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vlc_seek

Seeks the currently playing VLC media to a specified position in seconds, enabling precise jumps during playback.

Instructions

Seek to a position in the currently playing media.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "seconds": "<seconds>"
    },
    "name": "vlc_seek"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
secondsYesTarget position in seconds.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.1.2

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already disclose readOnlyHint=false, idempotentHint=false, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds the scoping fact that the seek targets the currently playing media, but says nothing about what happens when no media is loaded, whether an out-of-range position is clamped or errors, or whether playback continues after seeking.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

One short sentence with zero filler, and the operative verb plus target scope are front-loaded. There is nothing redundant or misplaced.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a single-parameter seek tool with no output schema, the description covers the core action and its target, and annotations cover the safety posture. It is still thin on edge-case behavior — no media loaded, position beyond duration, or post-seek playback state — which an agent would need to call it confidently.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% and the single parameter is already documented as 'Target position in seconds' with a minimum of 0, so the schema carries the semantics. The description's mention of 'position' is consistent with the schema but adds no detail such as absolute-vs-relative semantics or behavior when seconds exceeds media duration.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb ('Seek') and target ('a position in the currently playing media'), which is unambiguous against siblings like vlc_play, vlc_pause, or vlc_next that change playback state rather than position. It does not explicitly name any sibling, but the resource is concrete enough that confusion is unlikely.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The phrase 'currently playing media' implies the operation applies during active playback and is scoped to whatever is loaded, which is useful implied context. However, it never states when to prefer this over vlc_next/vlc_previous, nor what to do if nothing is playing, leaving the agent to infer preconditions.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.