VLC and Thunar (files sent from Thunar to VLC, plays the last audio file

[sbiggs9753]

hi, (this is my first posting here)
Linum Mint 20.3 XFCE (Thunar 4.16.8 )
VLC 3.0.9.2

I have configured Thunar, so when you right-click (on any selected audio files) Thunar sends the audio files to VLC (Thunar'executes' /usr/bin/vlc %F)
but, VLC plays the last item in the selected list

eg
file1.mp3
file2.mp3
file3.mp3
file4.mp3
file5.mp3

selected in Thunar
file1.mp3
file2.mp3
file3.mp3
file4.mp3

VLC runs and lists the files as
file1.mp3
file2.mp3
file3.mp3
file4.mp3

but VLC starts playing from file4.mp3
I have tried other Thunar parameters, they all do exactly the same as %F or don't work at all.

Is this a with problem Thunar (not VLC)?
I have tried several other 'media players' (using essentially the same Thunar parameters)
and they all work as expected.
nb If you drag and drop (from Thunar to VLC) it works fine,
so it is possible too pass a list of files correctly

sdb

[Rémi Denis-Courmont]

You should be able to see the command line that Thunar used. VLC plays from the first playlist entry, at least with default settings.

[sbiggs9753]

Thunar is executing a /usr/bin/vlc %F
if I select a folder (to play), VLC plays from the first playlist entry (CORRECT)
if I select one file (in a folder) to play, VLC plays the file (CORRECT)
if I select multiple files (in a folder) to play, VLC plays the last file selected (ie bottom of the first playlist) (WRONG, not what I want to happen)

[Rémi Denis-Courmont]

That means either your VLC settings are messed up or some other process or plug-in is messing up.

[sbiggs9753]

I've fixed it!!!

Menu bar >> Tools >> Preferences
IF the title bar says 'Simple Settings'
THEN click 'Show Settings All' (show settings is at the bottom of the preferences dialog)
title bar should now say 'Advanced Preferences'
scroll down (and click) 'Playlist'
Turn on 'Enqueue items into playlist in one instance mode' option.
Done!!!

NOTE TO DEVS:
I looked at this option before I posted here.
But the description, 'Enqueue items into playlist in one instance mode',
made me think it only affected the operation of, /usr/bin/vlc --playlist-enqueue %F
and wouldn't affect, /usr/bin/vlc %F

a clearer description would be better. Something like:

'Enqueue items (or Play items) in one instance mode'

thanks
JP