to convert subtitle encoding''' error message you should try to change '''Subtitles text encoding''' option which can be found from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Other codecs -> Subtitles'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===How can I select a Unicode font, so I can watch e.g. Chinese subtitles?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD''', then change the '''Text Rendering Module''' from '''Default''' to '''Freetype2 font renderer'''. After that go to '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD -> Text renderer''' and choose Unicode font (like '''ARIALUNI.TTF''') to Font (you cannot select fonts directly from %windir%\fonts by using Browse... because the default Windows explorer behavior doesn't allow it, but you can copy the font to another folder before selecting it or type location directly to Font field, like C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\ARIALUNI.TTF). Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

==General problems and issues==
===VLC crashes/freezes/BSODs my computer===
VLC doesn't do that. Normal apps shouldn't be able to cause issues like these to operating systems. Culprit is usually bad device driver (for example display adapter driver, soundcard driver, chipset driver, network adapter driver etc.) or broken hardware.
===How do I reset VLC settings?===
If you can start VLC, go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' and then press '''Reset Preferences''' and '''Save''' to reset and save VLC settings. Remember to restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

If you can't start VLC, go to '''%appdata%''' folder and delete '''vlc''' folder from there.
===VLC crashes on startup===
This usually happens because VLC setting files have been corrupted. Resetting VLC settings should fix this.
===I messed up my file associations or I want to modify them===
Please read [[How_to_associate_media_files_to_VLC|this documentation]].

===Can VLC burn CD, DVD, HD DVD or Blu-ray discs?===
No.
===Is VLC legal in all countries?===
Probably not. Specially DeCSS module might violate DMCA (and similar laws) and some codecs would require licenses for personal/commercial use. There haven't been any court cases related to VLC but specially companies should make sure they pay license fees to license holders if they use VLC commercially and use patented formats or codecs.

===Can I run multiple VLC instances?===
Yes you can. Read [[How_to_play_multiple_instances_of_VLC|this documentation]]

===Latest VLC (1.0.0) doesn't work with Windows Me/98/98se/95/NT===
This is by design. You need at least Windows 2000 to run latest VLC. For earlier Windows release, use VLC 0.8.6i
or check out http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=64425 for tips running latest VLC under Windows 98 or Windows Me.

===How can I make VLC to preview my eMule downloads?===
Check out [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=61826#p206451 this].

===How do I specify the folder where the recorded files (via red rec button) will be stored?===
'''Tools -> Preferences...''' and '''Input&codecs''' and '''Record directory or filename'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

----
This space is left blank to make anchoring work correctly.

WindowsFAQ-1.0.x

2010-04-26T08:50:01Z

Mcicogni: /* Can I run multiple VLC instances? */

This page contains list of common questions and problems (FAQ aka Frequently asked questions) that [[Windows]] users have about [[VLC media player]] 1.0.x
For 0.8.6 check [[WindowsFAQ-0.8.x]] amd for 0.9.x check [[WindowsFAQ-0.9.x]].

==Video output related questions and problems==
===Why does VLC only give black, white or garbled video output?===
Usually the problem lies in display adapter drivers. If you are too scared to update your display adapter drivers, you can change VLC settings to make video work. If you are using Windows XP or older the easiest fix is usually to disable '''Accelerated video output/Overlay video output''' which can be found first opening '''Tools -> Preferences...''' and then choosing '''Video'''. After you have unticked the Accelerated video output, press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/11a.png Image about Overlay video output setting]

If disabling Overlay video output doesn't help, then the next step is to change video output module. Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Video -> Output module'''. There are multiple output modules you can use. For Windows XP and younger you can try '''DirectX 3D''', '''DirectX''', '''OpenGL''' and '''Windows GDI''' video output modules. With Windows Vista DirectX and Windows GDI output modules will disable Aero so if you want to use Aero, please use DirectX 3D (should be default). Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/11b.png Image about video output modules setting]

===Video shows green, blue or red lines===
See above.

===How can I adjust brightness or contrast?===
You can adjust brightness, contrast and other settings via '''Extended settings'''. Open '''Tools -> Extend Settings...''' to adjust these settings ('''Video Effects -> Basic''' and tick '''Image adjust'''). Changes should show up realtime.

====How can I keep the brightness and contrast adjustments in memory forever?====
Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Video -> Filters -> Image Adjust''' and set values you want to use (trial and error).

====Can I set file specific brightness or contrast?====
Yes, but it isn't that easy. You have to create VLC shortcut or bat file with proper settings. More info can be found from [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=46202#p152964 this] thread

===How do I set the default deinterlace method?===
'''Tools -> Preferences...''' (Show settings: All) '''Video -> Filters''' and tick '''Deinterlacing''' video filter from under '''Video output filter module''' (NOT FROM UNDER Video filter module!). Then '''Video -> Filters -> Deinterlace''' and choose the default mode. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/4220/vlcdeinterlace01hc2.png] image showing the Video output filter module part

==Audio output related questions and problems==
===Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies===
If you hear some unwanted audio problems you can try another audio output module to see if that solves the issue. Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Audio -> Output module'''. There are multiple output modules you can use for audio. '''DirectX''' and '''Win32 waveOut''' should work in most cases. Unfortunately there isn't an ASIO support in VLC.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/10b.png Image about audio output modules setting]

===Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies with SPDIF passthrough===
SPDIF passthrough of Dolby Digital (AC3) and DTS audiotracks don't work with all soundcards. '''Win32 waveOut''' output module should work better with SPDIF.
===I don't hear dialog, conversations etc. while playing 5.1 audio===
Make sure you have select proper speaker setup from Windows audio settings or from soundcard control panel. If you have done so, make sure VLC also has right settings. '''Audio -> Audio Device''' to select proper speaker settings during playback.
===How do I adjust audio delay?===
During playback you can press '''k''' or '''j''' to adjust audio delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
===How can I play external audio track with video?===
'''Media -> Advanced Open File...''' and select the video file and after that tick '''Show more options''' and then '''Play another media synchronously...''' and select the audio file you want to use. Then when playing the video go to '''Audio -> Audio Track -> Track 2''' to select the second (or whichever it is) audio track (this so called Slave-mode doesn't work correctly).
===How do I change my output device in case I have multiple audio devices connected to my PC?===
Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and if you use DirectX, then '''Audio -> Output modules -> DirectX''' and '''Output device number'''. If you use Waveout, then '''Audio -> Output modules -> WaveOut''' and '''Select Audio Device'''.

==(Graphical) user interface related questions and problems==
===How can I separate playback controls from playback window?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video''' and untick '''Embedded video''' selection. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

===How can I make skinned interface my default interface?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces''' and from '''Interface module''' dropdown box select '''Skinnable Interface'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/20.png Image about Skinnable Interface setting]

===Can I jump to certain time?===
You can use '''--start-time''' from command line when you start VLC. There is also '''Playback -> Go to specific time...''' option in GUI.

===How can I change UI language?===
You can use '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface''' and select correct language from '''Language''' drop down list. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

Also you can use '''--language=''' from command line if you can't navigate with current language or you want to use batch files/scripts.
for example:
'''vlc --language=en''' to get English. Other options are auto, en, ar, pt_BR, en_GB, ca, zh_TW, cs, da, nl, fi, fr, gl, ka, de, he, hu, it, ja, ko, ms, oc, fa, pl, pt_PT, ro, ru, zh_CN, sr, sk, sl, es, sv, tr

===How can I disable fullscreen controller?===
You can use '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt''' and untick '''Show a controller in fullscreen mode''' option.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/25.png Image about fullscreen controller setting]

===Why doesn't the time slider show up?===
If you use WindowBlinds or similar custom skin engine, it usually breaks QT4 interface in VLC. So either disable that engine with VLC or change VLCs GUI to something else (like skins2).

===How can I disable showing of the filename when video starts?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video''' and untick '''Show media title on video'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

===How do I disable showing of the Privacy and Network Policies dialog during first VLC startup?===
Launch VLC with '''--no-qt-privacy-ask''' command-line option.

===How do I disable pop up track notification shown in system tray (systray)?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt''' then untick '''Show notification popup on track change'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

==Codec compatibility related questions and problems==
===How can I identify what codecs the file uses===
With VLC, Open the file you want and open '''Tools -> Codec Information...'''.
===VLC doesn't identify used codecs correctly or gives "undf" as codec or I want more information about specs===
There are multiple video and audio identification tools, but one very useful is tool called [http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/ Mediainfo].
===H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback is too slow===
You can speed up the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback by disabling loop filter for H.264 decoding. To do this go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Other codecs -> FFmpeg''' and in the drop-down box for '''Skip the loop filter for H.264 decoding''' change it to '''All'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===Problem with Real audio or Real video support===
Most Real audio or Real video should work with VLC 1.0.0, but if you have file that doesn't work then post thread to forums.
===Why can't VLC use CoreAVC, FFDshow, AC3filter, etc. codecs?===
VLC only uses build in codecs so it doesn't support VfW or DirectShow APIs for codecs.
====But you support [[DMO]] (Direct Media Object) module for WMV video and WMA audio====
WMV and WMA are exceptions to this external codec support.

==File and media format compatibility related questions and problems==
===Some DVD movies don't work at all or they crash/freeze to menu or playback===
If you open DVD with '''DVD''' selection, try with '''No DVD menus''' option (aka '''dvdsimple''').

Some new DVD movies use copy protection mechanisms that VLC doesn't support. It might help if you rip that movie to hard drive using tools like '''DVDFab Decrypter''' or '''AnyDVD''' and use VLC to playback these files from hard drive.

===DVD movies don't playback smooth (they stutter, lag, etc.)===
One thing that might help is increasing the VLC DVD cache. This can be done from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Access Modules -> DVD with menus''' (or '''DVD without menus''' if you use dvdsimple method for playback) and increase '''Caching value in MS''' value to for example to 5000 or to 20000. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

If DVD files from hard drive work better, then check that your DVD drive has DMA enabled (if it is a IDE/ATAPI DVD drive).
===Can I play DVD files (VOB+IFO) from hard drive?===
Yes you can. Use '''Media -> Open Disc...''' and instead of DVD drive, point the location to correct folder by using either '''Browse...''' button or customize field . For example: '''dvd://"c:\movies\BLOOD DIAMOND\VIDEO_TS"'''
===How do I handle the broken AVI files?===
Some AVI files may give '''The AVI file is broken. Seeking not work correctly.Do you want to try to repair(this might take a long time)''' dialog. Those AVI files have some issues and you can try to fix those file temporarily with VLC or permanently with other tools. If you don't fix those files, seeking won't work correctly and those files may also crash players.
====Can I always perform same repair action?====
Yes you can. This can be done from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Demuxers -> AVI''' and select the wanted action from '''Force index creation''' dropdown box. '''Ask''' is default (it will always ask what you want to do). '''Always fix''' tries to always fix AVI files and '''Never fix''' always starts the playback without fixing. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
====Can I fix those broken AVI files permanently?====
Yes. You can try for example [http://divfixpp.sourceforge.net DivFix++] or [http://www.virtualdub.org/ Virtualdub] for fixing. Virtualdub [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=45427&p=143688&hilit=virtualdub#p143688 help].
====Can I fix those broken or partially downloaded Matroska/MKV files too?====
Yes. You can try [http://meteorite.sourceforge.net Meteorite] for fixing.
===Some MP4 or 3GP files don't have audio at all===
If those files have AMR audio (usually ones from mobile phones) they won't work with current stable VLC versions.

==Subtitles related questions and problems==
===How do I adjust subtitle delay?===
During playback you can press '''h''' or '''g''' to adjust subtitle delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
===How can I select right subtitle track?===
If your video has multiple subtitle tracks, you can select the one you would like to see from '''Video -> Subtitles Track'''.
===Can I disable hardcoded or "burned" subtitles with VLC?===
No.
===Can I change font, font size, style or color?===
You can with text-based subtitle formats ([[Subtitles codecs]]). Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD -> Text renderer''' and adjust anything you want. '''Font size in pixels''' overrides '''Relative font size''' selection. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===How can I change subtitles text encoding?===
If you see wrong characters on screen or '''failed to convert subtitle encoding''' error message you should try to change '''Subtitles text encoding''' option which can be found from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Other codecs -> Subtitles'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===How can I select a Unicode font, so I can watch e.g. Chinese subtitles?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD''', then change the '''Text Rendering Module''' from '''Default''' to '''Freetype2 font renderer'''. After that go to '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD -> Text renderer''' and choose Unicode font (like '''ARIALUNI.TTF''') to Font (you cannot select fonts directly from %windir%\fonts by using Browse... because the default Windows explorer behavior doesn't allow it, but you can copy the font to another folder before selecting it or type location directly to Font field, like C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\ARIALUNI.TTF). Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

==General problems and issues==
===VLC crashes/freezes/BSODs my computer===
VLC doesn't do that. Normal apps shouldn't be able to cause issues like these to operating systems. Culprit is usually bad device driver (for example display adapter driver, soundcard driver, chipset driver, network adapter driver etc.) or broken hardware.
===How do I reset VLC settings?===
If you can start VLC, go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' and then press '''Reset Preferences''' and '''Save''' to reset and save VLC settings. Remember to restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

If you can't start VLC, go to '''%appdata%''' folder and delete '''vlc''' folder from there.
===VLC crashes on startup===
This usually happens because VLC setting files have been corrupted. Resetting VLC settings should fix this.
===I messed up my file associations or I want to modify them===
Please read [http://wiki.videolan.org/Windows#How_to_associate_media_files_to_VLC this documentation].

===Can VLC burn CD, DVD, HD DVD or Blu-ray discs?===
No.
===Is VLC legal in all countries?===
Probably not. Specially DeCSS module might violate DMCA (and similar laws) and some codecs would require licenses for personal/commercial use. There haven't been any court cases related to VLC but specially companies should make sure they pay license fees to license holders if they use VLC commercially and use patented formats or codecs.

===Can I run multiple VLC instances?===
Yes you can. Read [[How_to_play_multiple_instances_of_VLC|this documentation]]

===Latest VLC (1.0.0) doesn't work with Windows Me/98/98se/95/NT===
This is by design. You need at least Windows 2000 to run latest VLC. For earlier Windows release, use VLC 0.8.6i
or check out http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=64425 for tips running latest VLC under Windows 98 or Windows Me.

===How can I make VLC to preview my eMule downloads?===
Check out [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=61826#p206451 this].

===How do I specify the folder where the recorded files (via red rec button) will be stored?===
'''Tools -> Preferences...''' and '''Input&codecs''' and '''Record directory or filename'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

----
This space is left blank to make anchoring work correctly.

WindowsFAQ-1.0.x

2010-04-26T08:49:20Z

Mcicogni: /* I messed up my file associations or I want to modify them */

This page contains list of common questions and problems (FAQ aka Frequently asked questions) that [[Windows]] users have about [[VLC media player]] 1.0.x
For 0.8.6 check [[WindowsFAQ-0.8.x]] amd for 0.9.x check [[WindowsFAQ-0.9.x]].

==Video output related questions and problems==
===Why does VLC only give black, white or garbled video output?===
Usually the problem lies in display adapter drivers. If you are too scared to update your display adapter drivers, you can change VLC settings to make video work. If you are using Windows XP or older the easiest fix is usually to disable '''Accelerated video output/Overlay video output''' which can be found first opening '''Tools -> Preferences...''' and then choosing '''Video'''. After you have unticked the Accelerated video output, press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/11a.png Image about Overlay video output setting]

If disabling Overlay video output doesn't help, then the next step is to change video output module. Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Video -> Output module'''. There are multiple output modules you can use. For Windows XP and younger you can try '''DirectX 3D''', '''DirectX''', '''OpenGL''' and '''Windows GDI''' video output modules. With Windows Vista DirectX and Windows GDI output modules will disable Aero so if you want to use Aero, please use DirectX 3D (should be default). Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/11b.png Image about video output modules setting]

===Video shows green, blue or red lines===
See above.

===How can I adjust brightness or contrast?===
You can adjust brightness, contrast and other settings via '''Extended settings'''. Open '''Tools -> Extend Settings...''' to adjust these settings ('''Video Effects -> Basic''' and tick '''Image adjust'''). Changes should show up realtime.

====How can I keep the brightness and contrast adjustments in memory forever?====
Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Video -> Filters -> Image Adjust''' and set values you want to use (trial and error).

====Can I set file specific brightness or contrast?====
Yes, but it isn't that easy. You have to create VLC shortcut or bat file with proper settings. More info can be found from [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=46202#p152964 this] thread

===How do I set the default deinterlace method?===
'''Tools -> Preferences...''' (Show settings: All) '''Video -> Filters''' and tick '''Deinterlacing''' video filter from under '''Video output filter module''' (NOT FROM UNDER Video filter module!). Then '''Video -> Filters -> Deinterlace''' and choose the default mode. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/4220/vlcdeinterlace01hc2.png] image showing the Video output filter module part

==Audio output related questions and problems==
===Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies===
If you hear some unwanted audio problems you can try another audio output module to see if that solves the issue. Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing '''Audio -> Output module'''. There are multiple output modules you can use for audio. '''DirectX''' and '''Win32 waveOut''' should work in most cases. Unfortunately there isn't an ASIO support in VLC.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/10b.png Image about audio output modules setting]

===Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies with SPDIF passthrough===
SPDIF passthrough of Dolby Digital (AC3) and DTS audiotracks don't work with all soundcards. '''Win32 waveOut''' output module should work better with SPDIF.
===I don't hear dialog, conversations etc. while playing 5.1 audio===
Make sure you have select proper speaker setup from Windows audio settings or from soundcard control panel. If you have done so, make sure VLC also has right settings. '''Audio -> Audio Device''' to select proper speaker settings during playback.
===How do I adjust audio delay?===
During playback you can press '''k''' or '''j''' to adjust audio delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
===How can I play external audio track with video?===
'''Media -> Advanced Open File...''' and select the video file and after that tick '''Show more options''' and then '''Play another media synchronously...''' and select the audio file you want to use. Then when playing the video go to '''Audio -> Audio Track -> Track 2''' to select the second (or whichever it is) audio track (this so called Slave-mode doesn't work correctly).
===How do I change my output device in case I have multiple audio devices connected to my PC?===
Open '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and if you use DirectX, then '''Audio -> Output modules -> DirectX''' and '''Output device number'''. If you use Waveout, then '''Audio -> Output modules -> WaveOut''' and '''Select Audio Device'''.

==(Graphical) user interface related questions and problems==
===How can I separate playback controls from playback window?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video''' and untick '''Embedded video''' selection. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

===How can I make skinned interface my default interface?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces''' and from '''Interface module''' dropdown box select '''Skinnable Interface'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/20.png Image about Skinnable Interface setting]

===Can I jump to certain time?===
You can use '''--start-time''' from command line when you start VLC. There is also '''Playback -> Go to specific time...''' option in GUI.

===How can I change UI language?===
You can use '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface''' and select correct language from '''Language''' drop down list. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

Also you can use '''--language=''' from command line if you can't navigate with current language or you want to use batch files/scripts.
for example:
'''vlc --language=en''' to get English. Other options are auto, en, ar, pt_BR, en_GB, ca, zh_TW, cs, da, nl, fi, fr, gl, ka, de, he, hu, it, ja, ko, ms, oc, fa, pl, pt_PT, ro, ru, zh_CN, sr, sk, sl, es, sv, tr

===How can I disable fullscreen controller?===
You can use '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt''' and untick '''Show a controller in fullscreen mode''' option.
[http://koti.mbnet.fi/raiska/tutorials/vlc092/25.png Image about fullscreen controller setting]

===Why doesn't the time slider show up?===
If you use WindowBlinds or similar custom skin engine, it usually breaks QT4 interface in VLC. So either disable that engine with VLC or change VLCs GUI to something else (like skins2).

===How can I disable showing of the filename when video starts?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video''' and untick '''Show media title on video'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

===How do I disable showing of the Privacy and Network Policies dialog during first VLC startup?===
Launch VLC with '''--no-qt-privacy-ask''' command-line option.

===How do I disable pop up track notification shown in system tray (systray)?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt''' then untick '''Show notification popup on track change'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

==Codec compatibility related questions and problems==
===How can I identify what codecs the file uses===
With VLC, Open the file you want and open '''Tools -> Codec Information...'''.
===VLC doesn't identify used codecs correctly or gives "undf" as codec or I want more information about specs===
There are multiple video and audio identification tools, but one very useful is tool called [http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/ Mediainfo].
===H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback is too slow===
You can speed up the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC playback by disabling loop filter for H.264 decoding. To do this go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Other codecs -> FFmpeg''' and in the drop-down box for '''Skip the loop filter for H.264 decoding''' change it to '''All'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===Problem with Real audio or Real video support===
Most Real audio or Real video should work with VLC 1.0.0, but if you have file that doesn't work then post thread to forums.
===Why can't VLC use CoreAVC, FFDshow, AC3filter, etc. codecs?===
VLC only uses build in codecs so it doesn't support VfW or DirectShow APIs for codecs.
====But you support [[DMO]] (Direct Media Object) module for WMV video and WMA audio====
WMV and WMA are exceptions to this external codec support.

==File and media format compatibility related questions and problems==
===Some DVD movies don't work at all or they crash/freeze to menu or playback===
If you open DVD with '''DVD''' selection, try with '''No DVD menus''' option (aka '''dvdsimple''').

Some new DVD movies use copy protection mechanisms that VLC doesn't support. It might help if you rip that movie to hard drive using tools like '''DVDFab Decrypter''' or '''AnyDVD''' and use VLC to playback these files from hard drive.

===DVD movies don't playback smooth (they stutter, lag, etc.)===
One thing that might help is increasing the VLC DVD cache. This can be done from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Access Modules -> DVD with menus''' (or '''DVD without menus''' if you use dvdsimple method for playback) and increase '''Caching value in MS''' value to for example to 5000 or to 20000. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

If DVD files from hard drive work better, then check that your DVD drive has DMA enabled (if it is a IDE/ATAPI DVD drive).
===Can I play DVD files (VOB+IFO) from hard drive?===
Yes you can. Use '''Media -> Open Disc...''' and instead of DVD drive, point the location to correct folder by using either '''Browse...''' button or customize field . For example: '''dvd://"c:\movies\BLOOD DIAMOND\VIDEO_TS"'''
===How do I handle the broken AVI files?===
Some AVI files may give '''The AVI file is broken. Seeking not work correctly.Do you want to try to repair(this might take a long time)''' dialog. Those AVI files have some issues and you can try to fix those file temporarily with VLC or permanently with other tools. If you don't fix those files, seeking won't work correctly and those files may also crash players.
====Can I always perform same repair action?====
Yes you can. This can be done from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Demuxers -> AVI''' and select the wanted action from '''Force index creation''' dropdown box. '''Ask''' is default (it will always ask what you want to do). '''Always fix''' tries to always fix AVI files and '''Never fix''' always starts the playback without fixing. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
====Can I fix those broken AVI files permanently?====
Yes. You can try for example [http://divfixpp.sourceforge.net DivFix++] or [http://www.virtualdub.org/ Virtualdub] for fixing. Virtualdub [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=45427&p=143688&hilit=virtualdub#p143688 help].
====Can I fix those broken or partially downloaded Matroska/MKV files too?====
Yes. You can try [http://meteorite.sourceforge.net Meteorite] for fixing.
===Some MP4 or 3GP files don't have audio at all===
If those files have AMR audio (usually ones from mobile phones) they won't work with current stable VLC versions.

==Subtitles related questions and problems==
===How do I adjust subtitle delay?===
During playback you can press '''h''' or '''g''' to adjust subtitle delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
===How can I select right subtitle track?===
If your video has multiple subtitle tracks, you can select the one you would like to see from '''Video -> Subtitles Track'''.
===Can I disable hardcoded or "burned" subtitles with VLC?===
No.
===Can I change font, font size, style or color?===
You can with text-based subtitle formats ([[Subtitles codecs]]). Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD -> Text renderer''' and adjust anything you want. '''Font size in pixels''' overrides '''Relative font size''' selection. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===How can I change subtitles text encoding?===
If you see wrong characters on screen or '''failed to convert subtitle encoding''' error message you should try to change '''Subtitles text encoding''' option which can be found from '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Input / Codecs -> Other codecs -> Subtitles'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.
===How can I select a Unicode font, so I can watch e.g. Chinese subtitles?===
Go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' (set Show Settings to All) and '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD''', then change the '''Text Rendering Module''' from '''Default''' to '''Freetype2 font renderer'''. After that go to '''Video -> Subtitles/OSD -> Text renderer''' and choose Unicode font (like '''ARIALUNI.TTF''') to Font (you cannot select fonts directly from %windir%\fonts by using Browse... because the default Windows explorer behavior doesn't allow it, but you can copy the font to another folder before selecting it or type location directly to Font field, like C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\ARIALUNI.TTF). Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

==General problems and issues==
===VLC crashes/freezes/BSODs my computer===
VLC doesn't do that. Normal apps shouldn't be able to cause issues like these to operating systems. Culprit is usually bad device driver (for example display adapter driver, soundcard driver, chipset driver, network adapter driver etc.) or broken hardware.
===How do I reset VLC settings?===
If you can start VLC, go to '''Tools -> Preferences...''' and then press '''Reset Preferences''' and '''Save''' to reset and save VLC settings. Remember to restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

If you can't start VLC, go to '''%appdata%''' folder and delete '''vlc''' folder from there.
===VLC crashes on startup===
This usually happens because VLC setting files have been corrupted. Resetting VLC settings should fix this.
===I messed up my file associations or I want to modify them===
Please read [http://wiki.videolan.org/Windows#How_to_associate_media_files_to_VLC this documentation].

===Can VLC burn CD, DVD, HD DVD or Blu-ray discs?===
No.
===Is VLC legal in all countries?===
Probably not. Specially DeCSS module might violate DMCA (and similar laws) and some codecs would require licenses for personal/commercial use. There haven't been any court cases related to VLC but specially companies should make sure they pay license fees to license holders if they use VLC commercially and use patented formats or codecs.

===Can I run multiple VLC instances?===
Yes you can. [[How_to_play_multiple_instances_of_VLC]]

===Latest VLC (1.0.0) doesn't work with Windows Me/98/98se/95/NT===
This is by design. You need at least Windows 2000 to run latest VLC. For earlier Windows release, use VLC 0.8.6i
or check out http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=64425 for tips running latest VLC under Windows 98 or Windows Me.

===How can I make VLC to preview my eMule downloads?===
Check out [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=61826#p206451 this].

===How do I specify the folder where the recorded files (via red rec button) will be stored?===
'''Tools -> Preferences...''' and '''Input&codecs''' and '''Record directory or filename'''. Remember to press '''Save''' to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled.

----
This space is left blank to make anchoring work correctly.

Windows

2010-04-26T08:45:29Z

Mcicogni: /* How to associate media files to VLC */ Vista update

The '''Windows port''' of VLC usually starts up with the [[Qt]] interface which is used in the [[Linux]] one as well. The user can decide to use the [[Skins]] interface instead to be able to modify the interface according to his or her mood.

==Keyboard shortcuts in the Windows (directx) video output==
:''See also: [[QtHotkeys]]''

Note: these shortcuts are only default settings and can be customized (along with many others). To tweak hotkeys settings, go to Settings->Preferences->Interface->Hotkeys settings

{| class="wikitable"
| F
| Fullscreen
|-
| Space
| Play/Pause
|-
| T
| Show position (time)
|-
| S
| Stop
|-
| Ctrl+Q
| Quit
|-
| +/-
| Faster/Slower
|-
| N/P
| Next/Previous
|-
| Shift+Left/Shift+Right
| Jump very short
|-
| Alt+Left/Alt+Right
| Jump short
|-
| Ctrl+Left/Ctrl+Right
| Jump medium
|-
| Ctrl+Alt+Left/Ctrl+Alt+Right
| Jump long
|-
| Ctrl+Up/Ctrl+Down
| Volume up/down
|-
| M
| Mute
|-
| Ctrl+M
| Show DVD-menu
|-
| Left/Right<br/>Up/Down<br/>Enter
| DVD-menu navigation keys
|}

==How to store streaming station presets==

To use VLC as a streaming client, store your station presets under the Media Library on the Playlist panel (''not'' the bookmarks and ''not'' the actual playlist itself).
#Open the playlist panel (Ctrl-L or click on the Playlist button).
#Click on the Plus button at the bottom of the panel. (A dropdown menu will appear.)
#Select "Advanced Open" from the dropdown menu. (A new panel, named Open Media, will appear.)
#Select the "Networking" tab on the Open Media panel.
#Enter the full URL of the streaming station in the Address field. e.g. http://mystation.org:8000/mystream.ogg
#Click the Enqueue button at the bottom of the panel.

==How to associate media files to VLC==

This should be done through the VLC settings interface, choose "Tools | Preferences " and then click on the "File Associations" button.
Select any file extension that you wish to open with VLC, then click "Apply". This should change all media files icons to the VLC cone, and double-clicking any of them should open VLC and immediately start playing the media.

If this seems to have no effect on the UI, and/or double-clicking the file icon does not start VLC, check that you have correctly set Windows preferences through "Start | Default Programs" (on Vista; see the relevant item on Windows XP or newer Windows OS; possibly this is not applicable to Windows 2000).
In that UI click on "Set default programs", select the "VLC media player" item and check the description (it will usually say "All default settings for this program are active"). Then choose your own course of actions by either clicking on "Set this program as default" or "Choose default settings for this program".

Other ways to achieve the same effects are as follows (not really recommended).

===Use Windows Explorer's context menu===

#In Windows Explorer, ''right''-click a file you wish to open.
#Click "Open With" in the context menu that pops up.
#Click "VLC media player" to use VLC just this once, or click "Default program..."
#Click the name of the program (VLC) which you want to be used to open the file.
#*If VLC is not displayed, click Browse to locate it on your hard drive.

Alternatively:
#In Windows Explorer, ''right''-click the file you want to open with VLC.
#Click Properties in the context menu that pops up.
#On the General tab, click Change.
#Click the name of the program (VLC) which you want to be used to open the file.

Either of these options affects all files that have the same filename extension (the letters after the filename's period) as the file you selected. For example, if you change the program that opens ''goober.avi'', then all ''.avi'' files will be opened with VLC.

===Rerun the installer===
#Reinstall VLC and choose the "associate files" option when it comes up. ''Please note'' that on Vista and newer OSes this will not cure the "Windows Media Player won't go away" symptom, and you should go the "Set default program" route instead, as described above.

===Edit the registry===
'''''Warning''''': this instruction set is outdated and should ''not'' be used. Direct registry editing should be avoided anyway unless you're desperate and you really ''really'' know what you're doing.

'''Warning''': use this technique only if you really know what you are doing! And be sure to back-up your registry first.

#Open a text editor, like Notepad (but not WordPad).
#Copy this text below.
#Modify the strings ''C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe'' to match your VLC installation.
#Save as ''vlc.reg''.
#Execute ''vlc.reg'' (adding this data to your registry).
#Enjoy VLC :)

Text to copy:
<pre>
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ASF]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ASX]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.AVI]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.DIVX]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.MPEG]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.MPG]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.VOB]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.WMV]
@="VlcFile"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile]
@="VLC File"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\DefaultIcon]
@="C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe,0"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\shell\Open]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VlcFile\shell\Open\command]
@="C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC\\vlc.exe \"%L\""
</pre>

'''Note''': This associates ''asf'', ''asx'', ''avi'', ''divx'', ''mpeg'', ''mpg'', ''vob'' and ''wmv'' files. If you get the idea, you can associate any file you want.

==How To Start VLC Server with http Interface==
VLC ships with a little HTTP server integrated. It is used both to stream using HTTP, and for the HTTP remote control interface.

===VLC Server Preferences Settings===
1. Set up the http interface details in the VLC server application. Open VLC then select Settings > Preferences. Click on the Advanced Settings button in the lower right hand corner of the dialog box to see all the options that are available.

2. In the left hand window click on the + button next to Interface. This will display three choices. Control interfaces, Hotkeys settings, and Main Interfaces. Click on the plus button next to Main interfaces. This will display four settings HTTP, RC, Skins, wxWidgets. Click on HTTP to dispaly the "HTTP remote control interface settings".

3. Host address: Enter the port number that you want to use. Default is 8080.

4. Source directory: c:\Program Files\VideoLan\VLC\http\ or enter the path where you have elected to install the application.

5. Character set: UTF-8 default

6. If you are NOT using handlers or SSL certificates the setup is complete.

7. Click on the Save button in the lower left hand corner.

8. Remember to edit the .hosts file in the vlc/http directory, will only allow localhost, edit to enable other hosts.

===Command Line Startup===

The VLC appplication can be run in a server or client environment. For complicated
video and audio streaming on a LAN, one should consider dedicating a machine to act
as the VLC server.

To start the VLC application in a server mode with the http interface automatically
set, use the following command line in your desktop shortcut. This assumes the default
location for installation was selected.

<nowiki>"C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe" --extraintf http --intf wx</nowiki>

===Testing the Interface===

From another computer, connect to the VLC server computer using your browser to the URL

<nowiki>http://server_ip_address:8080, such as http://192.168.0.186:8080</nowiki>

The Main VLC Interface page will be displayed,

See [[Web_Interface]] for additional information

==VLC Plugin for Internet Explorer==

This section will provide guidelines to incorporate the VLC ActiveX plugin to be used to view streaming audio and video from a VLC server.

How to embed the ActiveX Plugin in a Web Page: [[ActiveX/HTML]]

Supported ActiveX Function Calls: [[ActiveX]]

==VLC Plugin for Firefox (Mozilla)==
The Mozilla plugin
(Excerpted from the [[Documentation:Play_HowTo/Advanced_Use_of_VLC#The_Mozilla_plugin|VLC User Guide]])

'''Install'''

There are at least two ways to install the VLC Mozilla Plugin. One way is to to check the "Install Firefox Plugin" when you install VLC.

If the standard exe installation does not install the mozilla plugin directory then download zip version which includes the required data and continue with the next installation (2nd way of installing of the plugin)

The second way involves several steps:

1. Quit Firefox or Mozilla

2. Copy the two files in VLC_Installation_folder\mozilla (usually C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\mozilla) to your mozilla plugins directory (Usually C:\Program Files\Mozilla\plugins or C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\plugins).

3. Restart Firefox or Mozilla

'''Use the plugin'''

If you open a link to a video file handled by the VLC plugin (To get the list of handled types, browse to about:plugins) or a page with an embedded video, the plugin should open and read the video.

'''Build HTML pages that use the plugin (VLC version > 0.8.5)'''

Check the [[Documentation:WebPlugin|WebPlugin]] documentation for information on the Javascript API. It's substantially changed since v0.8.5.

'''Build HTML pages that use the plugin (VLC version up to 0.8.5)'''

Additionally to viewing video on all pages, you can build custom pages that will use the advanced features of the plugin, using Javascript functions to control playback or extract information from the plugin.

The vlc plugin for Firefox/Mozilla supports the following function calls:

play() : Start playing media in the plugin.
pause() : Pause playback.
stop() : Stop media playback.
fullscreen() : Switch the video to full screen.
set_volume(vol) : Set the volume. vol has to be an int in the 0-200 range.
get_volume() : Get the current volume setting.
mute() : Toggle volume muting.
set_int_variable(var_name, value) :
set_bool_variable(var_name, value) :
set_str_variable(var_name, value) :
get_int_variable(var_name) :
get_bool_variable(var_name) :
get_str_variable(var_name) :
clear_playlist() : Clear the playlist.
add_item(mrl>) : Append an item whose location is given by the Media Resource Locator to the playlist.
next()
previous()
isplaying() : return true if the plugin is playing something.
get_length() : Get the media's length in seconds.
get_position() : Get the current position in the media in percent.
get_time() : Get the current position in the media in seconds.
seek(seconds,is_relative) : If is_relative is true, seek relatively to current time, else seek from beginning of the stream. Seek time is specified in seconds.

Here are a few examples of HTML pages that use the Mozilla plugin.
Example 1

In this example, the plugin will read an HTTP stream inside the web page. If the user goes fullscreen, he will have to press f or escape to go back in normal view.

<pre>
<html>
<head><title>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin</title></head>

<body>

<h1>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin - Example 2</h1>

<embed type="application/x-vlc-plugin"
name="video2"
autoplay="no" loop="no" hidden="yes"
target="udp:@239.255.12.42" />
<br />
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.play()'>Play video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.stop()'>Stop video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.fullscreen()'>Fullscreen</a>

</body>
</html>
</pre>

More example code, as well as a working implementation using Javascript, XHTML, and PHP that auto-detects browsers (the code is good, but the stream doesn't work) can be found at http://altair.videolan.org/~dionoea/vlc-plugin-demo/

<h1>Demo of VLC mozilla plugin - Example 2</h1>

<pre>
<embed type="application/x-vlc-plugin"
name="video2"
autoplay="no" loop="no" hidden="yes"
target="udp:@239.255.12.42" />
<br />
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.play()'>Play video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.stop()'>Stop video2</a>
<a href="javascript:;" onclick='document.video2.fullscreen()'>Fullscreen</a>
</pre>

More example code, as well as a working implementation using Javascript, XHTML, and PHP that auto-detects browsers (the code is good, but the stream doesn't work) can be found at http://altair.videolan.org/~dionoea/vlc-plugin-demo/

== Related article ==
* [[Common Problems]]
* [[VLC command-line help]]
* [[VLCSout]] how to create a DVD

[[Category:Operating systems]]