Difference between revisions of "Documentation:Advanced Use of VLC"

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{{RightMenu|documentation play howto toc}}
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{{RightMenu|Documentation TOC}}
  
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==Use the command line==
+
== Use the command line ==
 +
'''TODO: completely outdated'''
 +
{{Outdated}}
  
−
'''TODO: completely outdated'''
+
All standard operations of VLC should be available from the GUI. However, some complex operations can only be done from the command line and there are situations in which you don't need or want a GUI. Here is the complete description of VLC's command line and how to use it.
  
−
All standard operations of VLC should be available from the GUI. However, some complex operations can only be done from the command line and there are situations in which you don't need or want a GUI. Here is the complete description of VLC's command line and how to use it.
+
You need to be quite comfortable with [[command line]] usage to use this.  
  
−
You need to be quite comfortable with command line usage to use this.
+
Note: Windows users have to use the ''--option-name="value"'' syntax instead of the ''--option-name value'' syntax.
  
−
Note: Windows users have to use the ''--option-name="value"'' syntax instead of the ''--option-name value'' syntax.
+
=== Getting help ===
  
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===Getting help===
+
VLC uses a modular structure. The core mainly manages communication between modules. All the multimedia processing is done by modules. There are input modules, [[demultiplex]]ers, decoders, video output modules, ...
  
−
VLC uses a modular structure. The core mainly manages communication between modules. All the multimedia processing is done by modules. There are input modules, demultiplexers, decoders, video output modules, ...
+
This chapter will only describe the "general" options, i.e. the core options. Each module adds new options. For example, the HTTP input module will add options for caching, proxy, authentication, ...  
  
−
This chapter will only describe the "general" options, i.e. the core options. Each module adds new options. For example, the HTTP input module will add options for caching, proxy, authentication, ...
+
By using '''vlc --help''', you will get the basic core options. '''vlc --longhelp''' will give all the basic options (core + modules). Adding '''--advanced''' will give the "advanced options" (for advanced users). So '''vlc --longhelp --advanced''' will give you all options. You can also append '''--help-verbose''' if you want more detailed help.  
  
−
By using '''vlc --help''', you will get the basic core options. '''vlc --longhelp''' will give all the basic options (core + modules). Adding '''--advanced''' will give the "advanced options" (for advanced users). So '''vlc --longhelp --advanced''' will give you all options. You can also append '''--help-verbose''' if you want more detailed help.
+
Also, you might want to get debug information. To do this, use '''-v''' or '''-vv''' (this will show lower severity messages). If your console supports it, you can add '''--color to get messages in color.'''
  
−
Also, you might want to get debug informations. To do this, use '''-v''' or '''-vv''' (this will show lower severity messages). If your console supports it, you can add '''--color to get messages in color.
+
=== Opening streams ===
  
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===Opening streams===
+
The following commands start VLC and start reading the given element(s):
  
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The following commands start VLC and start reading the given element(s)
+
==== Opening a file ====
  
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====Opening a file====
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Start VLC with:
  
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Start VLC with:
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{{%}} '''vlc my_file'''
  
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% '''vlc my_file'''
+
VLC should be able to recognize the file type. If it does not, you can force demultiplexer and decoder (see below).
  
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VLC should be able to recognize the file type. If it does not, you can force demultiplexer and decoder (see below).
+
A list of all video and audio codecs supported by VLC check the [https://www.videolan.org/vlc/features.html VLC features list].
  
−
A list of all video and audio codecs supported by VLC is available on the [http://www.videolan.org/vlc/features.html VLC features list].
+
==== Opening a DVD or VCD, or an audio CD ====
  
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====Opening a DVD or VCD, or an audio CD====
+
Start VLC with:
  
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Start VLC with:
+
For a DVD with menus:  
  
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For a DVD with menus:
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  {{%}} '''vlc dvd://[device][@raw_device][@[title][:[chapter][:angle]]]'''
−
  % '''vlc dvd://[device][@raw_device][@[title][:[chapter][:angle]]]'''
 
  
−
In most cases, '''vlc dvd://''' or '''vlc dvd://[device]''' will do. [device] is for example '''/dev/dvd''' on GNU/Linux or '''D:''' on Windows (complete path to your DVD drive).
+
In most cases, '''vlc dvd://''' or '''vlc dvd://[device]''' will do. [device] is for example '''/dev/dvd''' on GNU/Linux or '''D:''' on Windows (complete path to your DVD drive).  
  
−
or
+
or  
  
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(DVD without menus):
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(DVD without menus):  
  
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  % '''vlc dvdsimple://[device][@raw_device][@[title][:[chapter][:angle]]]'''
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  {{%}} '''vlc dvdsimple://[device][@raw_device][@[title][:[chapter][:angle]]]'''
  
−
or
+
or  
  
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(VCD):
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(VCD):  
  
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  % '''vlc vcd://[device][@{E|P|E|T|S}[number]]'''
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  {{%}} '''vlc vcd://[device][@{E|P|E|T|S}[number]]'''
  
−
or
+
or  
  
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(Audio CD):
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(Audio CD):  
  
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  % '''vlc cdda://[device][@[track]]'''
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  {{%}} '''vlc cdda://[device][@[track]]'''
  
−
====Receiving a network stream====
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==== Receiving a network stream ====
  
−
To receive an unicast RTP/UDP stream (sent by VLC's stream output), start VLC with:
+
To receive an [[unicast]] [[RTP]]/[[UDP]] stream (sent by VLC's stream output), start VLC with:  
  
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  % '''vlc rtp://@:5004'''
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  {{%}} '''vlc rtp://@:5004'''
  
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If 5004 is the port to which packets are sent. 1234 is another commonly used port number. you use the default port (1234), '''vlc rtp://''' will do.
+
If 5004 is the [[port]] to which packets are sent. 1234 is another commonly used port number. you use the default port (1234), '''vlc rtp://''' will do. For more information, look at the Streaming Howto.  
−
For more information, look at the Streaming Howto.
 
  
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To receive an multicast UDP/RTP stream (sent by VLC's stream output), start VLC with:
+
To receive an multicast UDP/RTP stream (sent by VLC's stream output), start VLC with:  
  
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  % '''vlc rtp://@multicast_address:port'''
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  {{%}} '''vlc rtp://@multicast_address:port'''
  
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To receive a SSM (source specific multicast) stream, you can use:
+
To receive a [[SSM]] (source specific multicast) stream, you can use:  
  
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  % '''vlc rtp://server_address@multicast_address:port'''
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  {{%}} '''vlc rtp://server_address@multicast_address:port'''
  
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This only works on OSs that support SSM (Windows XP and Linux).
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This only works on [[Operating system]]s that support SSM (Windows XP and Linux).  
  
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To receive a HTTP stream, start VLC with:
+
To receive a HTTP stream, start VLC with:  
  
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  % '''vlc http://www.example.org/your_file.mpg'''
+
  {{%}} '''vlc <nowiki>http://www.example.org/your_file.mpg</nowiki>'''
  
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To receive a RTSP stream, start VLC with:</para>
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To receive a [[RTSP]] stream, start VLC with:&lt;/para&gt;
  
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  % '''vlc rtsp://www.example.org/your_stream'''
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  {{%}} '''vlc rtsp://www.example.org/your_stream'''
  
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===Modules selection===
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=== Modules selection ===
  
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VLC always tries to select the most appropriate interface, input and output modules, among the ones available on the system, according to the stream it is given to read. However, you may wish to force the use of a specific module with the following options.
+
VLC always tries to select the most appropriate interface, input and output modules, among the ones available on the system, according to the stream it is given to read. However, you may wish to force the use of a specific module with the following options.  
  
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*'''--intf <module>''' allows you to select the interface module.
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*'''--intf &lt;module&gt;''' allows you to select the interface module.  
−
*'''--extraintf <module>''' allows you to select extra interface modules that will be launched in addition to the main one. This is mainly useful for special ''control'' interfaces, like HTTP, RC (Remote Control), ... (see below)
+
*'''--extraintf &lt;module&gt;''' allows you to select extra interface modules that will be launched in addition to the main one. This is mainly useful for special ''control'' interfaces, like HTTP, RC (Remote Control), ... (see below)  
−
*'''--aout <module>''' allows you to select the audio output module.
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*'''--aout &lt;module&gt;''' allows you to select the audio output module.  
−
*'''--vout <module>''' allows you to select the video output module.
+
*'''--vout &lt;module&gt;''' allows you to select the video output module.  
−
*'''--memcpy <module>''' allows you to choose a memory copy module. You should probably never touch that.
+
*'''--memcpy &lt;module&gt;''' allows you to choose a memory copy module. You should probably never touch that.
  
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You can get a listing of the available modules by using '''vlc -l'''
+
You can get a listing of the available modules by using '''vlc -l'''  
  
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===Stream Output===
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=== Stream Output ===
  
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The Stream output system allows vlc to become a streaming server.
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The Stream output system allows vlc to become a streaming server.  
  
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For more details on the stream output system, please have a look at the [[Documentation:Streaming HowTo|Streaming HowTo]].
+
For more details on the stream output system, please have a look at the [[Documentation:Streaming HowTo|Streaming HowTo]].  
  
 +
<br>
  
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===Other Options===
+
=== Other Options ===
  
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====Audio options====
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==== Audio options ====
  
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*'''--noaudio''' disables audio output.
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*'''--noaudio''' disables audio output. Note that if you are streaming (ex: to a file) this has no effect (streaming copies the audio verbatim). Use --sout-xxx instead (ex: --no-sout-audio)
−
*'''--mono''' forces VLC to treat the stream in mono audio.
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*'''--mono''' forces VLC to treat the stream in mono audio.  
−
*'''--volume <integer>''' sets the level of audio output (between 0 and 1024).
+
*'''--volume &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' sets the level of audio output (between 0 and 1024). Also only applies to local playback (like --noaudio).  
−
*'''--aout-rate <integer>''' sets the audio output frequency (Hz). By default, VLC will try to autodetect this.
+
*'''--aout-rate &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' sets the audio output frequency (Hz). By default, VLC will try to autodetect this.  
−
*'''--desync <integer>''' compensates desynchronization of audio (ms). (If audio and video streams are not synchronized, use this setting to delay the audio stream)
+
*'''--desync &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' compensates desynchronization of audio (ms). (If audio and video streams are not synchronized, use this setting to delay the audio stream)  
−
*'''--audio-filter <string>''' adds audio filters to the processing chain. Available filters are visual (visualizer with spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope), headphone (virtual headphone patialization) and normalizer (volume normalizer)
+
*'''--audio-filter &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' adds audio filters to the processing chain. Available filters are visual (visualizer with spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope), headphone (virtual headphone patialization) and normalizer (volume normalizer)
  
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====Video options====
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==== Video options ====
  
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*'''--novideo''' disables video output.
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*'''--no-video''' disables video output.  
−
*'''--grayscale''' turns video output into grayscale mode.
+
*'''--grayscale''' turns video output into grayscale mode.  
−
*'''--fullscreen''' ( or '''-f''') sets fullscreen video.
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*'''--fullscreen''' ( or '''-f''') sets fullscreen video.  
−
*'''--nooverlay''' disables hardware acceleration for the video output.
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*'''--nooverlay''' disables [[hardware acceleration]] for the video output.  
−
*'''--width, --height <integer>''' sets the video window dimensions. By default, the video window size will be adjusted to match the video dimensions.
+
*'''--width, --height &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' sets the video window dimensions. By default, the video window size will be adjusted to match the video dimensions.  
−
*'''--start-time <integer>''' starts the video here; the integer is the number of seconds from the beginning (e.g. 1:30 is written as 90)
+
*'''--start-time &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' starts the video here; the integer is the number of seconds from the beginning (e.g. 1:30 is written as 90)  
−
*'''--stop-time <integer>''' stops the video here; the integer is the number of seconds from the beginning (e.g. 1:30 is written as 90)
+
*'''--stop-time &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' stops the video here; the integer is the number of seconds from the beginning (e.g. 1:30 is written as 90)  
−
*'''--zoom <float>''' adds a zoom factor.
+
*'''--zoom &lt;[[float]]&gt;''' adds a zoom factor.  
−
*'''--aspect-ratio <mode>''' forces source aspect ratio. Modes are 4x3, 16x9, ...
+
*'''--aspect-ratio &lt;mode&gt;''' forces source aspect ratio. Modes are 4x3, 16x9, ...  
−
*'''--spumargin <integer>''' forces SPU subtitles postion.
+
*'''--spumargin &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' forces SPU subtitles position.  
−
*'''--video-filter <string>''' adds video filters to the processing chain. You can add several filters, separated by commas
+
*'''--video-filter &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' adds video filters to the processing chain. You can add several filters, separated by commas  
−
*'''--sub-filter <string>''' adds video subpictures filter to the processing chain.
+
*'''--sub-filter &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' adds video subpictures filter to the processing chain.
  
−
====Desktop/Screen grab options====
+
==== Desktop/Screen grab options ====
  
−
You can see the various options for "grabbing the desktop" (VLC's built-in screen grabber capture device) by using the GUI. See http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=46971
+
You can see the various options for "grabbing the desktop" (VLC's built-in screen grabber capture device) by using the GUI. See https://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&amp;t=46971  
  
−
====Playlist options====
+
==== Playlist options ====
  
−
*'''--random''' plays files randomly forever.
+
*'''--random''' plays files randomly forever.  
−
*'''--loop''' loops playlist on end.
+
*'''--loop''' loops playlist on end.  
−
*'''--repeat''' repeats current item until another item is forced
+
*'''--repeat''' repeats current item until another item is forced  
 
*'''--play-and-stop''' stops the playlist after each played item.
 
*'''--play-and-stop''' stops the playlist after each played item.
  
−
====Network options====
+
==== Network options ====
  
−
*'''--server-port <integer>''' sets server port.
+
*'''--server-port &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' sets server port.  
−
*'''--iface <string>''' specifies the network interface to use.
+
*'''--iface &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' specifies the network interface to use.  
−
*'''--iface-addr <string>''' specifies your network interface IP address.
+
*'''--iface-addr &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' specifies your network interface IP address.  
−
*'''--mtu <integer>''' specifies the MTU of the network interface.
+
*'''--mtu &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' specifies the MTU of the network interface.  
−
*'''--ipv6''' forces IPv6.
+
*'''--ipv6''' forces IPv6.  
 
*'''--ipv4''' forces IPv4.
 
*'''--ipv4''' forces IPv4.
  
−
====CPU options====
+
==== CPU options ====
  
−
You should probably not touch these options unless you know what you are doing.
+
You should probably not touch these options unless you know what you are doing.  
  
−
*'''--nommx''' disables the use of MMX CPU extensions.
+
*'''--nommx''' disables the use of MMX CPU extensions.  
−
*'''--no3dn''' disables the use of 3D Now! CPU extensions.
+
*'''--no3dn''' disables the use of 3D Now! CPU extensions.  
−
*'''--nommxext''' disables the use of MMX Ext CPU extensions.
+
*'''--nommxext''' disables the use of MMX Ext CPU extensions.  
−
*'''--nosse''' disables the use of SSE CPU extensions.
+
*'''--nosse''' disables the use of SSE CPU extensions.  
 
*'''--noaltivec''' disables the use of Altivec CPU extensions.
 
*'''--noaltivec''' disables the use of Altivec CPU extensions.
  
−
====Miscellaneous options====
+
==== Miscellaneous options ====
 +
 
 +
*'''--quiet''' deactivates all console messages.
 +
*'''--color''' displays color messages.
 +
*'''--search-path &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' specifies interface default search path.
 +
*'''--plugin-path &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' specifies plugin search path.
 +
*'''--no-plugins-cache''' disables the plugin cache (plugins cache speeds up startup)
 +
*'''--dvd &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' specifies the default DVD device.
 +
*'''--vcd &lt;[[string]]&gt;''' specifies the default VCD device.
 +
*'''--program &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' specifies program (SID) (for streams with several programs, like satellite ones).
 +
*'''--audio-type &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' specifies the default audio type to use with dvds.
 +
*'''--audio-channel &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' specifies the default audio channel to use with dvds.
 +
*'''--spu-channel &lt;[[integer]]&gt;''' specifies the default subtitle channel to use with dvds.
 +
*'''--version''' gives you information about the current VLC version.
 +
*'''--module &lt;module&gt; ''' displays help about specified module. (Shortcut: '''-p''')
 +
 
 +
=== Item-specific options ===
 +
 
 +
There are many options that are related to items (like '''--novideo''', '''--codec''', '''--fullscreen''').
 +
 
 +
For all of these, you have the possibility to make them item-specific, using ":" instead of "--" and putting the option just after the concerned item.
 +
 
 +
Examples:
 +
 
 +
{{%}} '''vlc file1.mpg&nbsp;:fullscreen file2.mpg'''
 +
 
 +
will play file1.mpg in fullscreen mode and file2.mpg in the default mode (which is generally no fullscreen), whereas
 +
 
 +
{{%}} '''vlc --fullscreen file1.mpg file2.mpg'''
 +
 
 +
will play both files in fullscreen mode
  
−
*'''--quiet''' deactivates all console messages.
+
  {{%}} '''vlc --fullscreen file1.mpg&nbsp;:sub-file=file1.srt&nbsp;:no-fullscreen file2.mpg&nbsp;:filter=distort'''
−
*'''--color''' displays color messages.
 
−
*'''--search-path  <string>''' specifies interface default search path.
 
−
*'''--plugin-path  <string>''' specifies plugin search path.
 
−
*'''--no-plugins-cache''' disables the plugin cache (plugins cache speeds up startup)
 
−
*'''--dvd  <string>''' specifies the default DVD device.
 
−
*'''--vcd  <string>''' specifies the default VCD device.
 
−
*'''--program  <integer>''' specifies program (SID) (for streams with several programs, like satellite ones).
 
−
*'''--audio-type  <integer>''' specifies the default audio type to use with dvds.
 
−
*'''--audio-channel  <integer>''' specifies the default audio channel to use with dvds.
 
−
*'''--spu-channel  <integer>''' specifies the default subtitle channel to use with dvds.
 
−
*'''--version''' gives you information about the current VLC version.
 
−
*'''--module  <module> ''' displays help about specified module. (Shortcut: '''-p''')
 
  
−
===Item-specific options===
+
will play file1.mpg in windowed (no-fullscreen) mode with the subtitles file file1.srt and will play file2.mpg with video filter distort enabled in fullscreen mode (item-specific options override global options).
  
−
There are many options that are related to items (like '''--novideo''', '''--codec''', '''--fullscreen''').
+
== Advanced use of filters ==
  
−
For all of these, you have the possibility to make them item-specific, using ":" instead of "--" and putting the option just after the concerned item.
+
=== Filters ===
  
−
Examples:
+
These are the old style VLC filters. They only apply to on screen display and thus cannot be streamed. However, on version 1.1.11 you are still able to apply these filters in ''transcode'' module using parameter ''vfilter''. More information can be found on [[Documentation:Streaming HowTo/Advanced Streaming Using the Command Line#vfilter]].
  
−
% '''vlc file1.mpg :fullscreen file2.mpg'''
+
==== Deinterlacing video filter ====
−
will play file1.mpg in fullscreen mode and file2.mpg in the default mode (which is generally no fullscreen), whereas
 
−
% '''vlc --fullscreen file1.mpg file2.mpg'''
 
−
will play both files in fullscreen mode
 
  
−
% '''vlc --fullscreen file1.mpg :sub-file=file1.srt :no-fullscreen file2.mpg :filter=distort'''
+
Module name: '''deinterlace'''  
−
will play file1.mpg in windowed (no-fullscreen) mode with the subtitles file file1.srt and will play file2.mpg with video filter distort enabled in fullscreen mode (item-specific options override global options)
 
  
−
==Advanced use of filters==
+
*'''--deinterlace-mode {discard,blend,mean,bob,linear,x,yadif,yadif (2x),phosophor,ivtc}''' choose a [[deinterlacing]] mode.
  
−
===Filters===
+
==== Invert video filter ====
  
−
These are the old style VLC filters. They only apply to on screen display and thus cannot be streamed.
+
Module name: '''invert'''
  
−
====Deinterlacing video filter====
+
==== Image properties filter ====
  
−
Module name: '''deinterlace'''
+
Module name: '''adjust'''  
 +
{{Transcluded|Documentation:Modules/adjust}}
 +
{{:Documentation:Modules/adjust}}
  
−
*'''--deinterlace-mode {discard,blend,mean,bob,linear}''' choose a deinterlacing mode.
+
==== Wall video filter ====
  
−
====Invert video filter====
+
Module name: '''wall'''
 +
This filter splits the output in several windows.
 +
{{Transcluded|Documentation:Modules/wall}}
 +
{{:Documentation:Modules/wall}}
  
−
Module name: '''invert'''
+
==== Video transformation filter ====
  
−
====Image properties filter====
+
Module name: '''transform'''
 +
{{Transcluded|Documentation:Modules/transform}}
 +
{{:Documentation:Modules/transform}}
  
−
Module name: '''adjust'''
+
==== Distort video filter ====
  
−
*'''--contrast <float>''' Image contrast in the 0-2 range.
+
Module name: '''distort'''  
−
*'''--brightness <float>''' Image brightness in the 0-2 range.
+
{{See|Documentation:Modules/distort}}
−
*'''--hue <integer>''' Image hue in the 0-360 range.
 
−
*'''--saturation <float>''' Image saturation in the 0-3 range.
 
−
*'''-gamma <float>''' Image gamma in the 0-10 range.
 
  
−
====Wall video filter====
+
==== Clone video filter ====
  
−
Module name: '''wall'''
+
This filter clones the output window.
  
−
This filter splits the output in several windows.
+
Module name: '''clone'''
 +
{{Transcluded|Documentation:Modules/clone}}
 +
{{:Documentation:Modules/clone}}
  
−
*'''--wall-cols <integer>''' Number of columns.
+
==== Croppadd video filter ====
−
*'''--wall-rows <integer>''' Number of rows.
 
−
*'''--wall-active <string>''' Select the windows you want to display. To select windows 2 and 4 you would write '''--wall-active 2,4'''. When this option isn't specified, all windows are displayed.
 
  
−
====Video transformation filter====
+
Module name: '''croppadd'''
 +
{{Transcluded|Documentation:Modules/croppadd}}
 +
{{:Documentation:Modules/croppadd}}
  
−
Module name: '''transform'''
+
==== Motion blur filter ====
  
−
*'''--transform-type {90,180,270,hflip,vflip}''' Select rotation angle or symmetry.
+
Module name: '''motionblur'''  
 +
{{Transcluded|Documentation:Modules/motionblur}}
 +
{{:Documentation:Modules/motionblur}}
  
−
====Distort video filter====
+
==== Video pictures blending ====
  
−
Module name: '''distort'''
+
Module name: '''blend'''  
  
−
====Clone video filter====
+
==== Video scaling filter ====
  
−
This filter clones the output window.
+
Module name: '''scale'''
  
−
Module name: '''clone'''
+
<br>
  
−
*'''--clone-count <integer>''' Number of clones.
+
=== Subpictures Filters ===
−
*'''--clone-vout-list <string>''' Comma separated string of video output modules.
 
  
−
====Crop video filter====
+
These are the new VLC filters. They can be streamed.
  
−
Module name: '''crop'''
+
==== Marquee display sub filter ====
  
−
*'''--crop-geometry <string>''' Set the geometry of the zone to crop. This is set as <width> x <height> + <left offset> + <top offset>.
+
Module name: '''marq'''  
−
*'''--autocrop''' Enable automatic black border cropping.
+
{{Transcluded|Documentation:Modules/marq}}
 +
{{:Documentation:Modules/marq}}
  
−
====Motion blur filter====
+
==== Logo video filter ====
  
−
Module name: '''motionblur'''
+
Module name: '''logo'''  
 +
{{Transcluded|Documentation:Modules/logo}}
 +
{{:Documentation:Modules/logo}}
  
−
*'''blur-factor <integer>''' Blur factor in the 1-127 range.
+
This filter can be used both as an old style filter or a subpictures filter.  
  
−
====Video pictures blending====
+
Note: You can move the logo by left-clicking on it.
  
−
Module name: '''blend'''
+
<br>
  
−
====Video scaling filter====
+
== The HTTP interface ==
  
−
Module name: '''scale'''
+
VLC ships with a little [[HTTP interface|HTTP server integrated]]. It is used both to stream using [[HTTP]], and for the HTTP remote control interface.
  
 +
To start VLC with the HTTP interface, use:
  
−
===Subpictures Filters===
+
{{%}} '''vlc -I http [--http-src /directory/] [--http-host host:port]'''
  
−
These are the new VLC filters. They can be streamed.
+
If you want to have both the "normal" interface and the HTTP interface, use '''vlc --extraintf http'''.  
  
−
====Time display sub filter====
+
The HTTP interface will start listening at host:port (&lt;all interfaces&gt;:8080 if omitted), and will reproduce the structure of /directory at <code><nowiki>http://host:port/</nowiki></code> ( vlc_source_path/share/http if omitted ).
  
−
Module name: '''time'''
+
Use a browser to go to <code><nowiki>http://your_host_machine:port</nowiki></code>. You should be taken to the main page.
  
−
*'''--time-format <string>''' Time format string. You can use the following special characters %Y = year, %m = month, %d = day, %H = hour, %M = minute, %S = second.
+
VLC is shipped with a set of files that should be enough for generic needs. It is also possible to customize pages. See [[Documentation:Play HowTo/Building Pages for the HTTP Interface]].  
−
*'''--time-x <integer>''' X offset from the left in pixels.
 
−
*'''--time-y <integer>''' Y offset from the top in pixels.
 
  
−
====Marquee display sub filter====
+
Available pages for 1.0.3&nbsp;:
  
−
Module name: '''marq'''
+
*<nowiki>http://host:port</nowiki> - Main Interface
 +
*<nowiki>http://host:port/vlm.html</nowiki> - VLM Interface
 +
*<nowiki>http://host:port/mosaic.html</nowiki> - Mosaic Wizard
 +
*<nowiki>http://host:port/flash.html</nowiki> - Flash based remote playback
  
−
*'''--marq-marquee <string>''' Marquee text to display.
 
−
*'''--marq-x <integer>''' X offset from the left in pixels.
 
−
*'''--marq-y <integer>''' Y offset from the top in pixels.
 
−
*'''--marq-timeout <timeout>''' Defines the time the marquee must remain displayed in milliseconds. Default value is 0 (remain forever).
 
  
−
====Logo video filter====
+
== Other control interfaces ==
  
−
Module name: '''logo'''
+
VLC includes a number of so-called interfaces that are not really interfaces, but means of [[Category:Control VLC|controlling VLC]]. Nevertheless, they are enabled by setting them as interface or extra interface, either in the Preferences, in General/Interface, or using '''-I''' or '''--extraintf''' on the command line.
  
−
This filter can be used both as an old style filter or a subpictures filter.
+
=== Hotkeys ===
  
−
*'''--logo-file <string>''' Full path of the PNG file to use.
+
This module allows you to control VLC and playback via hotkeys. It is always enabled by default. You can use hotkeys in the video output window, you can't in the audio dummy interface.  
−
*'''--logo-x <integer>''' X offset from the left in pixels.
 
−
*'''--logo-y <integer>''' Y offset from the top in pixels.
 
−
*'''--logo-transparency <integer>''' You can set the logo transparency value here (from 0 for full transparency to 255 for full opacity).
 
  
−
Note: You can move the logo by left-clicking on it.
+
Hotkeys can be hacked by:
  
 +
{{%}} '''vlc --key-&lt;function&gt; &lt;code&gt;'''
  
 +
Code is composed by modifiers keys (Alt, Shift, Ctrl, Meta,Command) separated by a dash (-) and terminated by a key (a...z, +, =, -, ',', +, &lt;, &gt;, `, /,&nbsp;;, ', \, [, ], *, Left, Right, Up, Down, Space, Enter, F1...F12, Home, End, Menu, Esc, Page Up, Page Down, Tab, Backspace, Mouse Wheel Up and Mouse Wheel Down). Main controls are available from hotkeys, such as&nbsp;: fullscreen, play-pause, faster, slower, next, prev, stop, quit, vol-up, etc. (use the '''--longhelp''' option for full list of functions). For example, for binding fullscreen to Ctrl-f, run:
  
−
==The HTTP interface==
+
{{%}} '''vlc --key-fullscreen 'Ctrl-f' '''
  
−
VLC ships with a little HTTP server integrated. It is used both to stream using HTTP, and for the HTTP remote control interface.
+
The list of the default hotkeys is available [[HotKeys|here]].  
  
−
To start VLC with the HTTP interface, use:
+
=== RC and RTCI ===
−
% '''vlc -I http [--http-src /directory/] [--http-host host:port]'''
 
  
−
If you want to have both the "normal" interface and the HTTP interface, use '''vlc --extraintf http'''.
+
These two interfaces allow you to control VLC from a command shell (possibly using a remote connexion or a Unix socket).  
  
−
The HTTP interface will start listening at host:port (<all interfaces>:8080 if omitted), and will reproduce the structure of /directory at http://host:port/ ( vlc_source_path/share/http if omitted ).
+
Start VLC with '''-I rc''' or '''--extraintf rc'''. When you get the '''Remote control interface initialized, `h' for help''' message, press h and Enter to get help about available commands.  
  
−
Use a browser to go to http://your_host_machine:port. You should be taken to the main page.
+
To be able to remote connect to your VLC using a TCP socket (telnet-like connexion), use '''--rc-host your_host:port'''. Then, by connecting (using telnet or netcat) to the host on the given port, you will get the command shell.  
  
−
VLC is shipped with a set of files that should be enough for generic needs. It is also possible to customize pages. See [[Documentation:Play_HowTo/Building_Pages_for_the_HTTP_Interface]].
+
To use a UNIX socket (local socket, this does not work for Windows), use '''--rc-unix /path/to/socket'''. Commands can then be passed using this UNIX socket.  
  
−
Available pages for 1.0.3 :
+
The RTCI interface gives you more advanced options, such as marquee control for the marquee subpicture filter (See filter section).  
  
−
* http://host:port - Main Interface
+
<br>
−
* http://host:port/vlm.html - VLM Interface
 
−
* http://host:port/mosaic.html - Mosaic Wizard
 
−
* http://host:port/flash.html - Flash based remote playback
 
  
−
==Other control interfaces==
+
=== Ncurses ===
  
−
VLC includes a number of so-called interfaces that are not really interfaces, but means of controlling VLC. Nevertheless, they are enabled by setting them as interface or extra interface, either in the Preferences, in General/Interface, or using '''-I''' or '''--extraintf''' on the command line.
+
This is a text interface, using ncurses library.  
  
−
===Hotkeys===
+
Start VLC with '''-I ncurses''' or '''--extraintf ncurses'''.
  
−
This module allows you to control VLC and playback via hotkeys. It is always enabled by default. You can use hotkeys in the video output window, you can't in the audio dummy interface.
 
  
−
Hotkeys can be hacked by:
+
The ncurses interface
−
% '''vlc --key-<function> &lt;code&gt;'''
 
  
−
Code is composed by modifiers keys (Alt, Shift, Ctrl, Meta,Command) separated by a dash (-) and terminated by a key (a...z, +, =, -, ',', +, &lt;, &gt;, `, /, ;, ', \, [, ], *, Left, Right, Up, Down, Space, Enter, F1...F12, Home, End, Menu, Esc, Page Up, Page Down, Tab, Backspace, Mouse Wheel Up and Mouse Wheel Down). Main controls are available from hotkeys, such as : fullscreen, play-pause, faster, slower, next, prev, stop, quit, vol-up, etc. (use the '''--longhelp''' option for full list of functions).
+
Press h to get the list of all available commands, with a short description.  
−
For example, for binding fullscreen to Ctrl-f, run:
 
−
% '''vlc --key-fullscreen 'Ctrl-f' '''
 
  
−
The list of the default hotkeys is available [[HotKeys|here]].
+
There is also a filebrowser available for the ncurses interface in order to add playlist items. Press 'B' to use it.
  
−
===RC and RTCI===
+
The ncurses filebrowser
  
−
These two interfaces allow you to control VLC from a command shell (possibly using a remote connexion or a Unix socket).
+
You can set the filebrowser starting point by launching vlc with the '''--browse-dir''' option:
  
−
Start VLC with '''-I rc''' or '''--extraintf rc'''. When you get the '''Remote control interface initialized, `h' for help''' message, press h and Enter to get help about available commands.
+
{{%}} '''vlc -I ncurses --browse-dir /filebrowser/starting/point/'''
  
−
To be able to remote connect to your VLC using a TCP socket (telnet-like connexion), use '''--rc-host your_host:port'''. Then, by connecting (using telnet or netcat) to the host on the given port, you will get the command shell.
+
<br>
  
−
To use a UNIX socket (local socket, this does not work for Windows), use '''--rc-unix /path/to/socket'''. Commands can then be passed using this UNIX socket.
+
=== Gestures ===
  
−
The RTCI interface gives you more advanced options, such as marquee control for the marquee subpicture filter (See filter section).
+
Gestures provide a simple [[mouse gestures]] control. TODO
  
 +
<br>
  
−
===Ncurses===
+
== The Mozilla plugin ==
  
−
This is a text interface, using ncurses library.
+
VLC can also be embedded in a web browser! The following browsers are supported: [https://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/ Firefox] and [https://www.apple.com/macosx/features/safari Safari].  
  
−
Start VLC with '''-I ncurses''' or '''--extraintf ncurses'''. You will then get something like that:
+
=== Install the plugin ===
  
−
http://www.videolan.org/doc/play-howto/en/images/play-howto/intf-ncurses-playlist.jpg The ncurses interface
+
==== GNU/Linux Debian, Ubuntu, etc. ====
  
−
Press h to get the list of all available commands, with a short description.
+
Install the ''mozilla-plugin-vlc'' package using your preferred package manager. For example, at the command line enter:
  
−
There is also a filebrowser available for the ncurses interface in order to add playlist items. Press 'B' to use it.
+
# '''apt-get update'''
 +
# '''apt-get install mozilla-plugin-vlc'''
  
−
http://www.videolan.org/doc/play-howto/en/images/play-howto/intf-ncurses-filebrowser.jpg The ncurses filebrowser
+
==== Windows ====
  
−
You can set the filebrowser starting point by launching vlc with the '''--browse-dir''' option:
+
Quit Firefox or Mozilla.
  
−
% '''vlc -I ncurses --browse-dir /filebrowser/starting/point/'''
+
Select the Mozilla Plugin option when installing VLC Media Player. The installer will then automatically detect your browser and install the plugin.
  
 +
Restart Firefox or Mozilla.
  
−
===Gestures===
+
===== Manual Install =====
 +
In [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Installation_directory "Mozilla Firefox\plugins"]
  
−
Gestures provide a simple mouse gestures control. TODO
+
Create the directory if it doesn't exist.
  
 +
'''Folders''' to copy:
 +
* osdmenu
 +
* plugins
  
 +
'''Files''' to copy:
 +
*    vlc.exe
 +
*    vlc.exe.manifest
 +
*    vlc-cache-gen.exe
 +
*    npvlc.dll.manifest
 +
*    npvlc.dll
 +
*    libvlccore.dll
 +
*    libvlc.dll
 +
*    libvlc.dll.manifest
 +
*    axvlc.dll
 +
*    axvlc.dll.manifest
  
−
==The Mozilla plugin==
+
==== macOS ====
  
−
VLC can also be embedded in a web browser! The following browsers are supported [http://www.mozilla.org/ Mozilla], [http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/ Firefox] and [http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/safari Safari].
+
''The Mozilla/Safari plugin for [[macOS]] is only available from vlc version 0.8.5.1 and onwards.''
  
−
===Install the plugin===
+
Quit Safari browser.
  
−
====GNU/Linux Debian====
+
Download the Mozilla/safari plugin package from [https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html macOS download page].
  
−
Install the ''mozilla-plugin-vlc'' package:
+
Run the installer from the dmg image.
  
−
# '''apt-get update'''
+
<br>
−
# '''apt-get install mozilla-plugin-vlc'''
 
  
−
====Windows====
+
==== Compile the sources yourself ====
  
−
Quit Firefox or Mozilla.
+
Please look at the [https://www.videolan.org/developers developers page] for information on how to do this.  
  
−
Select the Mozilla Plugin option when installing VLC Media Player. The installer will then automatically detect your browser and install the plugin.
+
<br>
  
−
Restart Firefox or Mozilla.
+
=== Use the Mozilla plugin ===
  
−
====MacOS X====
+
If in the browser you open a link to an audio or video URL handled by the VLC plugin, or if a web page has HTML code that embeds audio or video handled by the VLC plugin, then the plugin should start and play the audio/video.
 +
Note the plugin (as of version 1.1.9) does not present any user interface — it has no default control panel and no keyboard shortcuts.
  
−
''The Mozilla/Safari plugin for MacOS X is only available from vlc version 0.8.5.1 and onwards.''
+
To get the list of the media types handled by the VLC plugin, browse to '''about:plugins'''.
 +
Conflicts will arise if you have more than one plugin installed that supports the same media type.
  
−
Quit Safari browser.
+
See the [[Documentation:WebPlugin|Web plugin documentation]] to create HTML pages that use JavaScript to control the plugin.
  
−
Download the Mozilla/safari plugin package from [http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html MacOS X download page].
+
== Snapshot Tool ==
  
−
Run the installer from the dmg image.
+
Did you know you can use special codes to automatically generate filenames in the [[Snapshot Tool]]?
  
  
−
====Compile the sources yourself====
+
== Specifying Streaming Options ==
 +
{{Further|Documentation:Streaming HowTo New}}
  
−
Please look at the [http://developers.videolan.org developers page] for information on how to do this.
+
== Audio Bar Graph over Video ==
  
 +
This section specifies how to enable the audiobargraph audio filter and video overlay, (mostly) via the [[GUI]].  This displays an audio meter overlaid on the video.
  
−
===Use the mozilla plugin===
+
There are three parts - an audio filter, which sends it's output via [[TCP]] to the Remote Control (RC) Interface.  This information is then picked up and displayed by the Audio Bar Graph video subpicture filter (OSD).
  
−
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
+
To enable this, VLC needs to be started with the '''--rc-host''' command-line switch - e.g.
−
video.
+
{{%}} '''"C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe" --rc-host localhost:12345'''
  
−
See the [[Documentation:WebPlugin|documentation]] for building page for this plugin.
+
In the GUI, set the following (this example from VLC v1.1.9 on Windows 7):
 +
* Preferences:Show settings:All
 +
* Audio/Filters > Enable "Audio part of the BarGraph function"
 +
* Audio/Filters/audiobargraph > use defaults, change "Sends the barGraph information every n audio packets" to 1 to enable see a more accurate display
 +
* Interface/Main interfaces > Enable "Remote control interface"
 +
* Interface/Main interfaces/RC > Enable "Do not open a DOS command box interface"
 +
* Video/Subtitles-OSD > Enable "Audio Bar Graph Video sub filter"
 +
* Video/Subtitles-OSD/Audio Bar Graph > Set the following settings:
 +
** "Value of the audio channels levels" = 0 (setting this to 0:1 crashes VLC v1.1.9)
 +
** "X coordinate" = 0
 +
** "Y coordinate" = 0 (this doesn't seem to affect anything)
 +
** "Transparency of the bargraph" = 128 for 50% transparency which looks ok
 +
** "Bargraph position" = Left (seems to only work Left,Center,Right - can't go top or bottom)
 +
** "Alarm" = 1 (enables the silence alarm - puts a red border around the bargraph if silent for too long)
 +
** "Bar width in pixel" = 10 (20 if you want it to be really visible)
  
 
{{Documentation}}
 
{{Documentation}}
−
 
+
[[Category:Proposed deletion]]
−
=Snapshot Tool=
 
−
Did you know you can use special codes to automatically generate filenames in the [[SnapshotTool|Snaphot Tool]]?
 

Latest revision as of 07:04, 7 April 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

Use the command line

TODO: completely outdated

This page is outdated and information might be incorrect.
Create an account to start editing, and then click here to update this article.

All standard operations of VLC should be available from the GUI. However, some complex operations can only be done from the command line and there are situations in which you don't need or want a GUI. Here is the complete description of VLC's command line and how to use it.

You need to be quite comfortable with command line usage to use this. 

Note: Windows users have to use the --option-name="value" syntax instead of the --option-name value syntax.

Getting help

VLC uses a modular structure. The core mainly manages communication between modules. All the multimedia processing is done by modules. There are input modules, demultiplexers, decoders, video output modules, ...

This chapter will only describe the "general" options, i.e. the core options. Each module adds new options. For example, the HTTP input module will add options for caching, proxy, authentication, ...

By using vlc --help, you will get the basic core options. vlc --longhelp will give all the basic options (core + modules). Adding --advanced will give the "advanced options" (for advanced users). So vlc --longhelp --advanced will give you all options. You can also append --help-verbose if you want more detailed help.

Also, you might want to get debug information. To do this, use -v or -vv (this will show lower severity messages). If your console supports it, you can add --color to get messages in color.

Opening streams

The following commands start VLC and start reading the given element(s):

Opening a file

Start VLC with: 

% vlc my_file

VLC should be able to recognize the file type. If it does not, you can force demultiplexer and decoder (see below).

A list of all video and audio codecs supported by VLC check the VLC features list.

Opening a DVD or VCD, or an audio CD

Start VLC with:

For a DVD with menus: 

% vlc dvd://[device][@raw_device][@[title][:[chapter][:angle]]]

In most cases, vlc dvd:// or vlc dvd://[device] will do. [device] is for example /dev/dvd on GNU/Linux or D: on Windows (complete path to your DVD drive).

or

(DVD without menus): 

% vlc dvdsimple://[device][@raw_device][@[title][:[chapter][:angle]]]

or

(VCD): 

% vlc vcd://[device][@{E|P|E|T|S}[number]]

or

(Audio CD): 

% vlc cdda://[device][@[track]]

Receiving a network stream

To receive an unicast RTP/UDP stream (sent by VLC's stream output), start VLC with: 

% vlc rtp://@:5004

If 5004 is the port to which packets are sent. 1234 is another commonly used port number. you use the default port (1234), vlc rtp:// will do. For more information, look at the Streaming Howto.

To receive an multicast UDP/RTP stream (sent by VLC's stream output), start VLC with: 

% vlc rtp://@multicast_address:port

To receive a SSM (source specific multicast) stream, you can use: 

% vlc rtp://server_address@multicast_address:port

This only works on Operating systems that support SSM (Windows XP and Linux).

To receive a HTTP stream, start VLC with: 

% vlc http://www.example.org/your_file.mpg

To receive a RTSP stream, start VLC with:</para> 

% vlc rtsp://www.example.org/your_stream

Modules selection

VLC always tries to select the most appropriate interface, input and output modules, among the ones available on the system, according to the stream it is given to read. However, you may wish to force the use of a specific module with the following options.

  • --intf <module> allows you to select the interface module.
  • --extraintf <module> allows you to select extra interface modules that will be launched in addition to the main one. This is mainly useful for special control interfaces, like HTTP, RC (Remote Control), ... (see below)
  • --aout <module> allows you to select the audio output module.
  • --vout <module> allows you to select the video output module.
  • --memcpy <module> allows you to choose a memory copy module. You should probably never touch that.

You can get a listing of the available modules by using vlc -l

Stream Output

The Stream output system allows vlc to become a streaming server.

For more details on the stream output system, please have a look at the Streaming HowTo.


Other Options

Audio options

  • --noaudio disables audio output. Note that if you are streaming (ex: to a file) this has no effect (streaming copies the audio verbatim). Use --sout-xxx instead (ex: --no-sout-audio)
  • --mono forces VLC to treat the stream in mono audio.
  • --volume <integer> sets the level of audio output (between 0 and 1024). Also only applies to local playback (like --noaudio).
  • --aout-rate <integer> sets the audio output frequency (Hz). By default, VLC will try to autodetect this.
  • --desync <integer> compensates desynchronization of audio (ms). (If audio and video streams are not synchronized, use this setting to delay the audio stream)
  • --audio-filter <string> adds audio filters to the processing chain. Available filters are visual (visualizer with spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope), headphone (virtual headphone patialization) and normalizer (volume normalizer)

Video options

  • --no-video disables video output.
  • --grayscale turns video output into grayscale mode.
  • --fullscreen ( or -f) sets fullscreen video.
  • --nooverlay disables hardware acceleration for the video output.
  • --width, --height <integer> sets the video window dimensions. By default, the video window size will be adjusted to match the video dimensions.
  • --start-time <integer> starts the video here; the integer is the number of seconds from the beginning (e.g. 1:30 is written as 90)
  • --stop-time <integer> stops the video here; the integer is the number of seconds from the beginning (e.g. 1:30 is written as 90)
  • --zoom <float> adds a zoom factor.
  • --aspect-ratio <mode> forces source aspect ratio. Modes are 4x3, 16x9, ...
  • --spumargin <integer> forces SPU subtitles position.
  • --video-filter <string> adds video filters to the processing chain. You can add several filters, separated by commas
  • --sub-filter <string> adds video subpictures filter to the processing chain.

Desktop/Screen grab options

You can see the various options for "grabbing the desktop" (VLC's built-in screen grabber capture device) by using the GUI. See https://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=46971

Playlist options

  • --random plays files randomly forever.
  • --loop loops playlist on end.
  • --repeat repeats current item until another item is forced
  • --play-and-stop stops the playlist after each played item.

Network options

  • --server-port <integer> sets server port.
  • --iface <string> specifies the network interface to use.
  • --iface-addr <string> specifies your network interface IP address.
  • --mtu <integer> specifies the MTU of the network interface.
  • --ipv6 forces IPv6.
  • --ipv4 forces IPv4.

CPU options

You should probably not touch these options unless you know what you are doing.

  • --nommx disables the use of MMX CPU extensions.
  • --no3dn disables the use of 3D Now! CPU extensions.
  • --nommxext disables the use of MMX Ext CPU extensions.
  • --nosse disables the use of SSE CPU extensions.
  • --noaltivec disables the use of Altivec CPU extensions.

Miscellaneous options

  • --quiet deactivates all console messages.
  • --color displays color messages.
  • --search-path <string> specifies interface default search path.
  • --plugin-path <string> specifies plugin search path.
  • --no-plugins-cache disables the plugin cache (plugins cache speeds up startup)
  • --dvd <string> specifies the default DVD device.
  • --vcd <string> specifies the default VCD device.
  • --program <integer> specifies program (SID) (for streams with several programs, like satellite ones).
  • --audio-type <integer> specifies the default audio type to use with dvds.
  • --audio-channel <integer> specifies the default audio channel to use with dvds.
  • --spu-channel <integer> specifies the default subtitle channel to use with dvds.
  • --version gives you information about the current VLC version.
  • --module <module> displays help about specified module. (Shortcut: -p)

Item-specific options

There are many options that are related to items (like --novideo, --codec, --fullscreen).

For all of these, you have the possibility to make them item-specific, using ":" instead of "--" and putting the option just after the concerned item.

Examples: 

% vlc file1.mpg :fullscreen file2.mpg

will play file1.mpg in fullscreen mode and file2.mpg in the default mode (which is generally no fullscreen), whereas 

% vlc --fullscreen file1.mpg file2.mpg

will play both files in fullscreen mode 

% vlc --fullscreen file1.mpg :sub-file=file1.srt :no-fullscreen file2.mpg :filter=distort

will play file1.mpg in windowed (no-fullscreen) mode with the subtitles file file1.srt and will play file2.mpg with video filter distort enabled in fullscreen mode (item-specific options override global options).

Advanced use of filters

Filters

These are the old style VLC filters. They only apply to on screen display and thus cannot be streamed. However, on version 1.1.11 you are still able to apply these filters in transcode module using parameter vfilter. More information can be found on Documentation:Streaming HowTo/Advanced Streaming Using the Command Line#vfilter.

Deinterlacing video filter

Module name: deinterlace

  • --deinterlace-mode {discard,blend,mean,bob,linear,x,yadif,yadif (2x),phosophor,ivtc} choose a deinterlacing mode.

Invert video filter

Module name: invert

Image properties filter

Module name: adjust

Transcluded from Documentation:Modules/adjust
  • contrast <float [0.0 .. 2.0]> : Contrast default value: 1.0
  • brightness <float [0.0 .. 2.0]> : Brightness default value: 1.0
  • hue <float [-180 .. 180]> : Hue default value: 0
  • saturation <float [0.0 .. 3.0]> : Saturation default value: 1.0
  • gamma <float [0.01 .. 10.0]> : Gamma default value: 1.0
  • brightness-threshold <boolean> : When this mode is enabled, pixels will be shown as black or white. Also may invert the brightness value. The threshold value will be the brightness defined below default value: disabled

Wall video filter

Module name: wall This filter splits the output in several windows.

Transcluded from Documentation:Modules/wall
  • wall-cols <integer [1 .. 15]> : Number of horizontal windows in which to split the video default value: 3
  • wall-rows <integer [1 .. 15]> : Number of vertical windows in which to split the video default value: 3
  • wall-active <string> : Comma-separated list of active windows, defaults to all default value: NULL
  • wall-element-aspect <string> : Aspect ratio of the individual displays building the wall default value: 4:3

Video transformation filter

Module name: transform

Transcluded from Documentation:Modules/transform
  • transform-type <string> { "90", "180", "270", "hflip", "vflip", "transpose", "antitranspose" } : Transformation type default value: "90"

Distort video filter

Module name: distort

See Documentation:Modules/distort

Clone video filter

This filter clones the output window.

Module name: clone

Transcluded from Documentation:Modules/clone
  • clone-count <integer> : Number of video windows in which to clone the video. default value: 2
  • clone-vout-list <string> : You can use specific video output modules for the clones. Use a comma-separated list of modules. default value: ""

Croppadd video filter

Module name: croppadd

Transcluded from Documentation:Modules/croppadd
  • croppadd-croptop <integer [0 .. INT_MAX]> : Pixels to crop from top
  • croppadd-cropbottom <integer [0 .. INT_MAX]> : Pixels to crop from bottom
  • croppadd-cropleft <integer [0 .. INT_MAX]> : Pixels to crop from left
  • croppadd-cropright <integer [0 .. INT_MAX]> : Pixels to crop from right
  • croppadd-paddtop <integer [0 .. INT_MAX]> : Pixels to add to top
  • croppadd-paddbottom <integer [0 .. INT_MAX]> : Pixels to add to bottom
  • croppadd-paddleft <integer [0 .. INT_MAX]> : Pixels to add to left
  • croppadd-paddright <integer [0 .. INT_MAX]> : Pixels to add to right

Motion blur filter

Module name: motionblur

Transcluded from Documentation:Modules/motionblur
  • motionblur-factor <integer [1 .. 127]> : The bluring factor (1 to 127). Higher values mean more blurring default value: 80

Video pictures blending

Module name: blend

Video scaling filter

Module name: scale


Subpictures Filters

These are the new VLC filters. They can be streamed.

Marquee display sub filter

Module name: marq

Transcluded from Documentation:Modules/marq
  • marq-marquee <string> : Marquee text to display. default value: VLC
  • marq-file <string> : File to read the marquee text from. default value: NULL
  • marq-x <integer> : X offset, from the left screen edge. default value: 0
  • marq-y <integer> : Y offset, down from the top. default value: 0
  • marq-position <integer> : Marquee position: 0=center, 1=left, 2=right, 4=top, 8=bottom, you can also use combinations of these values, eg 6 = top-right. default value: -1
  • marq-opacity <integer [0 .. 255]> : Opacity (inverse of transparency) of overlaid text. 0 = transparent, 255 = totally opaque. default value: 255
  • marq-color <integer> { 0x000000, 0x808080, 0xC0C0C0, 0xFFFFFF, 0x800000, 0xFF0000, 0xFF00FF, 0xFFFF00, 0x808000, 0x008000, 0x008080, 0x00FF00, 0x800080, 0x000080, 0x0000FF, 0x00FFFF } : Color of the text that will be rendered on the video. This must be an hexadecimal (like HTML colors). The first two chars are for red, then green, then blue. default value: 0xFFFFFF
  • marq-size <integer [0 .. 4096]> : Font size, in pixels. 0 uses the default font size. default value: 0
  • marq-timeout <integer> : Number of milliseconds the marquee must remain displayed. 0 means forever. default value: 0
  • marq-refresh <integer> : Number of milliseconds between string updates. This is mainly useful when using meta data or time format string sequences. default value: 1000

Logo video filter

Module name: logo

Transcluded from Documentation:Modules/logo
  • logo-file <string> : Image to display. The full format is <image>[,<delay in ms>[,<alpha>]][;<image>[,<delay>[,<alpha>]]][;...].
  • logo-x <integer> : X offset from upper left corner. default value: 0
  • logo-y <integer> : Y offset from upper left corner. default value: 0
  • logo-position <integer> { 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 5, 6, 9, 10 } : Logo position. default value: 5
  • logo-opacity <integer [0 .. 255]> : Logo opacity. 0 is transparent, 255 is fully opaque. default value: 255
  • logo-delay <integer> : Global delay in ms. Sets the duration each image will be displayed for in a loop iteration unless specified otherwise in the --logo-file option. default value: 1000
  • logo-repeat <integer> : Number of loops for the logo animation. -1 for continuous, 0 to disable. default value: -1

This filter can be used both as an old style filter or a subpictures filter.

Note: You can move the logo by left-clicking on it.


The 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.

To start VLC with the HTTP interface, use: 

% vlc -I http [--http-src /directory/] [--http-host host:port]

If you want to have both the "normal" interface and the HTTP interface, use vlc --extraintf http.

The HTTP interface will start listening at host:port (<all interfaces>:8080 if omitted), and will reproduce the structure of /directory at http://host:port/ ( vlc_source_path/share/http if omitted ).

Use a browser to go to http://your_host_machine:port. You should be taken to the main page.

VLC is shipped with a set of files that should be enough for generic needs. It is also possible to customize pages. See Documentation:Play HowTo/Building Pages for the HTTP Interface.

Available pages for 1.0.3 :

  • http://host:port - Main Interface
  • http://host:port/vlm.html - VLM Interface
  • http://host:port/mosaic.html - Mosaic Wizard
  • http://host:port/flash.html - Flash based remote playback


Other control interfaces

VLC includes a number of so-called interfaces that are not really interfaces, but means of. Nevertheless, they are enabled by setting them as interface or extra interface, either in the Preferences, in General/Interface, or using -I or --extraintf on the command line.

Hotkeys

This module allows you to control VLC and playback via hotkeys. It is always enabled by default. You can use hotkeys in the video output window, you can't in the audio dummy interface.

Hotkeys can be hacked by: 

% vlc --key-<function> <code>

Code is composed by modifiers keys (Alt, Shift, Ctrl, Meta,Command) separated by a dash (-) and terminated by a key (a...z, +, =, -, ',', +, <, >, `, /, ;, ', \, [, ], *, Left, Right, Up, Down, Space, Enter, F1...F12, Home, End, Menu, Esc, Page Up, Page Down, Tab, Backspace, Mouse Wheel Up and Mouse Wheel Down). Main controls are available from hotkeys, such as : fullscreen, play-pause, faster, slower, next, prev, stop, quit, vol-up, etc. (use the --longhelp option for full list of functions). For example, for binding fullscreen to Ctrl-f, run: 

% vlc --key-fullscreen 'Ctrl-f'

The list of the default hotkeys is available here.

RC and RTCI

These two interfaces allow you to control VLC from a command shell (possibly using a remote connexion or a Unix socket).

Start VLC with -I rc or --extraintf rc. When you get the Remote control interface initialized, `h' for help message, press h and Enter to get help about available commands.

To be able to remote connect to your VLC using a TCP socket (telnet-like connexion), use --rc-host your_host:port. Then, by connecting (using telnet or netcat) to the host on the given port, you will get the command shell.

To use a UNIX socket (local socket, this does not work for Windows), use --rc-unix /path/to/socket. Commands can then be passed using this UNIX socket.

The RTCI interface gives you more advanced options, such as marquee control for the marquee subpicture filter (See filter section).


Ncurses

This is a text interface, using ncurses library.

Start VLC with -I ncurses or --extraintf ncurses.


The ncurses interface

Press h to get the list of all available commands, with a short description.

There is also a filebrowser available for the ncurses interface in order to add playlist items. Press 'B' to use it.

The ncurses filebrowser

You can set the filebrowser starting point by launching vlc with the --browse-dir option: 

% vlc -I ncurses --browse-dir /filebrowser/starting/point/


Gestures

Gestures provide a simple mouse gestures control. TODO


The Mozilla plugin

VLC can also be embedded in a web browser! The following browsers are supported: Firefox and Safari.

Install the plugin

GNU/Linux Debian, Ubuntu, etc.

Install the mozilla-plugin-vlc package using your preferred package manager. For example, at the command line enter: 

# apt-get update
# apt-get install mozilla-plugin-vlc

Windows

Quit Firefox or Mozilla.

Select the Mozilla Plugin option when installing VLC Media Player. The installer will then automatically detect your browser and install the plugin.

Restart Firefox or Mozilla.

Manual Install

In "Mozilla Firefox\plugins"

Create the directory if it doesn't exist.

Folders to copy:

  • osdmenu
  • plugins

Files to copy:

  • vlc.exe
  • vlc.exe.manifest
  • vlc-cache-gen.exe
  • npvlc.dll.manifest
  • npvlc.dll
  • libvlccore.dll
  • libvlc.dll
  • libvlc.dll.manifest
  • axvlc.dll
  • axvlc.dll.manifest

macOS

The Mozilla/Safari plugin for macOS is only available from vlc version 0.8.5.1 and onwards.

Quit Safari browser.

Download the Mozilla/safari plugin package from macOS download page.

Run the installer from the dmg image.


Compile the sources yourself

Please look at the developers page for information on how to do this.


Use the Mozilla plugin

If in the browser you open a link to an audio or video URL handled by the VLC plugin, or if a web page has HTML code that embeds audio or video handled by the VLC plugin, then the plugin should start and play the audio/video. Note the plugin (as of version 1.1.9) does not present any user interface — it has no default control panel and no keyboard shortcuts.

To get the list of the media types handled by the VLC plugin, browse to about:plugins. Conflicts will arise if you have more than one plugin installed that supports the same media type.

See the Web plugin documentation to create HTML pages that use JavaScript to control the plugin.

Snapshot Tool

Did you know you can use special codes to automatically generate filenames in the Snapshot Tool?


Specifying Streaming Options

Further information: Documentation:Streaming HowTo New

Audio Bar Graph over Video

This section specifies how to enable the audiobargraph audio filter and video overlay, (mostly) via the GUI. This displays an audio meter overlaid on the video.

There are three parts - an audio filter, which sends it's output via TCP to the Remote Control (RC) Interface. This information is then picked up and displayed by the Audio Bar Graph video subpicture filter (OSD).

To enable this, VLC needs to be started with the --rc-host command-line switch - e.g. 

% "C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe" --rc-host localhost:12345

In the GUI, set the following (this example from VLC v1.1.9 on Windows 7):

  • Preferences:Show settings:All
  • Audio/Filters > Enable "Audio part of the BarGraph function"
  • Audio/Filters/audiobargraph > use defaults, change "Sends the barGraph information every n audio packets" to 1 to enable see a more accurate display
  • Interface/Main interfaces > Enable "Remote control interface"
  • Interface/Main interfaces/RC > Enable "Do not open a DOS command box interface"
  • Video/Subtitles-OSD > Enable "Audio Bar Graph Video sub filter"
  • Video/Subtitles-OSD/Audio Bar Graph > Set the following settings:
    • "Value of the audio channels levels" = 0 (setting this to 0:1 crashes VLC v1.1.9)
    • "X coordinate" = 0
    • "Y coordinate" = 0 (this doesn't seem to affect anything)
    • "Transparency of the bargraph" = 128 for 50% transparency which looks ok
    • "Bargraph position" = Left (seems to only work Left,Center,Right - can't go top or bottom)
    • "Alarm" = 1 (enables the silence alarm - puts a red border around the bargraph if silent for too long)
    • "Bar width in pixel" = 10 (20 if you want it to be really visible)
This page is part of official VLC media player Documentation (User Guide • Streaming HowTo • Hacker Guide • Modules)
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.
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