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How to disable audio visualizations when playing videos?

Posted: 25 Oct 2018 07:09
by pjs
I have audio visualizations set to always be on (preferences>all>audio>visualizations> audio visualizations set to "Gloom". This is exactly what I want to automatically happen when I start an audio track. However, when I launch a video file, unfortunately, the audio visualization still appears. Not good. I do not want to go into preferences and turn it off/on every time. This is an HTPC setup that is supposed to be as convenient as possible.

Is there no way to prevent visualizations from starting on a video if I have it set to be on by default for audio? If not, please consider adding a check box option underneath the audio visualization advanced setting such as "do not show audio visualizations if video playback is present". For my setup, it is imperative.

I tried installing two versions of VLC, 32-bit and 64-bit, in an attempt to have one of them only play audio and the other only play video, unfortunately, the config file is shared between all installations in %AppData\Roaming\vlc

I did some Googling and some people suggested making a separate config and then specifying it in the shortcut's target link as a command but that would not work for me. I need auto play upon disc insertion. When I put in an audio disc I want full screen visualization with "Gloom" and when I put in a DVD I want full screen video. It all works perfect except the audio visualization taking over the video.

Such a shame this is the only problem I have with VLC otherwise it is perfect for me.

Please provide any solutions you may have.

Re: How to disable audio visualizations when playing videos?

Posted: 25 Oct 2018 10:53
by Hitchhiker
You can disable visualizations on a video by using the context menu (right click).

Re: How to disable audio visualizations when playing videos?

Posted: 26 Oct 2018 01:21
by pjs
Thanks for the suggestion but that only works for the current window/instance. There's two visualization settings. The one in preferences>all>audio>visualizations>set to anything but disabled, controls it permanently. The one on the right click menu only controls it for that window/instance until you close it. Even if it did work, it wouldn't be sufficient for this setup as I want it automated.

As I dig deeper into this I am beginning to realize it may not be possible to do what I want to do with VLC. I've used VLC for years on my desktop and I love it but I don't think it will work for my HTPC setup. It's a shame because I don't want to resort to a bloated interface like Kodi. VLC is clean and simple.

Maybe I will use VLC for audio only and a different player for video, or vice versa. I'm just not sure I can find another that is as customizable.

Re: How to disable audio visualizations when playing videos?

Posted: 26 Oct 2018 09:05
by pjs
I found a workaround which I posted in this thread:

https://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.ph ... 34#p481734