As "advertised" on the latest Raspbian Stretch version, VLC with hardware acceleration is available as an install-able package. So I installed VLC on my recently updated and upgraded Raspbian Stretch with Desktop on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.
Been testing VLC since its installation. I liked the fact that I dont need to run Kodi just to watch videos, and I can watch in windowed form, as still do other stuff (permitting monitor space availability).
However I do noticed that VLC sometimes closes inadvertently, some just about 10 minutes into the video, some just about 21 minutes, totally random.
Not just on one particular video file, but any file that I try to play.
Here are the combinations of the "crashes"
a. play video file, crashes within few minutes, restart playing again, plays up to the end.
b. play another video file, plays to the end, re-play again, crashes about midway into the file
c. play another video file, crashes after a few minutes, re-play again, crashes again after a few minutes (earlier or later than first crash)
d. play another video file, no crashes.
Tried it on my RPi3B+ (my main desktop) and I still do get "random crashes"
I don't know if others are experiencing this, but I'd like to know if there is a work around to prevent "random crashes".
Other info about the test:
1. RPi3B and RPi3B+ are native USB boot on USB thumbdrive 32GB, RPi3B+ is the source image.
2. Raspbian Stretch with Desktop updated and upgraded as of November 16, 2018, 13:00 UTC,
3. RPi3B and RPi3B+ updated and upgraded independently
4. 5v 2.5A PSU
5. CPU usage at 16% or less during playback (as seen on the upper right of desktop panel)
6. CPU temp at 37C, (as seen on upper right of desktop panel), ambient at 25C
7 Videos files were accessed from NAS
8. Network connection via Ethernet LAN on a GbE Hub switch, CAT6 cable
9. NAS also on same GbE switch hub, using CAT6 cable
I don't think the make, model and serial number of the monitor, keyboard and mouse will be relevant