Difference between revisions of "Documentation:Interface"

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{{RightMenu|Documentation TOC}}  
VLC has several interfaces:
 
  
 
==General Interface Description==
 
==General Interface Description==
  
VLC has several main interfaces:  
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VLC has several interfaces:  
*A cross-platform interface for Windows and GNU/Linux, which is called [[Qt]],
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*A cross-platform interface for Windows and GNU/Linux, which is called [[Qt]].
*A native Mac OS X interface,
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*A native Mac OS X interface.
*An interface which supports skins for both Windows and GNU/Linux.
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*An interface that supports skins for both Windows and GNU/Linux.
  
Below are screenshots of VLC on various interfaces. Despite these different interfaces, VLC's functions essentially work the same on all operating systems.
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The operation of VLC is essentially the same in all the interfaces.
  
 
=== Windows and GNU/Linux (Qt) ===
 
=== Windows and GNU/Linux (Qt) ===
The interface shown below is the default interface in VLC 2.0, the Qt-based interface. More features can be displayed, by selecting them in the ''View'' menu.  
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The screenshot below shows the default interface in VLC 2.0. More features can be displayed by selecting them in the ''View'' menu.  
  
[[Image:Page1.png|480x360px]]<br>
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[[File:Page1.png|480x360px]]<br>
  
 
See also [[Documentation:Play HowTo/Basic Use/VLC 1.2 Interface on Windows 7|VLC Interface 2.0 on Windows 7]]
 
See also [[Documentation:Play HowTo/Basic Use/VLC 1.2 Interface on Windows 7|VLC Interface 2.0 on Windows 7]]
 
  
 
===Mac OS X===
 
===Mac OS X===
The following interface was the default for VLC on Mac OS X until VLC 1.1:
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This screenshot shows the default interface that VLC had on Mac OS X until version 1.1:
[[Image:Default Interface Mac.PNG|center|]]
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[[File:Default Interface Mac.PNG|center|]]
 
 
Starting from 2.0.0, the interface has been redesigned - see [[Documentation:Play_HowTo/Basic_Use/Interface_OSX|OSX 2.0 interface]].
 
 
 
== Starting VLC Media Player  ==
 
  
To start VLC Media Player:  
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Since version 2.0 the interface has been redesigned. See [[Documentation:Play_HowTo/Basic_Use/Interface_OSX|OSX 2.0 interface]].
  
#Select '''Programs''' from the '''Start''' menu.
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== Starting VLC Media Player in Windows ==
#Select '''VideoLAN''' and select the '''VLC media player'''.
 
  
Or:
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In Windows XP: Click '''Start''' -> '''Programs''' -> '''VideoLAN''' -> '''VLC media player'''.
  
#Type in your console '''vlc'''
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In Windows 7: Click '''Start''' -> '''All Programs''' -> '''VideoLAN''' -> '''VLC media player'''.
  
When you start VLC media player, the application appears on the screen and a small icon {{VLC icon}} 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.
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VLC is shown on the screen and a small icon {{VLC icon}} is shown in the system tray.
  
 
== Stopping VLC Media Player  ==
 
== Stopping VLC Media Player  ==
  
To quit the application, right click on the {{VLC icon}} icon in the tray and select '''Close''' (''Alt-F4'') or click the '''Close''' button in the main interface of the application.
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There are three ways to quit VLC:
 +
*Right click the VLC icon ({{VLC icon}}) in the tray and select '''Quit''' (''Alt-F4'').
 +
*Click the '''Close''' button in the main interface of the application.
 +
*In the '''Media''' menu, select '''Quit''' (''Ctrl-Q'').
  
 
[[File:Basic_interface_quit.png]]
 
[[File:Basic_interface_quit.png]]
  
== Taskbar Icon ==
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== Notification Area Icon {{VLC icon}} ==
When VLC media player is running, its icon {{VLC icon}} 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:
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Clicking this icon shows or hides the VLC interface. Hiding VLC does not exit the application. VLC keeps running in the background when it is hidden. Right clicking the icon in the notification area shows a menu with basic operations, such as opening, playing, stopping, or changing a media file.
 
 
=== Main Interface  ===
 
* '''Menu bar''' - The buttons below the track slider contain all the basic playback features.
 
* '''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. <br> '''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 media currently playing.
 
  
[[Image:Playbackcontrols.png|640x480px]]
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== Main Interface  ==
 +
The main interface has the following areas:
 +
* '''Menu bar'''.
 +
* '''Track slider''' - The track slider is below the menu bar. It shows the playing progress of 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 is shown between the menu bar and the track slider. <br> '''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 track slider cover all the basic playback features.
  
=== Additional Information  ===
+
[[File:Page2.png|640px]]<br>  
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.
 
 
 
[[Image:Page2.png|640px]]<br>  
 
  
 
[[Documentation:Play_HowTo/Basic_Use/Menus|Click here to view an explanation of every menu item.]]
 
[[Documentation:Play_HowTo/Basic_Use/Menus|Click here to view an explanation of every menu item.]]
  
<br>
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[[File:Playbackcontrols.png|640x480px]]
  
== Opening modes  ==
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== Opening media ==
  
See [[Documentation:Play HowTo/Basic Use 0.9/Opening modes]]  
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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.  
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Streaming is a method of delivering audio or video content across a network without the need to download the media file before it is played. You can view or listen to the content as it arrives. It has the advantage that you don't need to wait for large media files to finish downloading before playing them.
  
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.  
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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 is a process where media files are sent to a single system through the network. Multicast is a process where media files are sent to multiple systems through the network.  
  
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.  
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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 an external device can be sent to one machine or a group of machines.  
  
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.  
+
[[File:Streamingdiag.JPG]]
  
[[Image:Streamingdiag.JPG]]
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'''To stream a file''':  
  
To stream a file:
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#From the '''Media''' menu, select '''Open Network Stream'''. The ''Open Media'' dialog box loads with the ''Network'' tab selected. 
 +
#In the '''Please enter a network URL''' text box, Type the network URL.
 +
#Click '''Play'''.
  
#Select ''Open Network Stream'' from the ''Media'' menu. Then the ''Open Media'' dialog box is displayed. The ''Network'' tab is selected by default.
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Note: When VLC plays a stream, the track slider shows the progress of the playback.
[[Image:Vlc_network_stream.PNG|480x360px]]
 
#Type the network URL in the user input box
 
#Click on the ''Play'' button to begin playback of the stream.  
 
  
Note: When the streaming is being done, the slider moves to show the progress.
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For more information, refer to [[Documentation:Streaming HowTo/Receive and Save a Stream]]
  
For more information, refer to the [http://wiki.videolan.org/Documentation:Play_HowTo/Basic_Use#Play_a_network_stream_.28WebRadio.2C_WebTV.2C_etc..29 VLC usage page]
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[[File:Vlc_network_stream.PNG|480x360px]]
  
 
== 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
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VLC can convert media files from one format to another.  
  
#Select ''Open File'' from the ''Media'' menu. The Open dialog box is displayed.  
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'''To convert a media file''':
#Select a media file and click on the '''Open''' button and then the media file will be played.  
+
 
#Select ''Convert/Save'' from the 'Media' menu and the ''Convert'' box is displayed.  
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#From the '''Media''' menu, select '''Convert/Save'''. The ''Open media'' dialog window appears.
#Choose the ''Destination File'' and the ''Profile'' and click ''Start''.
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#Click '''Add...'''. A file selection dialog window appears.
 +
#Select the file you want to convert and click '''Open'''. The ''Convert'' dialog window appears.
 +
#In the '''Destination file''' text box, indicate the path and file name where you want to store the converted file.
 +
#From the '''Profile''' drop-down, select a conversion profile.
 +
#Click '''Start'''.
  
 
[[File:Basic_interface_convert.png]]
 
[[File:Basic_interface_convert.png]]
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 +
{{Documentation}}
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[[Category:Interfaces|*]]

Latest revision as of 02:55, 2 February 2019

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

General Interface Description

VLC has several interfaces:

  • A cross-platform interface for Windows and GNU/Linux, which is called Qt.
  • A native Mac OS X interface.
  • An interface that supports skins for both Windows and GNU/Linux.

The operation of VLC is essentially the same in all the interfaces.

Windows and GNU/Linux (Qt)

The screenshot below shows the default interface in VLC 2.0. More features can be displayed by selecting them in the View menu.

Page1.png

See also VLC Interface 2.0 on Windows 7

Mac OS X

This screenshot shows the default interface that VLC had on Mac OS X until version 1.1:

Default Interface Mac.PNG

Since version 2.0 the interface has been redesigned. See OSX 2.0 interface.

Starting VLC Media Player in Windows

In Windows XP: Click Start -> Programs -> VideoLAN -> VLC media player.

In Windows 7: Click Start -> All Programs -> VideoLAN -> VLC media player.

VLC is shown on the screen and a small icon LargeVLC.png is shown in the system tray.

Stopping VLC Media Player

There are three ways to quit VLC:

  • Right click the VLC icon (LargeVLC.png) in the tray and select Quit (Alt-F4).
  • Click the Close button in the main interface of the application.
  • In the Media menu, select Quit (Ctrl-Q).

Basic interface quit.png

Notification Area Icon LargeVLC.png

Clicking this icon shows or hides the VLC interface. Hiding VLC does not exit the application. VLC keeps running in the background when it is hidden. Right clicking the icon in the notification area shows a menu with basic operations, such as opening, playing, stopping, or changing a media file.

Main Interface

The main interface has the following areas:

  • Menu bar.
  • Track slider - The track slider is below the menu bar. It shows the playing progress of 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 is shown between the menu bar and the 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 track slider cover all the basic playback features.

Page2.png

Click here to view an explanation of every menu item.

Playbackcontrols.png

Opening media

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

Streaming Media Files

Streaming is a method of delivering audio or video content across a network without the need to download the media file before it is played. You can view or listen to the content as it arrives. It has the advantage that you don't need to wait for large media files to finish downloading before playing them.

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 is a process where media files are sent to a single system through the network. Multicast is 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 an external device can be sent to one machine or a group of machines.

Streamingdiag.JPG

To stream a file:

  1. From the Media menu, select Open Network Stream. The Open Media dialog box loads with the Network tab selected.
  2. In the Please enter a network URL text box, Type the network URL.
  3. Click Play.

Note: When VLC plays a stream, the track slider shows the progress of the playback.

For more information, refer to Documentation:Streaming HowTo/Receive and Save a Stream

Vlc network stream.PNG

Converting and Saving a Media File Format

VLC can convert media files from one format to another.

To convert a media file:

  1. From the Media menu, select Convert/Save. The Open media dialog window appears.
  2. Click Add.... A file selection dialog window appears.
  3. Select the file you want to convert and click Open. The Convert dialog window appears.
  4. In the Destination file text box, indicate the path and file name where you want to store the converted file.
  5. From the Profile drop-down, select a conversion profile.
  6. Click Start.

Basic interface convert.png

This page is part of official VLC media player Documentation (User GuideStreaming HowToHacker GuideModules)
Please read the Documentation Editing Guidelines before you edit the documentation
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.