VLC media player

The VLC Media Player is multimedia software that enables users to manage their multimedia on their Windows PC, especially for Windows 10. It supports multiple audio/video formats and helps users to play videos, listen to audio, and so on. It is fast, simple to use, and free. 

It is capable of recognizing and playing various types of files while using the codecs that are integrated into different libraries, such as FFmpeg, and works reliably for both common and open formats. It is one of the go-to solutions to offer a comprehensive experience of watching videos, streaming content, etc.

What is VLC Media Player?

VLC Media Player, or previously known as VideoLAN client, developed by the VideoLAN project, is an open-source and free multimedia application. It is portable and cross-platform, so you can use it on any digital device, including Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and so on. The integration with audio/video compression enables the software to convert your multimedia file into the format you want.

It was just a video playback at the first stage, but gradually it has become the powerhouse for multimedia to manage the entire process. The built-in coding/encoding capabilities, empowered with the FFmpeg library, enable users to transcode multimedia files easily. 

VLC Media Player Features

Modern Interface

The Windows interface is specifically attractive and modern. You can easily customize the minimalist design, such as selecting the theme you want i.e. dark, light, or a multitude of colors. The clean layout features essential controls, including playback, timeline navigation, and volume, among others. The customization is flexible, enabling users to modify everything to enhance the standard. The main screen includes videos, audio, browse, and network. You will find the following content in the sections, i.e.

• Video section includes camera roll, shows, and videos
• Audio section includes artists, albums, songs, and playlists
• Browse section includes local media files, removable storage, or open files
• Network section play using a local file

Customization Options

The users are capable of customizing the interface to enhance their viewing experience, such as giving a cool look to your player while downloading custom skins, or crafting your own skin if you aren’t satisfied with the premade options. Enjoy limitless file format support with the help of additional codecs available in your library.

Advanced Features

At an early stage, VLC was only a video playback, but now it offers advanced functionality such as playing Blu-ray or DVD, an audio equalizer, tools to sync subtitles, etc. In addition, you can get more refined control while adjusting audio frequencies, manually correcting subtitle timing, applying effects, and so on. However, it has made the main screen a little bit complex for novices. 

Simple to Use

The simplicity and flexibility are the basic feature of VLC that makes it easier and simpler for both professionals and beginners. On accessing the main screen after opening any file, which will play in the center of the window, and all the controls will appear at the bottom, and you have to click on each option to check its function. You will find the following options from left to right of the screen;

• Lock
• Shuffle
• Mini Player
• Fullscreen
• Cast
• Subtitles
• Audio options

High-resolution Content

You will find high-resolution content, including 4k, 8k, etc, and the support of multiple hardware acceleration technologies, including DirectX, VAAPI, VDPAU, enabling VLC to be one of the highly efficient media players, no matter if you have a low-end device.

Streaming Capability

VLC has support for multiple protocols i.e. HTTP, RTSP, and HLS, to allow users to watch streaming videos from both sources; online and local media sources. It is also capable of playing direct stream URLS while copying from Twitch, YouTube, etc.

Format Conversion

VLC media player is a versatile software that supports a lot of audio/video formats, and allows users to convert formats while using the real-time transcoding functionality. You need to have some know-how about technical settings i.e. output profiles, encoding parameters, etc. 

Smart TV Support

The support for smart TV enhances your watching experience, as the digital TV tuner, you can easily watch as well as record live TV. So, the software proves an all-in-one solution while offering services like a television and a computer as well. 

Sync Subtitles

The subtitle synchronization is one of the key features to allows users to watch their favorite content, no matter what type of language the video has. Simply select the language, add a subtitle, and also finely tune subtitle timing to create exact matching between audio/video playbacks.

Pros

• Open-source and free utility
• Simple to use interface
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Safe and secure
• Subtitle synchronization
• Support streaming videos
• Support multiple advanced formats
• HD video player support
• Completely free of advertisement
• Multiple customization options

Cons

• Limited language support for subtitles
• Incompatibility with cloud storage
• The desktop version has limited customization options
• DVDs or Blu-rays aren’t supported