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The updated version of this free media player lets users play their multimedia files

The updated version of this free media player lets users play their multimedia files

Vote: (39 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: VideoLAN

Version: 0.0.3 Beta

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(39 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

VideoLAN

0.0.3 Beta

Works under:

Windows

VLC is probably the best open-source multimedia video player for the Windows operating system.

VLC, once named VideoLan Client, is one of the most widely used media players on the market. A small, but powerful video platform, with an executable file under 40MB, yet has virtually illuminated the need for any codec download or added video plugins, as VLC supports 3GP, MKV, MPEG-2, AAC, DV Audio and many other file formats.

Interface

VLC’s interface is conveniently designed to allow users to navigate throughout the platform with efficiency. The central panel is divided into two parts, the right side is where the video is displayed, and the left is the Media Library. The Media Library is modelized in four sections:

My Library

My Library contains customized playlists and Media Library, which is the master list of all media files.

My Computer

My Computer section contains three areas, which are My Videos, My Music and My Pictures

Devices

This menu option is for any external media devices connected to the local machine.

Local Network

The Local Network allows users to access media from multicast DNS, server access points, and universal plug and play.

Internet

The Internet section includes support for podcasts including Icecast and the Luxembourg-based music platform, Jamendo

All of the interfaces mentioned above are accessible from the “Media” drop-down menu located in the upper right corner.

Video File Conversion

VLC for Windows also supports video file conversion. The developers packed virtually every conversion file format option into VLC for Windows. The file conversion interface is accessed from the “Media” down menu. The interface allows users to select convert multiple files from the local disk, network, or external media player.

File Playback

VLC’s file playback is pretty straight forward with the ability to jump ahead or backward by ten secs or customize the time and navigate by chapter. There is also a bookmark feature that allows you to bookmark a specific time during a video, to pick up where you left off effortlessly.

Audio

VLC supports using both integrated sound cards and external speakers.

Video

VLC video playback supports zooming from 1:4 ratio up to 2:1 and aspect ratio from the video files to 16:9 to 5:4. The video play options also include support for converting interlaced video to non-interlaced video. VLC also supports video snapshots.

Subtitle

VLC supports playing subtitles integrated with the video during playback, as well as allowing users to upload a subtitle file from the local disk.

The “Tools” drop-down includes the following:

Video Effects

VLC includes audio and video effects as well as audio and video synchronization management capabilities.

VLM Configurator

VLC allows users to manage streaming and VoD from multiple sources in one area. The VLM only supports control from telnet and HTTP.

Preference and Customization

VLC for Windows supports customization features, including toolbar position, toolbar elements and widget adding, and full-screen playback options.

The VLC media player for Windows is an excellent tool, which will play virtually any video file and is packed with added features, making it a must-have.