The X Overlay interface

The X Overlay interface was created to solve the problem of embedding video streams in an application window. The application provides an X-window to the element implementing this interface to draw on, and the element will then use this X-window to draw on rather than creating a new toplevel window. This is useful to embed video in video players.

This interface is implemented by, amongst others, the Video4linux and Video4linux2 elements and by ximagesink, xvimagesink and sdlvideosink.