dvd player being trigger from desk

It sounds to me like you actually want a Media Server!

Arkaos VJ would be suitable, and the latest version integrates with Congo to give extensive information about the video clips and still images available.
(Note that you do need the latest version of Arkaos, as Congo 4.3.0 may crash older versions of Arkaos)

If the DVD you need to play is unprotected (ie created and burned for your production), then the VOB files can usually be copied from the disk and used in Arkaos - or even better, you can ask the video creation team to give you copies of the video files.

cheers Ive emailed Arkaos for a demo,

Carlos

A media server definitely is the best solution.  If that's out of your price range then this is a decent low budget solution, depending on your situation...

http://www.bome.com/midi/translator/

It translates midi messages to keystrokes that are passed to applications.  You can just load different videos into powerpoint or ivew media pro, and advance from slide to slide with a midi signal.

http://www.rosco.com/us/software/keystroke.asp

That's Rosco's solution.  It's the same thing except it's dmx based.

These might work with WMP.  I don't know what keyboard shortcuts are defined for that application.
 

Hi Carl,

If it is just a DVD player you are after have a look here. http://www.wahlberg.dk/index.htm I did use their DMX-interface for Pioneer DVD 7300D on the Hair (European Tour) and it is really impressive. They also offer a Panasonic DVD player with build in DVD interface.

Florian

Hi looks good, by any chance you still havent got it to hire me have you if so PM or email me.

Carlos

Sorry for not getting back to you earlier, had a busy few days. Unfortunately it wasn't mine, but I had a quick look on the stage electrics website and they hire it out.

Florian