VLC on raspberry pi - how to play all images/videos in a folder from command line without showing terminal, and how to set time per image?

Question

I'm trying to build an automated slideshow player which allows the user to copy multiple videos and images into a folder on the RPI and play them on a loop.

I'm running Raspbian Lite (no GUI) latest version.

I'm currently running the command (based on this question) `vlc --loop --playlist-autostart --one-instance /foldername/.

This plays the images and videos, but with the following problems:

1. It doesn't loop.
2. There is no way to set the time to display each png/jpg image.
3. Between images, the terminal becomes visible.

Is there a way to correct these issues?