Newbie Questions

[gblasius]

Hello All - I searched your forum for Newbie categories, couldn't find any, so I thought I'd post here. Hope it's ok! Here goes:

I have installed VLC v1.03 on my PC, running Windows XP. I basically use it to play DVDs by using the Open Media command under VLC. However, I have some folders on my computer containing (legally ripped) videos. I am not sure how to start a video playing from this setup? EG, what files do I choose? There seem to be a few recognized by VLC. However, some of them seem to either i) cycle very quickly and exit, or ii) the display is garbled.

Another reason for asking this is I have also installed a program called "VLC Remote" on my iPhone, which claims it can control VLC from my iPhone; however, it wants to open a specific file on the computer, rather than autostart, and I've been unable to locate the one to fire it up! I'd love to use this iPhone app, if only to gain girlfriend appreciation points when using my computer as a TV (long story)...

For future reference, is there a good document which serves as a complete intro to all things video?

Thanks

[Shai-Hulud]

have you tried Media, Open Folder?

[gblasius]

When using VLC Remote, I have to specify a specific file. What file does 'Media, Open Folder' open when selected?

[VLC_help]

Use Media -> Open Disc... if you want to play VIDEO_TS folder. Newer VLC versions should also open .IFO files correctly.

[gblasius]

Sorry, perhaps I am not being clear: when I use the application 'VLC Remote' I need to open a specific file (vs. a folder). However, I would think that the 'open folder' command always opens a specific file within the file. Which one typically starts a video? And is there any way I can skip over the main menu and go directly to the movie by selecting a specific file?

[VLC_help]

I need to open a specific file

That would be one of those IFO files on the disc.

And is there any way I can skip over the main menu and go directly to the movie by selecting a specific file?

dvdsimple does that, but again it requires folder.

[gblasius]

There is no .iso file (that would be a dvd image, no?). THere are specific files on the disc (did I mention that I was trying to play a movie from a DVD)? File types include .vob, .ifo, and .bup. Choosing any file results in either a) the file looping and/or not playing, b) a distorted image on screen.

[VLC_help]

Then I would guess the IFO opening won't work with current VLC release.