VideoLAN Wiki - User contributions [en]

Documentation:Streaming HowTo New

2011-08-09T11:43:53Z

Peter S: /* Streaming using the command line interface */ form

This documentation explains how to stream, transcode and save streams using [[VLC media player]].

'''NOTE: This is work in progress. For a more complete, yet outdated, documentation on Streaming with VLC please see the old [[Documentation:Streaming HowTo|Streaming HowTo]].'''

==Introduction==
VLC media player is able to stream, transcode and save different media streams. For more information about the formats and codecs supported please see the [http://www.videolan.org/streaming-features.html VideoLAN Streaming Features list].

==Transcoding==
[[Transcode|Transcoding]] is the process of taking a media file or stream and converting it to a different format or bitrate. There are two methods for transcoding in VLC, via the GUI (VLC's default interface) or via the commandline. The term ''transcode'' by itself normally refers to converting one media format to another and saving the output to a file (i.e. no streaming involved).

===Transcoding using the GUI===
One of the methods of transcoding is via the GUI. To access this:
#In VLC, go to "Media >> Convert / Save..." (Ctrl+R).
#Add the input file(s) or stream(s) you want to transcode. Press "Convert / Save".
#In the "Convert" windows specify the destination file name (including file extension - e.g. on Windows "C:\out.mp3").
#Select the desired codec from the profile list. To check/edit the settings of a given profile press the "Edit selected profile" button. Profiles can also be added/deleted.
#Press "Start".
If the profile settings were compatible and transcoding was sucessful a playable destination file should be created.

[[File:Basic_interface_convert.png]]

===Using the commandline===
Another method of transcoding is via the commandline. This is more flexible than via the GUI as it enables full usage of the modules and options available in VLC.

To use the VLC's commandline you need to have access to the commandline interface, for example via a shell.
====Windows-based systems====
On Windows-based system Command Prompt can be used. This can be found in the "Accessories" folder of the Start menu. Alternatively by going to "Start >> Run..." or pressing "Windows key + R", entering "cmd" into the text field and press "OK" or Enter.

Once the Command Prompt window is opened navigating to the folder/directory where VLC is located is easiest for using the commandline as only "vlc.exe" or "vlc" (as the .exe part is assumed) needs to entered to run VLC. If VLC is installed in the default location (on a 32-bit system) running:
cd "C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC"
Should change to the directory where vlc.exe is located.

====Unix systems====
On Unix-based system (such as Linux and Mac OS X) a terminal window can be opened. Running "vlc" should be all that is needed to open VLC.

====Transcoding commandline string structure====
A typical commandline string for converting a file to another format is:
vlc --sout "#transcode{[TRANSCODE_OPTIONS]}:std{[OUTPUT_OPTIONS]}" INPUT
Where <tt>INPUT</tt> is the input stream, <tt>[TRANSCODE_OPTIONS]</tt> are the options set for the desired output format, codecs, bitrate etc. and <tt>[OUTPUT_OPTIONS]</tt> are the option set for the output type. <tt>--sout</tt> is the stream output commandline option.

====Example commandline: Converting an audio file to a MP3 file====
An example usage might be converting an audio file to a MP3 file:
vlc --sout "#transcode{acodec=mp3,ab=128,channels=2,samplerate=44100}:std{access=file,mux=raw,dst=OUTPUT}" INPUT
Where INPUT is the input file ans OUTPUT is the destination file (for example "C:\out.mp3" on Windows or "/home/username/out.mp3" on a *nix system).
The above sout string is the default "Audio - MP3" profile setting accessible via the GUI. It will convert an audio input to a 128kbps CBR MP3 file (sample rate 44100Hz, 2 channels).
====Other examples commandline strings====
Convert an audio input to an uncompressed WAVE (*.wav) file:
vlc --sout "#transcode{acodec=s16l,channels=2,samplerate=44100}:std{access=file,mux=wav,dst=OUTPUT}" INPUT
Convert an audio input to an AAC file (MP4 container):
vlc --sout "#transcode{acodec=mp4a,ab=128,channels=2,samplerate=44100}:std{access=file,mux=mp4,dst=OUTPUT}" INPUT

==Streaming==

===Streaming using the GUI===

Basically, to stream using the GUI, open VLC, then Media [menu] -> Streaming -> (select any media to stream, then hit Stream button). At this point it asks you *how* to stream it. The most common way is via HTTP. To stream via HTTP, click on "Destinations", choose HTTP from the drop down as a "New Destination" and click add. Now if you are streaming video, you will want to stream to something like "/go.mpg." Now hit stream, and you should be able to use a different instance of VLC as a client, and listen to that stream now (ex: on the same computer it would be "Media" [menu] -> Open Network Stream -> "http://localhost:8080/go.mpg" and it should work.

A few caveats:
* even though you click on "enable transcoding" and specify some other container type, it will give you the flv container type unless you use a suffix, like ".mpg" [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=80722 ref]
* VLC client cannot receive a stream at less than 5 fps, though it can stream it all right for those speeds (and other players can receive it). [http://trac.videolan.org/vlc/ticket/214 ref].
* NB that *many* times when using the GUI to stream it will choose the wrong thing. Like if you give a path of "/" it will use FLV container type (which you probably didn't want, and which overrides your transcoding settings' container type *silently*), and if you give it "/go.mp4" it will *silently* fail (you can look at the log messages to see what the error is--it says "mp4 type is not supported except for files"). It is tricky to get it setup. It's like the GUI sets it up wrong most times. Here is a [[http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=80722 laundry list]].

First there is an input text called '''Source''', where you'll find your media path and the its type.

[[File:VlcStream.png]]

If you'll click on Destination you'll see the destination of stream that could be: ''File'', ''HTTP'', ''MS-WSMP'', ''RTSP'', ''RTP/MPG'', ''RTP, Audio/Video'', ''UDP'' and ''Icecast''.

[[File:Stream-destination.png]]

You can abilitate '''Transcoding''' to transcode your video to one in the list or in a one you can specify by clicking on the proper icon.

Last you have the option of stream you'll share.

[[File:Stream-option.png]]

By clicking stream it will return to VLC main user interface and the playbar will scroll as the video will play.

===Streaming using the command line interface===

If you want to stream using the command line interface instead of the GUI (more control, for example you can specify your own container), you can "sniff" the options the GUI is using by opening up the logger (Tools menu -> message) and setting verbosity level to "2" then doing a stream. It will output debug messages that basically tell you what it is using for command line parameters, then you will take those same parameters and use them on the command line (you may need to add quotation marks around words that have spaces in them, and you may need to add --'s).

An example is in a unique command line:

C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC>vlc "C:\Users\Public\Videos\Sample Videos\Wildlife.wmv":
sout=#transcode{vcodec=h264,acodec=mp3,ab=128,channels=2,samplerate=44100}:http{dst=:8090/go.mpg}

=== More Links ===
The [http://www.videolan.org/doc/videolan-howto/en/ch04.html Documentation chapter 4].

==See also==
*[[Documentation:Streaming HowTo|Streaming HowTo]] - Outdated HowTo for streaming with VLC
*[[Transcode]] - Further information about transcoding with VLC

Documentation:Streaming HowTo/Command Line Examples

2011-08-09T11:38:36Z

Peter S:

{{RightMenu|documentation streaming howto toc}}

Examples for advanced use of VLC's stream output (transcoding, multiple streaming, etc...)

==Transcoding==

Transcode the input stream and send it to a multicast IP address with the associated SAP announce:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout
'#transcode{vcodec=mp4v,acodec=mpga,vb=800,ab=128,deinterlace}:
rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.12.42,sdp=sap,name="TestStream"}' '''

Display the input stream, transcode it and send it to a multicast IP address with the associated SAP announce:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout
#duplicate{dst=display,dst="transcode{vcodec=mp4v,acodec=mpga,vb=800,
ab=128,deinterlace}:rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.12.42,sdp=sap,name="TestStream"}"}' '''

Transcode the input stream, display the transcoded stream and send it to a multicast IP address with the associated SAP announce:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout
'#transcode{vcodec=mp4v,acodec=mpga,vb=800,ab=128,deinterlace}:
duplicate{dst=display,dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.12.42,sdp=sap,name="TestStream"}}' '''

==Multiple streaming==

Send a stream to a multicast IP address and a unicast IP address:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#duplicate{dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.12.42,
sdp=sap,name="TestStream"},dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=192.168.1.2}}' '''

Display the stream and send it to two unicast IP addresses:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#duplicate{dst=display,dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=192.168.1.12},
dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=192.168.1.42}}' '''

Send parts of a multiple program input stream:
% '''vlc -vvv multiple_program_input_stream --sout
'#duplicate{dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.12.42},select="program=12345",
dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.12.43}, select="video,program=1234-2345"}' '''
This command sends the program of the input stream which id is 12345 to 239.255.12.42 and all video programs with id between 1234 and 2345 to 239.255.12.43.

==Transcoding and multiple streaming==

Transcode the input stream, display the transcoded stream and send it to a multicast IP address with the associated SAP announce and an unicast IP address:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout
'#transcode{vcodec=mp4v,acodec=mpga,vb=800,ab=128,deinterlace}:
duplicate{dst=display,dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.12.42,sdp=sap,name="TestStream"},
dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=192.168.1.2}}' '''

Display the input stream, transcode it and send it to two unicast IP addresses:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#duplicate{dst=display,dst="transcode{vcodec=mp4v,acodec=mpga,vb=800,ab=128}:
duplicate{dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=192.168.1.2},dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=192.168.1.12}"}' '''

Send the input stream to a multicast IP address and the transcoded stream to another multicast IP address with the associated SAP announces:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout
'#duplicate{dst=rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.1.2,sdp=sap,name="OriginalStream"},
dst="transcode{vcodec=mp4v,acodec=mpga,vb=800,ab=128}:
rtp{mux=ts,dst=239.255.1.3,sdp=sap,name="TranscodedStream"}"}' '''

==HTTP streaming==

Stream in HTTP:
*on the server, run:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#standard{access=http,mux=ogg,dst=server.example.org:8080}' '''
*on the client(s), run:
% '''vlc http://server.example.org:8080'''

Transcode and stream in HTTP:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#transcode{vcodec=mp4v,acodec=mpga,vb=800,ab=128}:
standard{access=http,mux=ogg,dst=server.example.org:8080}' '''

Recording a live video stream:
% '''vlc http://example.com/live.asf --sout="#duplicate{dst=std{access=file,mux=asf,
dst='C:\test\test.asf'},dst=nodisplay}" '''

For example, if you want to stream an audio CD in Ogg/Vorbis over HTTP:
% '''vlc -vvv cdda:/dev/cdrom --sout '#transcode{acodec=vorb,ab=128}:standard{access=http,mux=ogg,dst=server.example.org:8080}' '''

==RTSP live streaming==

Stream with RTSP and RTP:
*on the server, run:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#rtp{dst=192.168.0.12,port=1234,sdp=rtsp:
//server.example.org:8080/test.sdp}' '''
*on the client(s), run:
% '''vlc rtsp://server.example.org:8080/test.sdp'''

==RTSP on-demand streaming==

See [[Documentation:Streaming HowTo/VLM]].

==MMS / MMSH streaming to Windows Media Player==

% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#transcode{vcodec=DIV3,vb=256,scale=1,acodec=mp3,ab=32,
channels=2}:std{access=mmsh,mux=asfh,dst=:8080}' '''

VLC media player can connect to this by using the following url: '''mmsh://server_ip_address:8080'''.
Windows Media Player can connect to this by using the following url: '''mms://server_ip_address:8080'''.

==Use the ''es'' module==

Separate audio and video in two PS files:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#es{access=file,mux=ps,url_audio=audio-%c.%m,url_video=video-%c.%m}' '''

Extract the audio track of the input stream to a TS file:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#es{access_audio=file,mux_audio=ts,url_audio=audio-%c.%m}' '''

Stream in unicast the audio track on a port and the video track on another port (NOTE: This will not only work with VLC 0.8.6 or older - FIXME?):
*on the server side:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#es{access=rtp,mux=ts,url_audio=192.168.1.2:1212,
url_video=192.168.1.2:1213}' '''
*on the client side:
**to receive the audio:
% '''vlc udp://@:1212'''
**to receive the video:
% '''vlc udp://@:1213'''

Stream in multicast the video and dump the audio in a file:
% '''vlc -vvv input_stream --sout '#es{access-video=udp,mux-video=ts,dst-video=239.255.12.42,
access-audio=file,mux-audio=ps,dst-audio=audio-%c.%m}' '''

Note: You can also combine the ''es'' module with the other modules to set-up even more complex solution.

==Keeping the stream open==

% '''% vlc -vvv input_stream -sout-keep
-sout=#transcode{acodec=mp3}:duplicate{dst=display{delay=6000},
dst=gather:std{mux=mpeg1,dst=:8080/stream.mp3,access=http},select="novideo"} '''

The basic transcoding is an mp3 stream from the file you select (if it is a video file, then the video is ignored). It is streamed via http to localhost:8080/stream.mp3

The combination of :sout-keep and dst=gather:std mean that the stream is kept open and subsequent items are played through the same stream.

{{Documentation}}

Documentation Talk:Streaming HowTo/Command Line Examples

2011-08-09T11:23:41Z

Peter S: Created page with "This page is not readable in firefox (1450*1050 !) because the command line examples are to long. I try to produce a better page format, but this is not certain... --~~~~"

This page is not readable in firefox (1450*1050 !) because the command line examples are to long.
I try to produce a better page format, but this is not certain... --[[User:Peter S|Peter S]] 11:23, 9 August 2011 (UTC)

Documentation:Streaming HowTo/Stream from a DV Camcorder

2011-08-09T11:08:23Z

Peter S: /* Stream with DV */

{{RightMenu|documentation streaming howto toc}}

Note: This is possible under GNU/Linux only.

==Install the libraw1394 and libavc1394==

If you want to be able to stream from a DV camcorder, then you need to install the libraries libraw1394 and libavc1394:

*if you use a Fedora Core distribution then you just need to install the libraries using:
% '''yum update'''
% '''yum install libraw1394 libavc1394'

*if you want to install the libraries from the source then you must download them from the [http://www.linux1394.org/ libraw1394] and [http://sourceforge.net/projects/libavc1394 libavc1394] from their projects website.

*if you have a distribution that uses [http://kernel.org/pub/linux/utils/kernel/hotplug udev], then you must add/change the following line to the file 50-udev.rules in your /etc/udev/rules.d directory.
% '''vi /etc/udev/rules.d/50-udev.rules'''
# IEEE1394 (firewire) devices (must be before raw devices below)
KERNEL=="raw1394", NAME="%k"
KERNEL=="dv1394", NAME="dv1394/%k"
KERNEL=="video1394*", NAME="video1394/%n"

The following sections assume that you have a working linux installation with the IEEE 1394 (Firewire) libraries installed, either manually from the source code or through your distributions upgrade mechanism.

==Stream with DV==

Connect the DV camcorder with a Firewire cable to your computer, and check the creation of the file '''/dev/raw1394'''.

Run VLC with the following in one command line:
% '''vlc -vvv dv/rawdv:///dev/raw1394 --dv-caching 10000 --sout
'#transcode{vcodec=WMV2,vb=512,scale=1,acodec=mp3,ab=192,channels=2,fps=25.0}:
std{access=mmsh,mux=asfh,url=:8080}' '''
where:
*'''dv/rawdv://''' is the DV input and '''/dev/raw1394''' the device file,
*'''dv-caching''' is the delay is miliseconds (ms) (start with a high value, 10s or so, and lower it later),
*'''sout''' is the stream output chain that is used to stream the DV camcorder as a multimedia stream over the network. The '''transcode''' syntax is explained in the chapter about transcoding. The example as given above generates a multimedia stream that is compatible with Windows Media Player,
*'''sout-transcode-fps''' is the number of pictures per second '''25.0''' that the transcode module should generate of the requested audio/video codec.

{{Documentation}}

OldFAQ

2007-11-16T21:46:05Z

Peter S: /* Transcode / Save to file */

{{stub}}
Answers to some common problems people encounter with VLC. More help is available in the
* [http://www.videolan.org/doc/ Documentation]
* [http://www.videolan.org/doc/faq/en/videolan-faq-en.html FAQ]
* [[Forum]]

== Installing VLC ==

=== On Mac OS 9 ===

{{faqlink|239006}}
* Sorry, VLC will not work on OS 9, and probably never will. However, Mac OS X is supported - [[Unsupported|Find out Why]]

=== Compiling VLC ===

==== How do I compile VLC? ====

* Look at [http://developers.videolan.org/vlc/ how to compile VLC]. There are pre-compiled (binary / executable) versions [http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ here].

==== Mozilla Firefox Plugin ====

* ''Debian:'' All you need is to download the vlc plugin package - mozilla-plugin-vlc ([http://packages.debian.org/stable/graphics/mozilla-plugin-vlc stable release])
* ''All Linux:'' To make the firefox plugin with the vlc player, you will first need the Firefox Development package (from: [http://packages.ubuntu.com/breezy/devel/firefox-dev ubuntu] ...). Then, when you compile, run ./configure with --enable-mozilla, and if needed with --with-mozilla-sdk-path=''/path_to_firefox_sdk''

==== "Missing header file ffmpeg/avcodec.h" and "Missing header file postproc/postprocess.h" Errors ====

* Make sure that you have all the libraries you need.
** '''on ubuntu''': "apt-get install libavcodec-dev libpostproc-dev" will install the needed files (worked on edgy).
* When you run ./configure for [[ffmpeg]], make sure that at least the following flags are set (descriptions of these avaliable from ./configure --help )
./configure --enable-shared --enable-shared-pp --enable-pp --enable-gpl
* The path of ffmpeg is not set. Check if you can locate the file '''libavcodec.pc''' on your computer, and export PKG_CONFIG_PATH to where you found it before running ./configure. For example
export PKG_CONFIG_PATH=/home/you/ffmpeg/

==== "cc1: error: invalid option `tune=opteron'" Error on 64-bit systems ====

* One user writes: "From what I can see, the -mtune flag is not available for this type of processor in man gcc. I had to change the configure options comment out all the lines where they set mcpu or mtune flags.) I don't know if this is the correct way to proceed but was the only way for me to get results fast."

==== "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lX11" Error on 64-bit systems ====

* In configure, there is an x_libraries variable there that is set to "/usr/X11R6/lib" (around line 16371). Because it is a 64 bit system, this variable needs to be /usr/X11R6/lib64. After changing that, it should continue compiling.

=== Installing Skins ===

* Although all information is given on the [http://www.videolan.org/vlc/skins.php VLC Download skin site], you may miss the note to change preferences to ''skinnable interface''. There is an [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?p=85603#p85603 article on the forum] which describes the how-to. In short: there is a drop-down option (interface module) in the settings dialog (Interface → General) which defaults to ''Standard''. Change this and restart.

== Problems Starting VLC ==

=== VLC does not launch on my Mac anymore. What to do? ===

* Please have a look at the [[FAQ_on_MacOSX_only_issues|specific FAQ]], which covers multiple solutions to this issue.

== Error Messages ==

Error messages can be viewed by selecting Messages from the View menu.

=== main private error: no sout mux module matched "ts" ===

* This can be an error if '''libdvbpsi''' was not installed when vlc was compiled. To fix this error, install libdvbpsi; then re-compile vlc. [http://developers.videolan.org/libdvbpsi/ libdvbpsi]

=== main dialogs provider error: no dialogs provider module matched "any" ===

* The solution is found in [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?t=14733 the forum]

== Problems playing types of files ==

=== WMV files ===

* Starting with VLC media player 0.8.6, the playback of WMV3-encoded videos is available on all platforms. Please note, that encrypted / DRM-protected video-clips still cannot played. That is because of the nature of DRM and is not about to change, so please do not ask.

=== Real Media files ===

* Realmedia files (.rm, .rpm, etc) are proprietary (ie, copyrighted) file formats, created by RealNetworks. Because of this, VLC can't support them at present.

=== QuickTime Files (.mov) ===

* Mov file doesn't play, but plays ok in QuickTime
** open the url in QuickTime player
** let it decide which datarate is best for your connection
** let it play for a few seconds, then pause it
** open the stream info, copy the url
** open & save that one in VLC

=== Flash Video Files (.flv) ===

* Flash Video support has recently been added (provided through ffmpeg) - to view .flv files you will need version 0.8.4a. Download and install the latest version [http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ here].
* VLC still has problems with a few .flv files. If you have problems playing a file in VLC you might be able to change it to an avi using [[ffmpeg]]. See [[Fixing .flv to .avi with Ffmpeg]].
* VLC 0.8.6 provided enhanced Flash Video support on all platforms, so it is probably worth to update if you experience problems with prior releases.

=== Other Files ===

{{faqlink|238663}}
* Make sure that VLC supports that file - look at the [http://www.videolan.org/vlc/features.html list of supposted formats]

* Make sure that the file isn't corrupted

== VLC and Other Programs ==

=== AMR ===

* To use [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_Multi-Rate AMR], you'll need to compile vlc and ffmpeg with amr support yourself. This is because the amr license is not compatible with the vlc license.

=== ratDVD ===

* VLC does not support [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RatDVD ratDVD] and is not going to be, both for political and technical reasons.

== Problems Playing DVDs ==

===Unable to play any DVDs===

{{faqlink|239006}}
* ''Linux:'' To play DVDs with VLC in linux, you need to install the libdvdcss package
* ''Linux:'' Make sure you have access rigths to your DVD player. In linux, you can use chmod to edit access rights to your DVD block device:
** <nowiki>#</nowiki> chmod 666 /dev/dvd
** The videolan FAQ seems to suggest you need write access to this device - is this true? If you know, please edit this entry.
* ''Linux:'' Make sure VLC knows where your DVD drive is located (/dev/dvd usually). Go to Settings | Preferences | Input/Codecs | General and under "Default devices" make sure your dvd drive path is entered in the "Default DVD" box. When you go to open a DVD, you should see something like "dvd:///dev/dvd" as the [[media resource locator]] in the "Open:" box near the top of the Open dialog.

=== Playing DVDs from other Region Codes ===

{{faqlink|239426}}
* The ability to play DVDs from all regions depends mostly on your DVD drive, and testing it is usually the quickest way to find out if your DVD drive can do it. Most newer DVD drives are RPC2 drives, which don't allow raw access to the drive untill the drive firmware has done a regioncheck. VLC uses libdvdcss and it needs raw access to the DVD drive to crack the encryption key. So with these drives it is impossible to circumvent the region protection. (This goes for all software. You will need to flash your drives firmware, but sometimes there is no alternate firmware available for your drive). On other RPC2 drives that DO allow raw access, it might take VLC a long time to crack the key. So just pop the disc in your drive and try it out, while you get a coffee. RPC1 drives should 'always' work regardless of the regioncode.

== Poor Quality Video and Audio ==

=== The video runs but the picture is distorted ===

{{faqlink|238431}}
* ''Linux:'' There is probably a problem with the output layer. There are several ways of troubleshooting it.
** First, try with another output plugin, for instance:
**: % vlc -V sdl
**: % vlc -V x11
** Second, change your screen depth and/or definition. It quite often helps.
** Lastly, if running Unix, have a look at your XFree86 video driver.

=== Video is choppy ===

{{faqlink|238474}}
* Your system may be too slow to decode all pictures. Sometimes, your CPU (computer) really isn't fast enough, but often the situation can be improved by changing your system configuration to be a bit kinder to VLC.
** Quit other programs running in the background
** Turn on DMA on your DVD device:
*** ''Linux:''
***: <nowiki>#</nowiki> hdparm -d1 /dev/dvd
*** ''Windows:'' go to the System section of the control panel, and go to the Hardware manager (it is sometimes in a separate tab, and sometimes, you have to go to the Advanced tab. Then, right-click on your DVD player, and check the DMA checkbox.
** Upgrade to the latest driver for your video board.
** ''Linux:'' you can additionally upgrade your drivers to the latest XFree86 version. If supported, check that the xvideo plug-in is effectively used with:
**: % vlc -vvvv

=== Audio and video are out of sync ===

{{faqlink|238571}}
* If you are [[transcoding]] a file, use the [[audio-sync]] option.
* You can manually set the audio offset while playing (so you can put the audio back in sync). The default keys in Windows are Ctrl+K and Ctrl+L to increase/decrease the delay.
* ''Linux/Unix:'' Try using another audio output plugin and, under Unix, kill esd or artsd if they are running. If the problem is due to the input file, have a look at the "Audio desynchronization compensation" option.

== Problems with Streaming ==

==="main input error: no suitable access module for `rtsp://...'"===

vlc needs livemedia from '''live555.com''' to read rtsp stream this way.

You can check you have it by :

vlc -l | grep live

It should read

livedotcom live.com (RTSP/RTP/SDP) demuxer
livedotcom RTSP/RTP access and demux

If not, you have to install '''livemedia''' and point your compilation to this lib directory :

./configure '''--enable-livedotcom --with-livedotcom-tree=/usr/local/lib/live/'''

===Streaming playlist continuously between files (sout-keep not working)===

you should add gather-module sout-chain, example
vlc *mpeg --sout-keep --sout '#gather:transcode{plapla}:rtp{plapla}'

===Streaming 1 playlist item continuously and change input without stream break===

you can use this kinda vlm.conf file and --sout-keep option
new output1 broadcast enabled loop
setup output1 input "inputfile1.mpeg"
setup output1 input "inputfile2.mpeg"
setup output1 input "/path/to/inputfile3.mpeg"
setup output1 option sout-keep=1
setup output1 option input-repeat=-1
setup output1 output #gather:transcode{etc...}:std{plapal}

control output1 play 2

you then chan telnet into vlm and just command
control output1 play <playlistnumber>
to change streamed input.

===Streaming to Windows Media Player===

See [[Windows Media Player]] for details.

== Problems converting between file formats (transcoding) ==

=== Missing Audio and/or Video ===

* Certain containers (aka muxers) can only hold certain types of video and audio - look at [http://www.videolan.org/streaming/features.html Streaming features]

== Streaming/Transcoding Wizard ==

=== Transcode / Save to file ===

* Partial Extract "From" "To" does not work, allone "To" don´t too.

== VLC Crashes ==

=== General ===

{{faqlink|238592}}
* If VLC crashes, the following steps will help determine the cause.
** Increase the verbosity level (either in the preferences or with a -vvvv command line option) and look at the debug messages (in the terminal or in the Messages window).
* If you are convinced that it is a bug in VLC, have a look at the [http://www.videolan.org/support/bug-reporting.html bug reporting page].

=== When using DirectShow (eg Webcam) ===

{{forum|12394}}
* There was a bug a while back when you tried to stream using a directshow/webcam it would reboot the computer. The fix was to specify the resolution on the command line or in the "Advanced" section when opening the directshow.

== Other Problems ==

=== I only want one VLC player! ===

* To use the same VLC player for all the media files, go to Settings, Preferences, Advanced. The following options should give behavior similar to WMP: minimize # of threads, allow only one running instance, VLC is started from file association, allow only "on" running instance when started from file (typo in v0.8.5).

=== Licensing, legal issues and logo use ===

* Information on this is avaliable on the main videolan website, [http://videolan.org videolan.org]. Also read the [http://www.videolan.org/doc/faq/en/index.html#id238663 Legal concerns] section of the [http://www.videolan.org/doc/faq/en/index.html FAQ].
* This is a wiki site: it is editable by all, so it is best to check to official website.

=== Fixing Strange Behaviour ===

{{faqlink|238992}}
* The first thing to do is to reset the VLC preferences in the preferences dialog of the application and restart VLC. If VLC doesn't even start anymore, delete VLC's configuration file ([[#Configuration File|where is it?]]). Then restart VLC. If it does not get any better, read the rest of this page or FAQ page, or ask for help at the [[forum]].

=== Subtitles Problem ===

* In the File | Open File dialog, select "Use a subtitles file", and enter both the video's filename and the video's subtitle filename.
* If you are having displaying the subtitles, the problem might be an encoding problem. Choose the right encoding for your language and it should fix your problem. You'll find the ISOs here: [http://alis.isoc.org/codage/iso8859/jeuxiso.en.htm]. Once you find a text encoding method that works well for you enter it in Preferences, Input / Codecs, Other codecs, Subtitles then press Save and restart VLC. If you have a specialized language like Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese or Japanese changing the font to a Unicode font will be helpful. For Polish subtitles choose CP 1250 ISO code.

=== No Sound on DirectShow Capture ===

* As odd as it sounds, try setting the sound device to 'none'. See also [http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?t=2859].