I'm running Kubuntu 14.04 and VLC is usually running on one of my many monitors & on the native doesktop. I also have 2-3 VM's running utilizing Vmware (version 7.0.0 build-2305329 )at the same time (each with 8GB RAM total of 32GB system RAM available.. ). I have 5 monitors and VLC uses one of them and a monitor for each of the 3 VM's and one for the native OS.

The main culprit is when using a web browser like FF or chrome. I will type something into the search box in the upper right hand of the window, or the search box in the center of the window ()use google 98% of the time).

The next thing I know, the aspect ratio is changed, playgack speed is messed up, audio is muted or whatever. All kinds of strange things.

Now I know that the cursor is on the Firefox window as I will highlight whatever is in the search box/field and delete, then procede to type where IMMEDIATELY VLC starts accepting commands.

Now happens with Chrome as well and I don't have any plugins for VLC in FF or chrome. I'm not sure if there are other programs that cause conflict with VLC but those browsers sure do.

Does anyone have any idea as to what might be happening here? Thanks in advance!!

Keyboard focus is being left with VLC.

Make sure you have "focus follows mouse". I have had the same problem - sometimes just clicking on the background will remove the focus, at least until the mouse crosses the VLC window border.

I admit to not noticing the problem when going to firefox search or doing text selections though.