Slow Starting Playback

[Gummo]

I have just upgraded from 2.2.8 (I know...) because, as follows:
If I double-click an MP4 in Windows 7 Explorer, VLC opens instantly and starts playback immediately (happy). However, if I hit the play button to get the same video to repeat, it takes approx 5 seconds to play (sad).

Therefore, I have upgraded to 3.0.16 only to find that the reverse happens:
If I double-click an MP4, VLC opens instantly and but playback start 5 seconds later (sad). However, if I hit the play button to get the same video to repeat, it plays instantly (happy).

Any ideas?

[Hitchhiker]

Drag & drop the mp4 into the vlc window, or right click it and select "Play with vlc media player", or click Media ---> Open file and navigate to its location, or launch it using the command line: tutorial for that option

[Gummo]

Thanks for your kind reply, Hitchhiker.

Unfortunately, the first three give the same delay. The CMD option would be vastly slower than the double-click.

[Hitchhiker]

If you didn't close vlc after playing the video just hit the letter "P" instead of clicking the play button. That will restart playback from the beginning.

[Gummo]

That's not the issue - it's the 5 seconds it takes to start playback after opening VLC.

[Hitchhiker]

Try as I might I can't replicate the problem.

I suggest you manually reset preferences which will restore vlc to its default settings and then check again afterwards:
https://wiki.videolan.org/VSG:ResetPrefs

If you've configured your own settings in vlc make a backup of the "vlc-qt-interface.ini" and "vlcrc" files located in %APPDATA%\vlc so that you can restore them again afterwards.

[Gummo]

Actually, I've uninstalled and re-installed each version including the option to delete preferences.

[Hitchhiker]

These mp4 files; are they downloads from somewhere like youtube for example, or have you created them yourself by converting them from another file type such as ripping a dvd?

[Gummo]

Same 5 second behaviour on any MP4 from a multitude of sources. Same with MKV, WMV, MOV but, I've just discovered AVIs play instantly.

[Hitchhiker]

Can you upload one of them to either of these free file hosting sites and post the link to it here (no need to create an account on either).

• https://www.wetransfer.com/
• https://zippyshare.com/

[Gummo]

This site's more friendly:
https://gofile.io/d/GctsfH

[Lotesdelere]

I can't reproduce the issue with both files.

[Hitchhiker]

Both files play instantly although the second one called Kestrel is an AVI not an mp4.

It sounds to me like your antivirus is scanning the file prior to playing a video. It subsequently plays back instantly the second time because it's already been scanned. Are you using Windows Defender or another AV?

Maybe check the AV's settings to see if the option exists to make an exception for vlc.

[Gummo]

Both files play instantly although the second one called Kestrel is an AVI not an mp4.

It sounds to me like your antivirus is scanning the file prior to playing a video. It subsequently plays back instantly the second time because it's already been scanned. Are you using Windows Defender or another AV?

Maybe check the AV's settings to see if the option exists to make an exception for vlc.

I sent you both types to show what, for me, is issue free and what's not.

I haven't used any AV in three years. I have do regular Malwarebytes scans only - I've prevented it from any activity other than that.

[Hitchhiker]

I haven't used any AV in three years. I have scheduled Malwarebytes scans only.

Is Malwarebytes the freebie version or the subscription version called Premium?

[Gummo]

Free.

[Gummo]

Windows Media Player suffers no issues at all with any of my video files. The reason I want to stick with VLC is that WMP hasn't got (10 second) jump forward and back buttons which I use a lot.

[Hitchhiker]

It appears to be a known issue: https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc/-/issues/25728

[Gummo]

Not the same issue - that one is where the audio starts instantly but the video lags. Also, he says the problem is when he's clicking up or down the timeline.

[Hitchhiker]

Not the same issue - that one is where the audio starts instantly but the video lags. Also, he says the problem is when he's clicking up or down the timeline.

Your issue is related to that same as this one is: https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc/-/issues/25772

You're welcome to file your own report on the site though if you wish, but you'll have to create a new account on Gitlab in order to post it on there. Here's the correct page for that: https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc/-/issues

It's also advisable to post the link to this thread so that the devs are aware of what troubleshooting steps have been taken already.

[unidan]

What happens when you first press S to stop, and then space/n to play again ?

[Gummo]

What happens when you first press S to stop, and then space/n to play again ?

The problem only occurs when I double-click the file in Windows explorer - VLC then opens and takes five seconds to start playback.

[Gummo]

Your issue is related to that same as this one is: https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc/-/issues/25772

It's not the same - that issue solely relates to jumping to different stages in the video timeline while it's playing.

My problem is only if VLC isn't running and then, I double-click an MP4, VLC opens instantly and but playback start 5 seconds late.

[Gummo]

Here's a screen capture (WMV) of what happens:
https://gofile.io/d/AiQo0D

[Hitchhiker]

Can you create a log please so that we have a clearer idea of what's happening in the background.

• Before you try to play a video open vlc and hit Ctrl + M to open Messages.
• At the bottom of the Messages window where it reads "Verbosity" change it from the default 0 to "2 (debug)".
• Leave the Messages window open and then go play a video.
• After it finishes copy the log (right click Select All / Copy or use the option to save the file) and then paste it here by clicking the Code button above the forum message box (5th one from the left). If it's too long, paste the log into the New Paste field at https://pastebin.com/ instead. No need to create an account there.
• Give it a name and save it on there which will change the URL at the top. Post that link here please.

Here's a pix of the Messages window showing the correct setting prior to creating the log.


(click to enlarge)