Audio issue with v 3.5.3

[Munnerlyn]

Hi since VLC for Android, was updated to version 3.5.3. on my Samsung A52s 5G phone running Android 12, I've been experiencing some stutter in almost every second sound file that I've tested, mostly FLAC.

The stutter occurs at the exact same place(s) in the affected files (Not the same place in every file, but the same place in the specific files).The stutter is 100% reproduce able.

The stutter only takes one second or less.

I didn't have any of these issues with VLC version 3.5.2.

I've tried to alter just about every setting in VLC.

I also uninstalled and reinstalled VLC 3.5.3 two times. - No change.

Battery optimization is disabled for VLC.

The files that are affected play without any issues in the apps; Samsung Music, and Pulsar.

I also transferred some of the affected sound files to my old Samsung A20e running Android 11, and VLC version 3.5.2 - and they all play just fine.

I can't figure out how to install APK files from the ftp-server, because I get a message saying something like "App not installed as package is incompatible with your device".
So I can't downgrade to version 3.5.2.

I found this thread last night, which sounds like this issue:

https://www.reddit.com/r/VLC/comments/z ... tuttering/

[Spike1]

Not all phones have the same computer inside. All my Samsungs have a "v7" (versus "i86") but perhaps modern Samsungs are now using "v8". There are sibling directories for each machine architecture; find the one that's right for your device.

[Skantes]

You can try installing this apk, it should work https://get.videolan.org/vlc-android/3. ... 64-v8a.apk.
As for the FLAC issue, we will look into it, thank you for the feedback. Could you send us some of the files on which you reproduce the issue please ?

[Munnerlyn]

@Spike1: Thank you for your reply.

I have tried all the available APK files from versions. 3.5.3., 3.5.2, and 3.5.1 including the one "Skantes" have supplied a link for. None of them will install.
To be frank, I'm not that keen on installing from sources outside of Galaxy Store and Google Play Store.
I rely on some Danish citizen personal security apps, and other stuff on my phone, and I don't want to "fubar" the phone because I've got butterfingers.

I'm probably going to wait for an update to VLC, and use something less good audio player in the meantime.

[Munnerlyn]

@Skantes: Thank you for your reply.

Sounds good regarding solving the "FLAC issue".

I tried to install the .apk file that you linked to, but can't install it.
I've never before tried to install .apk files, and I only tried to install from the ftp server, because I was desperate for a roll back version, without thinking it through.
I'm going to wait for an update to VLC Android.

Yes I would very much like to contribute to fixing the issue by sending some 70mb+ FLAC files.

How do I do that? Is it legal?

[Skantes]

You can either share them with the sharing service you prefer (Google Drive, Dropbox, pastebin...), or you can send us an email at android-support@videolan.org, just mention a link to this forum thread. Thank you very much !

[Munnerlyn]

@Skantes: I will send a mail to the Videolan email with a link to download, referring to this thread once I get figured out exactly which files will reproduce the issue.
Probably some time later today or tomorrow.

[Spike1]

You don't entirely trust all APK files—and Android doesn't either, those that didn't come from the Play Store. On my phone, I can download VLC APKs from the browser, but can't start an install from there. But I can start an install from My Files. It is a permissions issue; you have the power to give apps this permission. However, your first post said the real issue was device incompatibility.

[Munnerlyn]

@Spike1: Even when I've given both duckduckgo browser and file manager special access, I wasn't able to install any APK

[Munnerlyn]

@Anyone who stumbles upon this thread:

I received a message from VLC support by email;
This issue should be fixed in the next release.

[vlcuserzzzxxx111+]

Same issue with playing FLAC files on a Pixel 6, micro skipping, stuttering

[Aza]

Some FLAC fixes are available in the beta. Could you please try it and report if it's fixed for you?

[Munnerlyn]

Sorry for not responding until now, I've been away.

I installed VLC version 3.5.4 Beta 2 yesterday and I've tested it for about an hour.

Not one glitch, hiccup or stutter in any of the flac files I tested.

Among the tested FLAC files is a Vinyl-Rip of a double live album, that were impossible to play, because of stutters every other second in all the files with version 3.5.3.

I obviously haven't had time to test all 7000+ flac files, but the ones I've tested yesterday, and have had experiencing stutters with, played like they did in VLC version 3.5.2 (with the beta version, that is).

Regards to the developers.

[Aza]

Glad to read it!

[Riderintherain]

Is there a timeline for the official release of v 3.5.4? I don't want to go through the hassle of installing the beta if the release of the full version is imminent. Thanks.

[Aza]

It should be released really soon now but it will probably be a roll out (meaning you will not necessary get it right away).
You can always install a version from http://get.videolan.org/testing/android/
It won't enroll you in the beta program and the app will be updated when a new release comes out.

[Riderintherain]

Great. Much obliged.

[gyorokpeter]

I'm having a similar issue, but with the Windows version, v3.0.18 Vetinari. Is that supposed to contain the fix or should I wait for a future release?

[Aza]

From what I see, it's planned for 3.0.19. See: https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc/ ... tab-issues

[Peibyn]

I installed VLC version 3.5.4 Beta 2 yesterday and I've tested it for about an hour.
Not one glitch, hiccup or stutter in any of the flac files I tested.

Munnerlyn, I am happy for you that version 3.5.4 has stopped your "hiccups" in the middle of FLAC files, but 3.5.4 has not done the same for me on my phone, unfortunately. See my post at:

https://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.ph ... 25#p535912

I wonder why it has worked for your phone and not for mine. I'm running Android 12 on a Samsung S21+ smartphone. What about you?

[Munnerlyn]

@ Peibyn:

My phone:
Samsung Galaxy A52s
Running Android 13 and OneUi 5.0.
VLC version 3.5.4 BETA

I hope this helps you.

Btw.
I'm exclusively running BETA versions from now on, because I've read that BETA testers are needed.