WindowsFAQ-0.9.x
This page contains list of common questions and problems that Windows users have about VLC media player 0.9.x For 0.8.6 check FAQ WindowsFAQ.
Contents
Why does VLC only give black, white or garbled video output?
Usually the problem lies in display adapter drivers. If you are too scared to update your display adapter drivers, you can change VLC settings to make video work. If you are using Windows XP or older the easiest fix is usually to disable Accelerated video output/Overlay video output which can be found first opening Tools -> Preferences... and then choosing Video. After you have unticked the Accelerated video output, press Save to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled. Image about Overlay video output setting
If disabling Overlay video output doesn't help, then the next step is to change video output module. Open Tools -> Preferences... (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing Video -> Output module. There are multiple output modules you can use. For Windows XP and younger you can try DirectX 3D, DirectX, OpenGL and Windows GDI video output modules. With Windows Vista DirectX and Windows GDI output modules will disable Aero so if you want to use Aero, please use DirectX 3D (should be default). Remember to press Save to save VLC settings and restart VLC after that to make sure changes are enabled. Image about video output modules setting
Video shows green, blue or red lines
See above.
How can I adjust brightness or contrast?
You can adjust brightness, contrast and other settings via Extended settings. Open Tools -> Extend Settings... to adjust these settings (Video Effects -> Basic and tick Image adjust). Changes should show up realtime.
Can I set file specific brightness or contrast?
Yes, but it isn't that easy. You have to create VLC shortcut or bat file with proper settings. More info can be found from this thread
Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies
If you hear some unwanted audio problems you can try another audio output module to see if that solves the issue. Open Settings -> Preferences... (set Show Settings to All) and then choosing Audio -> Output module. There are multiple output modules you can use for audio. DirectX and Win32 waveOut should work in most cases. With ASIO only cards, you should try PORTAUDIO. Image about audio output modules setting
Crackles, pops, hizzes and other audio anomalies with SPDIF passthrough
SPDIF passthrough of Dolby Digital (AC3) and DTS audiotracks don't work with all soundcards. Win32 waveOut output module should work better with SPDIF.
I don't hear dialog, conversations etc. while playing 5.1 audio
Make sure you have select proper speaker setup from Windows audio settings or from soundcard control panel. If you have done so, make sure VLC also has right settings. Audio -> Audio Device to select proper speaker settings during playback.
How do I adjust audio delay?
During playback you can press k or j to adjust audio delay (adjust step is 50 ms).
