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Movies do not play on external/secondary video output

This document (3353212) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10

 

Situation

Video player application (Xine, Totem, VLC player (VideoLAN))

A movie needs to be played on a display connected to an external graphics connector.

The movie is displayed properly on the primary video device - laptop screen or display connected to the primary video connector. The GUI is displayed properly on the secondary video device - overhead projector ("beamer") or secondary monitor connected to the external or secondary graphics connector, but the movie is not played on the secondary video device. The window in which it should be played remains black.

Resolution

Configure the video player application to use the X11 video output method.

Xine
  1. Press Left ALT + "S" to reach the setup screen.
  2. In the "GUI" tab, set the "Configuration experience level" to "Advanced" (or higher).
  3. Select "Apply".
  4. In the "Video" tab, an option"Video driver to use" should now be available. Set it to "xv".

Totem and VLC (VideoLAN)

For Totem, this configuration cannot be changed through the player itself. Instead, start gstreamer-properties from a terminal, select the "Video" tab and select"X Window System (No XV)" and select "Close".

 

Additional Information

Background

Most advanced video playback applications default to using optimized video output methods (optimized for display quality, lower CPU usage, fewer delays or display artifacts). These optimized output methods typically rely on specific features of video cards/chipsets which are often only implemented for the primary video connection.

 

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Document ID:3353212
  • Creation Date: 14-Dec-2007
  • Modified Date:04-Mar-2021
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop

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