The VideoLAN Forums

Hi, I think this kinda could apply to all OS but if not, let me know and I'll move/recreate this post wherever you want (first time poster here).

Alright so as a premise I have to explain my setup:
- Audio files in multiple different subfolders for different purposes saved on Computer A (Windows 10).
- I am accessing these files from Computer B (Windows 10) by having shared the main folder on Computer A. I have created 6 media libraries in VLC on Computer B from the existing folders on Computer A.
- I am running the media libraries on Computer B by accessing the VLC on Computer B from Computer C (Windows 11) with VLC's Web access interface.

My question is is there a way to apply options like random shuffle, loop and repeat only to one or some libraries instead of all of them? When I apply one of these options it applies to all the libraries and I don't want that. For example, if I put random shuffle on and start a file from Library #1, once the file ends it'll randomly jump to a file in Library #5. I need these options to apply to individual libraries. I've been searching for hours and couldn't find a clear answer if it's even possible. I also took screencaps and made a visual scheme of my setup to help explain said setup, but it seems the only way to add pics to this post is via URL apparently so too bad

Thanks for any help you'll be able to provide.

For different settings you need different VLC config files and then use the --config parameter:
VLC.exe --config="P:ath\to\vlcrc"

or

Make VLC being portable:
Download the ZIP or 7Zip file of VLC ,
Extract it to the folder of your choice, then create a folder named "portable" (without quotes) where VLC.exe is.

You can extract it to different folders with different names and then each folder will use its own settings.

For different settings you need different VLC config files and then use the --config parameter:
VLC.exe --config="P:ath\to\vlcrc"

you're talking to a total noob here, I'm so far from being able to write VLC alien language command lines myself lol although with some closer assistance I'd be willing to learn and try it.

Make VLC being portable:
Download the ZIP or 7Zip file of VLC ,
Extract it to the folder of your choice, then create a folder named "portable" (without quotes) where VLC.exe is.

You can extract it to different folders with different names and then each folder will use its own settings.

Would each instance of VLC have to be where the files actually are (on Computer A) or where I created the various media libraries (on Computer B), or it doesn't matter? Also, will I be able to access and control each VLC instances individually throught the web access from Computer C, and if yes, how? What I've seen so far is that VLC just wants the host's IP address and port. How can it see and differentiate multiple instances of VLC?

I have no idea if I've set the whole thing up in the most effective way, all I know is that the files are on Computer A, they must run on Computer B and I must control them from Computer C, and some of these file folders must run differently than those in the other folders. I'll see if there isn't be a simpler way to do this, like taking Computer A out of the equation and moving all the files physically over to Computer B (while keeping them separated in their respective folders) because this is already complicated enough as it is.

I need this for my Dungeons and Dragons tabletop game, and I need to be able to play different sorts of sounds and ambiances in different circumstances. Some are short and need to play just once then stop (trap sounds, creature roar sounds), some are longer (battle music from songs I individually downloaded all into the same folder) and need to randomly shuffle and loop forever, and then some are really long (local ambiances like stagecoach travel, horseback riding, cavern sounds, etc) and need to just repeat when they end.

Would each instance of VLC have to be where the files actually are (on Computer A) or where I created the various media libraries (on Computer B), or it doesn't matter?

VLC will use the files you have added to the library, it doesn't matter where they are located.

Also, will I be able to access and control each VLC instances individually throught the web access from Computer C

Define what you call "web access".

I'll see if there isn't be a simpler way to do this, like taking Computer A out of the equation and moving all the files physically over to Computer B (while keeping them separated in their respective folders) because this is already complicated enough as it is.

Yes, keep it as simple as possible. And if for only one purpose put all of the files on one single computer IMO.

Define what you call "web access".

I am connecting to VLC on Computer B from Computer C via net browser by typing http://[IP Address of Computer B]:8080
https://wiki.videolan.org/Control_VLC_via_a_browser/

And if for only one purpose put all of the files on one single computer IMO

I'll consider that idea, but I might not be able to do it. The Computer C is the one that needs to control everything but connecting that computer to the soundbar (which is currently plugged into Computer B) where the sound needs to come out doesn't really work (I'd either have to run an audio cable across my gaming table from the Computer C to the soundbar which is not great, or troubleshoot why the bluetooth connection between the Computer C and the soundbar makes the sound cut intermittently -> Computer B, Computer C and the soundbar are all on the table where we play). The simpler way I might be able to do is with 2 computers, and that's not done yet either.

Sorry but I don't know how to control several instances of VLC through a browser, I'm not even sure it's possible to do it.
Let's hope a dev will clarify that.

You can run different instances on different TCP ports (or different IP addresses). There is nothing otherwise special about it.

I'm abit late on the reply here, sorry about that.

You can run different instances on different TCP ports (or different IP addresses). There is nothing otherwise special about it.

Could I use just any port? For example, I'm already using the 8080 port. Could I just take 8081? or 40000? or 1? I understand that there is up to 50000 port numbers available, and that some have usage restricted for specific purposes. Which ones can I take?

It depends on your system. VLC doesn't care