vlc-sync-play

The easiest way to synchronize multiple VLC players playback.

Why do I need this?

I created it to watch movies with my girlfriend on one screen but listening to 2 different audio tracks. Each of us has a pair of earphones and each listens to its own audio track.

The key feature is that they are synchronized.

I can pause, play, seek, and the other player will do the same.

How to use?

1. Download the release for your OS. Supported platforms:
   • Windows
   • MacOS
   • Linux
2. Run it somehow (on MacOS you need to allow running unsigned app in the system settings):
   • You will see the tray / menu bar icon.
   • VLC player gets opened
3. Open a video file in VLC player.
4. Additional VLC player window will be opened with the same file
5. Setup audio tracks / output devices for each VLC player
6. Enjoy! They will play in sync

Limitations

• Only 2, 3 or 4 players are supported
• File should be the same

Settings

Tray / menu bar icon allows you to configure the application:

⛭ VLC Instances

A number of desired VLC players. At start, the application will open one player. After you have opened a file, additional players will be opened.

⛭ No video

Start new instances with video track disabled

⛭ Re-seek source

It's a setting for an internal algorithm to keep players in sync. It gives more precise sync but may cause more frequent re-seeks, disable if you experience jittery sync.

⛭ Polling interval

The interval of players status polling for the internal algorithm. Lower values give the better precision and responsiveness but may cause more CPU usage.

⛭ Click to pause/resume

It has nothing to do with synchronization, it's just a convenient option to pause/resume all players by clicking on the image (like on YouTube)