What is VLC?

VLC, also known as VLC media player, is a free and open-source multimedia player and streamer that is designed to play a wide variety of audio and video files, as well as DVDs, audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It was developed by the VideoLAN project and is available on multiple platforms including desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile platforms like Android and iOS.

Formerly known as VideoLAN Client, VLC is renowned for its ability to play multiple formats of media files without the need for extra codecs. This versatility extends to its capability to transcode and stream media files. VLC is considered a safe and easy-to-use media player, with a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to change playback settings and supports a wide range of audio and video formats, including hardware decoding for playback. The software is also equipped with features such as subtitle support and advanced audio and video playback settings, making it a comprehensive tool for multimedia playback.

VLC Plugins for Excel

Integration with Excel VBA

The VLC player ActiveX can be integrated within Excel VBA, using \"AXVLC.VLCPlugin2\" as the name of the VLC ActiveX object. This object is designed to work with Excel but does not appear in the additional controls box by default. It may require additional steps to create and use within Excel, as \"AXVLC.VLCPlugin2\" may not be creatable without specific conditions being met.

Compatibility Considerations

When attempting to use the VLC ActiveX component with Excel, it is important to note that it is absent from the additional controls box for selection. Compatibility issues may arise, such as the component not functioning with late binding. Furthermore, the component may require a host window to operate correctly. There is also a potential compatibility issue if the VLC application installed is the 64-bit version, which may prevent the ActiveX component from working properly within Excel.

Available VLC Plugins for Browsers

VLC offers a plugin for integration with Mozilla/Firefox, highlighting its compatibility with web browsers. Additionally, VLC provides an ActiveX plugin, which can be utilized within applications that support ActiveX controls, such as Excel. These plugins extend the functionality of VLC to various platforms and applications beyond its standalone use as a media player.

Common Use Cases

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  Use case 1: Linking VLC playback time to an Excel cell for tracking video progress
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  Use case 2: Generating automated reports in Excel based on VLC playback data
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  Use case 3: Creating a dashboard in Excel to control VLC playback using ActiveX or HTTP/XML requests
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  Use case 4: Using Excel for analysis of time-stamped data from VLC for video observations
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  Use case 5: Synchronizing VLC pause intervals with Excel to log viewing intervals

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I link the elapsed time from a VLC player to a cell in Excel?

The VLC plugin may allow you to link the time elapsed in VLC player to a cell in Excel by using features like the ActiveX plugin or HTTP/XML requests. This feature would update as the video plays, with a typical accuracy within 5 seconds.

Can I control VLC media playback from Excel?

Yes, the VLC plugin for Excel has properties such as START, PAUSE, and STOP for media control. However, finding properties for forwarding or rewinding and setting the timeline is not straightforward.

What is the purpose of the eplased_time_to_file.lua extension?

The Lua extension called eplased_time_to_file.lua is designed to output the elapsed time of a played video to a file. You can log the time by playing a video and using the 'x' key, then checking the Messages window in VLC for the log. It is compatible with VLC version 2.0.x.

How do I install the VLC plugin for Excel?

To install the VLC plugin, use the VLC activex component within Excel-VBA. You may encounter issues with runtime errors which could be resolved by using a 32-bit version of VLC or by registering the axvlc.dll file with regsvr32 if early binding is used. The goal is to have a single zip file for the finished product that can be used as a registration-free COM.

What are some known issues with setting up the VLC plugin for Excel?

Some known issues include difficulties in creating the VLCPlugin2 object using late binding, resulting in runtime errors, and problems with the VLC activex Plugin not appearing in the additional controls box, which can be resolved by using a 32-bit version of VLC.