Unable to Execute VLC from PHP

Question

I am running uBuntu 12.04.3, 32 bit OS on a 8 CPU, 8GB RAM 64-bit Intel Xeon machine. I have installed all backports as well.

I have this problem which is eating my head for the last 3 days. I created a play.sh file with the following code...

Code:

#! /bin/sh 

vlc -vvv sasural.ts

Where sasural.ts is a video file that resides under home and in the same level as Apache. I am invoking the .sh file by using the following PHP code...

Code:

shell_exec('play.sh');

I also tried both the exec() / system() methods to invoke the .sh file.

Whenever I do so, I get the following message...

VLC media player 2.2.0-git Weatherwax Command Line Interface initialized. Type `help' for help. > Shutting down.

play.sh works if I execute it from the terminal command prompt outside of the PHP code. I guess I am doing something wrong when I invoke it from within PHP.

I have performed the following tasks...

1. Given Apache Root Access
2. Linked all folders to Apache

Answer 1

Done it :)

That was fun :D

prerequisites: vlc must already be running fifo file must exist The below will set this up:

mkfifo /tmp/vlcfifo
chmod a+rw /tmp/vlcfifo
tail -f /tmp/vlcfifo | nohup vlc --intf rc &

in the php file:

<?php
passthru('echo "add /path/to/video.avi" | tee /tmp/vlcfifo');
?>

Give that a try :)

Answer 2

In your script, before you launch vlc, have the line: export DISPLAY=:0

This should launch it in your primary X session, assuming the webserver is running on the same box as your X session.

You will also need to do something with sound if you require it. Like a remote ALSA or Pulseaudio server.

Answer 3

Gentlemen,

I have been able to solve this issue by using the following steps...

• Install vlc nox version

• In the PHP file: echo shell_exec("sh /var/www/play1.sh");

• In the play1.sh file: #!/bin/sh vlc -Idummy /var/www/media.ts --sout '#standard{access=http,mux=ts,dst=:1935/}'

• Invoke the PHP file via a browser and VLC will start streaming to port 1935

To access the file from the client end...

1) Point VLC or any media player to the URL + Port. Ex. http://www.something.com:1935 2) The client player will start to receive the file and play it back.

Now the next step is to enable this file on demand. Will post how I did that as well so stay tuned!!

Thank you everybody who have helped me in solving this problem. I have added +reps wherever it was possible.