Difference between revisions of "Documentation:Interface"

From VideoLAN Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 7: Line 7:
 
Screenshots below are drawn from the various interfaces, but VLC's functions work essentially the same on all operating systems.  
 
Screenshots below are drawn from the various interfaces, but VLC's functions work essentially the same on all operating systems.  
  
−
== Windows and GNU/Linux (Qt) ==
+
== Windows and GNU/Linux (Qt) ==
  
 
The main interface of VLC media player looks as shown in the following figure. This is the default interface on Windows and GNU/Linux (the screenshot is done on Windows, but it would look quite the same on GNU/Linux).  
 
The main interface of VLC media player looks as shown in the following figure. This is the default interface on Windows and GNU/Linux (the screenshot is done on Windows, but it would look quite the same on GNU/Linux).  
Line 15: Line 15:
 
<br>  
 
<br>  
  
−
== Starting VLC Media Player ==
+
== Starting VLC Media Player ==
  
−
To start VLC Media Player:
+
To start VLC Media Player:  
  
 
#Select '''Programs''' from the '''Start''' menu.  
 
#Select '''Programs''' from the '''Start''' menu.  
−
#Select '''VideoLAN''' and select the '''VLC media player'''.  
+
#Select '''VideoLAN''' and select the '''VLC media player'''.
  
 
When you start VLC media player, the application appears on the screen and a small icon [[Image:VLC - icon.png]] appears in the taskbar. Click on the icon in the taskbar to show or hide the icon in the taskbar. Hiding the icon does not amount to quitting the application. It does run in the background even when you hide the interface.  
 
When you start VLC media player, the application appears on the screen and a small icon [[Image:VLC - icon.png]] appears in the taskbar. Click on the icon in the taskbar to show or hide the icon in the taskbar. Hiding the icon does not amount to quitting the application. It does run in the background even when you hide the interface.  
  
−
== Stopping VLC Media Player ==
+
== Stopping VLC Media Player ==
  
 
To quit the application, right click on the [[Image:VLC - icon.png]] icon in the tray and select '''Quit'''.<br> ''Or''<br> Click the '''Close''' button in the main interface of the application.  
 
To quit the application, right click on the [[Image:VLC - icon.png]] icon in the tray and select '''Quit'''.<br> ''Or''<br> Click the '''Close''' button in the main interface of the application.  
  
−
== Taskbar Icon ==
+
== Taskbar Icon ==
  
 
When VLC media player is running, its icon [[Image:VLC - icon.png]] appears in the taskbar. Click on the icon in the taskbar to show or hide the icon in the taskbar. Hiding the icon does not amount to quitting the application. It does run in the background even when you hide the icon. Basic operations such as opening, playing or stopping a media file, or changing a track can be done from the menu obtained by right clicking the taskbar icon. The main interface contains a couple of sections:  
 
When VLC media player is running, its icon [[Image:VLC - icon.png]] appears in the taskbar. Click on the icon in the taskbar to show or hide the icon in the taskbar. Hiding the icon does not amount to quitting the application. It does run in the background even when you hide the icon. Basic operations such as opening, playing or stopping a media file, or changing a track can be done from the menu obtained by right clicking the taskbar icon. The main interface contains a couple of sections:  
  
−
=== Main Interface ===
+
=== Main Interface ===
  
 
'''Menu bar''' <br> The menu bar at the top contains all the options. <br> '''Track slider''' <br> The track slider is below the menu bar. It shows the progress of playing the media file. You can drag the track slider left to rewind or right to forward the track being played. When a video file is played, the video appears between the menu bar and track slider. <br> '''Note: When a media file is streamed, the track slider does not move because VLC cannot know the total duration.'''<br>  
 
'''Menu bar''' <br> The menu bar at the top contains all the options. <br> '''Track slider''' <br> The track slider is below the menu bar. It shows the progress of playing the media file. You can drag the track slider left to rewind or right to forward the track being played. When a video file is played, the video appears between the menu bar and track slider. <br> '''Note: When a media file is streamed, the track slider does not move because VLC cannot know the total duration.'''<br>  
Line 38: Line 38:
 
'''Control Buttons''' <br> The buttons below the slider help in controlling the play. <br>  
 
'''Control Buttons''' <br> The buttons below the slider help in controlling the play. <br>  
  
−
{| border="1" width="60%"
+
{| width="60%" border="1"
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Button'''
+
| width="10%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Button'''  
 
| width="50%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Description'''
 
| width="50%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Description'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - play button.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - play button.png|center]]  
 
| width="50%" | Toggles between play and pause
 
| width="50%" | Toggles between play and pause
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - back button.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - back button.png|center]]  
 
| width="50%" | Moves to the previous track
 
| width="50%" | Moves to the previous track
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - stop.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - stop.png|center]]  
 
| width="50%" | Stops the play
 
| width="50%" | Stops the play
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - forward button.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - forward button.png|center]]  
 
| width="50%" | Moves to the next track
 
| width="50%" | Moves to the next track
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - fullscreen.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - fullscreen.png|center]]  
 
| width="50%" | Displays the application in a full-screen mode
 
| width="50%" | Displays the application in a full-screen mode
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - playlist.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - playlist.png|center]]  
 
| width="50%" | Displays the play list
 
| width="50%" | Displays the play list
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - options.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - options.png|center]]  
−
| width="50%" | Displays a menu of options to have audio and video effects, and synchronising the audio and video media.  
+
| width="50%" | Displays a menu of options to have audio and video effects, and synchronising the audio and video media.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - mute.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - mute.png|center]]  
−
| width="50%" | Toggles between mute and voice. Click on it to mute or un-mute.  
+
| width="50%" | Toggles between mute and voice. Click on it to mute or un-mute.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - volume.png|center]]
+
| width="10%" | [[Image:VLC - volume.png|center]]  
−
| width="50%" | Volume slider. Displays the volume level. You can adjust the volume by placing the cursor on this icon and moving it left or right. The number indicates the percentage of amplification. Maximum is 200%.  
+
| width="50%" | Volume slider. Displays the volume level. You can adjust the volume by placing the cursor on this icon and moving it left or right. The number indicates the percentage of amplification. Maximum is 200%.
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
=== Additional Information ===
+
=== Additional Information ===
  
−
At the bottom of the interface we can find information regarding name of the media file being played, the relative speed at which it is being played, and the elapsed and total duration of the file are displayed. There is an option to increase or decrease the speed of the track.
+
At the bottom of the interface we can find information regarding name of the media file being played, the relative speed at which it is being played, and the elapsed and total duration of the file are displayed. There is an option to increase or decrease the speed of the track.  
  
−
Right click on the [[Image:VLC - playspeed.png]] icon to change the playing speed of the track.
+
Right click on the [[Image:VLC - playspeed.png]] icon to change the playing speed of the track.  
  
 
{| width="60%" border="1"
 
{| width="60%" border="1"
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Menu'''
+
| width="10%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Menu'''  
−
| width="10%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Option'''
+
| width="10%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Option'''  
 
| width="40%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Description'''
 
| width="40%" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" | '''Description'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" align="centeer" | '''Media'''
+
| width="10%" align="center" | '''Media'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Open File'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Open File'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to open a media file and play it.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to open a media file and play it.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Advanced Open File'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Advanced Open File'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to open files through a folder, disc, network or a capture device.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to open files through a folder, disc, network or a capture device.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Open Folder'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Open Folder'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to open a folder with multiple media files and play them in order.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to open a folder with multiple media files and play them in order.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Open Disc'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Open Disc'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to open discs with different video format.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to open discs with different video format.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Open Network'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Open Network'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to receive media files from Internet and play them.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to receive media files from Internet and play them.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Open Capture Device'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Open Capture Device'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to receive media files from capture devices such as camcorder, webcam and so on.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to receive media files from capture devices such as camcorder, webcam and so on.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Convert/Save'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Convert/Save'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to convert media files to different media file formats.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to convert media files to different media file formats.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Streaming'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Streaming'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to send media files through network and play them live.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to send media files through network and play them live.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Quit'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Quit'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to quit the application.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to quit the application.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''Audio'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Audio'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Audio Track'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Audio Track'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to disable or enable an audio track.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to disable or enable an audio track.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Audio Device'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Audio Device'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to convert the stereo audio files to mono and vice-versa.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to convert the stereo audio files to mono and vice-versa.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | &nbsp;
+
| width="10%" | &nbsp;  
−
| width="10%" | '''Audio Channel'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Audio Channel'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to select a audio channel.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to select a audio channel.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Visualization'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Visualization'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to display splashes of colour and geometric shapes while listening to an audio file.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to display splashes of colour and geometric shapes while listening to an audio file.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''Video'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Video'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Video Track'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Video Track'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to disable or enable a video track.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to disable or enable a video track.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Subtitles'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Subtitles'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to load subtitle files for video files requiring subtitles.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to load subtitle files for video files requiring subtitles.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Full Screen'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Full Screen'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view the media file in the entire screen.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view the media file in the entire screen.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Zoom'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Zoom'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to zoom in or zoom out a video track.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to zoom in or zoom out a video track.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Deinterlace'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Deinterlace'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to convert interlaced video signals into non-interlaced form.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to convert interlaced video signals into non-interlaced form.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Aspect Ratio'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Aspect Ratio'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to adjust the width to height ratio of the video.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to adjust the width to height ratio of the video.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Crop'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Crop'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to crop the edges of a video track.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to crop the edges of a video track.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Always on Top'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Always on Top'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to display the application always on top when other applications or files are open.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to display the application always on top when other applications or files are open.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Direct X wall paper'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Direct X wall paper'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to make the video which is being displayed to become the wall paper.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to make the video which is being displayed to become the wall paper.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Snapshot'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Snapshot'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to capture snapshots of video being displayed.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to capture snapshots of video being displayed.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''Playback'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Playback'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Go to specific time'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Go to specific time'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to move the track slider to a specific frame of the video or audio file. The media file starts playing from that instance.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to move the track slider to a specific frame of the video or audio file. The media file starts playing from that instance.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Bookmarks'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Bookmarks'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to bookmark the media file.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to bookmark the media file.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Title'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Title'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to randomly access a particular movie in a DVD.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to randomly access a particular movie in a DVD.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Chapter'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Chapter'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to randomly access a particular chapter in a movie.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to randomly access a particular chapter in a movie.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Program'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Program'''  
 
| width="40%" | To be added
 
| width="40%" | To be added
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Navigation'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Navigation'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to navigate to different titles and their corresponding chapters.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to navigate to different titles and their corresponding chapters.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''Playlist'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Playlist'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Additional Sources'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Additional Sources'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to access the additional sources such as podcasts, SAP announcements, radio and TV shoutcasts, French TV and Freebox TV.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to access the additional sources such as podcasts, SAP announcements, radio and TV shoutcasts, French TV and Freebox TV.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Show Playlist'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Show Playlist'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view and play the media files listed in the playlist.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view and play the media files listed in the playlist.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Load Playlist File'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Load Playlist File'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to load the playlist files.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to load the playlist files.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Save Playlist to File'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Save Playlist to File'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to save the current playing media in the preferred format.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to save the current playing media in the preferred format.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Save Playlist to File'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Save Playlist to File'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to save the current playing media in the preferred format.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to save the current playing media in the preferred format.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''Tools'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Tools'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Playlist'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Playlist'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view and play the media files listed in the playlist.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view and play the media files listed in the playlist.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Extended Settings'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Extended Settings'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to adjust the audio and video effects.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to adjust the audio and video effects.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Add Interface'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Add Interface'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view VLC media player using different interfaces.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view VLC media player using different interfaces.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Minimal view'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Minimal view'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to have a minimal view of the application.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to have a minimal view of the application.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Fullscreen Interface'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Fullscreen Interface'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to have a full screen view of the application.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to have a full screen view of the application.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Advanced controls'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Advanced controls'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to access snapshot and loop controls.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to access snapshot and loop controls.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Messages'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Messages'''  
 
| width="40%" | To be added
 
| width="40%" | To be added
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Media Information'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Media Information'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view information regarding the media file being played.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view information regarding the media file being played.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Codec Information'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Codec Information'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view codec information of the media file being played.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to view codec information of the media file being played.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Bookmarks'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Bookmarks'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to bookmark the media file.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to bookmark the media file.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''VLM Configuration'''
+
| width="10%" | '''VLM Configuration'''  
 
| width="40%" | To be added
 
| width="40%" | To be added
 
|-
 
|-
−
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''
+
| width="10%" | '''&nbsp;'''  
−
| width="10%" | '''Preferences'''
+
| width="10%" | '''Preferences'''  
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to give preferred settings to audio, video, subtitles, codecs and hotkeys.
 
| width="40%" | Select this option to give preferred settings to audio, video, subtitles, codecs and hotkeys.
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== Opening modes ==
+
== Opening modes ==
  
 
See [[Documentation:Play HowTo/Basic Use 0.9/Opening modes]]  
 
See [[Documentation:Play HowTo/Basic Use 0.9/Opening modes]]  
  
−
== Streaming Media Files ==
+
== Streaming Media Files ==
  
 
Streaming is a method of delivering audio or video content across the network without downloading a file before it is played. You can view or listen to the content as it arrives. The advantage is that you need not download large files to watch a movie or listen to music. VideoLAN is designed to stream MPEG videos on high bandwidth networks.  
 
Streaming is a method of delivering audio or video content across the network without downloading a file before it is played. You can view or listen to the content as it arrives. The advantage is that you need not download large files to watch a movie or listen to music. VideoLAN is designed to stream MPEG videos on high bandwidth networks.  
Line 284: Line 284:
 
[[Image:Streamingdiag.JPG]]  
 
[[Image:Streamingdiag.JPG]]  
  
−
To stream a file:
+
To stream a file:  
  
−
#Select '''Streaming''' from the '''Media''' menu. The Open dialog box is displayed. The '''Open File''' tab is selected by default.
+
#Select '''Streaming''' from the '''Media''' menu. The Open dialog box is displayed. The '''Open File''' tab is selected by default.  
 
#Select the media file from the options available such as a file, a network, a disc or a capture device.  
 
#Select the media file from the options available such as a file, a network, a disc or a capture device.  
 
#Click on '''Stream'''. The Stream Output dialog box is displayed. Refer to [[#Specifying_Streaming_Options|Specifying Streaming Options]].  
 
#Click on '''Stream'''. The Stream Output dialog box is displayed. Refer to [[#Specifying_Streaming_Options|Specifying Streaming Options]].  
−
#Click on '''Stream''' in the Stream Output dialog box.
+
#Click on '''Stream''' in the Stream Output dialog box.
  
 
Note: When the streaming is being done, the slider moves to show the progress.  
 
Note: When the streaming is being done, the slider moves to show the progress.  
  
−
== Converting and Saving a Media File Format ==
+
== Converting and Saving a Media File Format ==
  
 
VLC media player is the best option for multimedia conversion. It can convert different media formats to the format of your preference. To convert a media file  
 
VLC media player is the best option for multimedia conversion. It can convert different media formats to the format of your preference. To convert a media file  

Revision as of 17:39, 21 December 2010

VLC User Guide

Quick Start Guide
Installing VLC
History
Usage
Interface
Open Media
Audio
Video
Playback
Playlist
Subtitles
Video and Audio Filters
Snapshots
Hotkeys
Uninstalling VLC
Troubleshooting
Advanced usage
Using VLC inside a webpage
Command line
Alternative Interfaces
Misc

Appendix
Building Pages for the HTTP Interface
Format String
Building Lua Playlist Scripts
View this alone

VLC has several interfaces:

  • A cross-platform interface, for Windows and GNU/Linux, called wxWidgets,
  • A native Mac OS X interface, and
  • A skinnable interface for Windows and GNU/Linux.

Screenshots below are drawn from the various interfaces, but VLC's functions work essentially the same on all operating systems.

Windows and GNU/Linux (Qt)

The main interface of VLC media player looks as shown in the following figure. This is the default interface on Windows and GNU/Linux (the screenshot is done on Windows, but it would look quite the same on GNU/Linux).

VLC - small.png


Starting VLC Media Player

To start VLC Media Player:

  1. Select Programs from the Start menu.
  2. Select VideoLAN and select the VLC media player.

When you start VLC media player, the application appears on the screen and a small icon VLC - icon.png appears in the taskbar. Click on the icon in the taskbar to show or hide the icon in the taskbar. Hiding the icon does not amount to quitting the application. It does run in the background even when you hide the interface.

Stopping VLC Media Player

To quit the application, right click on the VLC - icon.png icon in the tray and select Quit.
Or
Click the Close button in the main interface of the application.

Taskbar Icon

When VLC media player is running, its icon VLC - icon.png appears in the taskbar. Click on the icon in the taskbar to show or hide the icon in the taskbar. Hiding the icon does not amount to quitting the application. It does run in the background even when you hide the icon. Basic operations such as opening, playing or stopping a media file, or changing a track can be done from the menu obtained by right clicking the taskbar icon. The main interface contains a couple of sections:

Main Interface

Menu bar
The menu bar at the top contains all the options.
Track slider
The track slider is below the menu bar. It shows the progress of playing the media file. You can drag the track slider left to rewind or right to forward the track being played. When a video file is played, the video appears between the menu bar and track slider.
Note: When a media file is streamed, the track slider does not move because VLC cannot know the total duration.

Control Buttons
The buttons below the slider help in controlling the play.

Button Description
VLC - play button.png
 Toggles between play and pause
VLC - back button.png
 Moves to the previous track
VLC - stop.png
 Stops the play
VLC - forward button.png
 Moves to the next track
VLC - fullscreen.png
 Displays the application in a full-screen mode
VLC - playlist.png
 Displays the play list
VLC - options.png
 Displays a menu of options to have audio and video effects, and synchronising the audio and video media.
VLC - mute.png
 Toggles between mute and voice. Click on it to mute or un-mute.
VLC - volume.png
 Volume slider. Displays the volume level. You can adjust the volume by placing the cursor on this icon and moving it left or right. The number indicates the percentage of amplification. Maximum is 200%.

Additional Information

At the bottom of the interface we can find information regarding name of the media file being played, the relative speed at which it is being played, and the elapsed and total duration of the file are displayed. There is an option to increase or decrease the speed of the track.

Right click on the VLC - playspeed.png icon to change the playing speed of the track.

Menu Option Description
Media Open File Select this option to open a media file and play it.
  Advanced Open File Select this option to open files through a folder, disc, network or a capture device.
  Open Folder Select this option to open a folder with multiple media files and play them in order.
  Open Disc Select this option to open discs with different video format.
  Open Network Select this option to receive media files from Internet and play them.
  Open Capture Device Select this option to receive media files from capture devices such as camcorder, webcam and so on.
  Convert/Save Select this option to convert media files to different media file formats.
  Streaming Select this option to send media files through network and play them live.
  Quit Select this option to quit the application.
Audio Audio Track Select this option to disable or enable an audio track.
  Audio Device Select this option to convert the stereo audio files to mono and vice-versa.
  Audio Channel Select this option to select a audio channel.
  Visualization Select this option to display splashes of colour and geometric shapes while listening to an audio file.
Video Video Track Select this option to disable or enable a video track.
  Subtitles Select this option to load subtitle files for video files requiring subtitles.
  Full Screen Select this option to view the media file in the entire screen.
  Zoom Select this option to zoom in or zoom out a video track.
  Deinterlace Select this option to convert interlaced video signals into non-interlaced form.
  Aspect Ratio Select this option to adjust the width to height ratio of the video.
  Crop Select this option to crop the edges of a video track.
  Always on Top Select this option to display the application always on top when other applications or files are open.
  Direct X wall paper Select this option to make the video which is being displayed to become the wall paper.
  Snapshot Select this option to capture snapshots of video being displayed.
Playback Go to specific time Select this option to move the track slider to a specific frame of the video or audio file. The media file starts playing from that instance.
  Bookmarks Select this option to bookmark the media file.
  Title Select this option to randomly access a particular movie in a DVD.
  Chapter Select this option to randomly access a particular chapter in a movie.
  Program To be added
  Navigation Select this option to navigate to different titles and their corresponding chapters.
Playlist Additional Sources Select this option to access the additional sources such as podcasts, SAP announcements, radio and TV shoutcasts, French TV and Freebox TV.
  Show Playlist Select this option to view and play the media files listed in the playlist.
  Load Playlist File Select this option to load the playlist files.
  Save Playlist to File Select this option to save the current playing media in the preferred format.
  Save Playlist to File Select this option to save the current playing media in the preferred format.
Tools Playlist Select this option to view and play the media files listed in the playlist.
  Extended Settings Select this option to adjust the audio and video effects.
  Add Interface Select this option to view VLC media player using different interfaces.
  Minimal view Select this option to have a minimal view of the application.
  Fullscreen Interface Select this option to have a full screen view of the application.
  Advanced controls Select this option to access snapshot and loop controls.
  Messages To be added
  Media Information Select this option to view information regarding the media file being played.
  Codec Information Select this option to view codec information of the media file being played.
  Bookmarks Select this option to bookmark the media file.
  VLM Configuration To be added
  Preferences Select this option to give preferred settings to audio, video, subtitles, codecs and hotkeys.

Opening modes

See Documentation:Play HowTo/Basic Use 0.9/Opening modes

Streaming Media Files

Streaming is a method of delivering audio or video content across the network without downloading a file before it is played. You can view or listen to the content as it arrives. The advantage is that you need not download large files to watch a movie or listen to music. VideoLAN is designed to stream MPEG videos on high bandwidth networks.

VLC can be used as a server to stream MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 files, DVDs and live videos on the network in unicast or multicast.

Unicast refers to a process where media files are sent to a single system through the network. Multicast refers to a process where media files are sent to multiple systems through the network.

VLC is also used as a client to receive, decode and display MPEG streams. MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 streams received from the network or video from a camcorder can be sent to one machine or a group of machines.

Streamingdiag.JPG

To stream a file:

  1. Select Streaming from the Media menu. The Open dialog box is displayed. The Open File tab is selected by default.
  2. Select the media file from the options available such as a file, a network, a disc or a capture device.
  3. Click on Stream. The Stream Output dialog box is displayed. Refer to Specifying Streaming Options.
  4. Click on Stream in the Stream Output dialog box.

Note: When the streaming is being done, the slider moves to show the progress.

Converting and Saving a Media File Format

VLC media player is the best option for multimedia conversion. It can convert different media formats to the format of your preference. To convert a media file

  1. Select Open File from the Media menu. The Open dialog box is displayed.
  2. Select a media file and click on the Open button. The media file is played.
  3. Select Convert/Save from the Media menu. The Open dialog box is displayed.
  4. Select the media file and click on Convert. The Stream Output dialog box is displayed. Refer to Specifying Streaming Options
Retrieved from "https://wiki.videolan.org/index.php?title=Documentation:Interface&oldid=18209"