Seamless playlist playback in MPC

[dmjerbear]

I'm using MPC on a PC hooked up to a 46" TV for VJ'ing. I've downloaded a bunch of loops. I've set up MPC to loop the files when I open them, and it plays back seamlessly. What I would like to do is create a playlist, say adding file_1 eight times, then file_2 eight times. I can do this, but there is a gap when it goes to the next item on the playlist.

Is there any way to not have this gap, or is there another player that will do this? I am working with mp4 files.

Thanks!

[Hoser Rob]

I'm not aware of a video player that does gapless playback.

Curiosity got the better of me so I did a web search. I only found references to audio gapless playback, and it's not that well supported. It's technically harder than it sounds.

If it's not possible, which I suspect but I could be wrong, you could append the same file in an editor. But that may not be good for spontaneity ...

[transporterfan]

Nice idea in theory, but it probably wont work. Most players have to buffer a certain amount before they play.
Consider that most DJs pre-edit their clips and rack them up for playback over a step sequencer then you can see why MPC can't give you the control you need. At the very least you need to be using a DAW. Reaper or Cakewalk, perhaps, with a sequencer VST (google those terms if you don't know what they mean). You need to read up on MIDI and keyboard controller interfaces also.

Top software? That depends on how dedicated you are. Look at http://www.virtualdj.com/ - they have a nice video here: http://www.virtualdj.com/presentations/mix_video.html.
http://lividinstruments.com/software_celldna.php - watch here: http://vimeo.com/21487485#at=91

And then there is the likes of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZbxNo7Qw-I

A freeware VJ package? Look at http://www.visualjockey.com/info.htm - and watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8HhTdNtRVA

Of course these are just my opinions, you might discover something better.
Now you know what to look for, start hunting down the freebie stuff. Show us a sample when you get good.

[_Al_]

I went through this process also, mostly with home video clips as oppose to some mp4's but it works well with videoeditors as Hoser Rob suggested.

You load bunch of clips into videoeditor (Vegas) export it through dmfs and you just load signpost.avi or in Vegas'case Avisynth script (you have to fix levels). For example you want to see just captured video clips in PC from camcorder. If you use dmfs on daily basis it is quick, if not , it could be a problem, though. To watch it directly in NLE does not give 100% result.

[dmjerbear]

Thanks for the feedback so far. Let me clarify some things, which will hopefully help. On the audio side of things, I'm using a laptop running PCDJ. Then I have a second computer running my DMX software, as well as Winamp visuals (Milkdrop sync'd to a linein running from my mixer) as well as MPC. I am not looking for the videos to sync to the music. I just want to create a playlist ahead of time, so that I can use the loops I have but not constantly have to click on a new file when the old one has looped for a minute or two. If I have to string together a bunch of files and create a new file, I can do that. It's not my first choice, but if it's the best choice I can go that route.

So back to the original question: is there a player that will let me just create a playlist and play the files without gaps? And if not, what would be the best way to create a file ahead of time?

Thanks again for the help!

[transporterfan]

Something like http://www.soundplant.org/about.htm or http://www.baxeldata.com/freeware.html ?

That would be Soundplant or Cueplayer.

EDIT: to reduce the latency of these trigger programs you may have to install an ASIO driver.
http://www.asio4all.com/

[dmjerbear]

Those seem to be for audio files, not video files. Am I missing something?

[transporterfan]

If the music doesn't have to sync to the video then they can be separated.
The videos can be joined and be any length and just the sound(s)/music added as a playlist (m3u) file in Cueplayer.
Both would play independently. The video loop would play in MPC but the sound would be controlled from the cue list in Cueplayer.

Soundplant would supplement the sound, as its loops are triggered manually.

[sheppaul]

You can try kmplayer or potplayer. There is a seamless playback feature for videos but i'm not sure it will work for you.
FYI, it only works with internal things.

[dmjerbear]

Potplayer is working well so far - I'm still learning all the settings. I've set it to preload and combine the files. I've created a playlist with multiple copies of the same file, so file 1 a few times then file 2 a few times. After I close the program, I then double-click on the playlist file I've saved. It opens fullscreen and plays with only the tiniest of a hitch between files - you really really have to be looking for it. So we'll get it perfected and give it a shot in front of an audience this Friday.

Thanks for all the help!

[myfirstaccount]

i know im pretty late to answering this but even back in 2014 itunes was and still is what i end up using. when i'd burn a cd (kinda feeling old saying that ) itunes was the only player i could get a gapless playback through the player and on a disc. i specifically remember vlc being a pain in the ass for this . anyways, maybe this will reach somebody. and that's all i got. thanks