VLC Media Player (32-bit)

VLC Media Player (formerly VideoLAN Client) is a highly portable free multimedia player for various audio and video formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, MP3, and OGG, as well as for DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It also can be used as a server for unicast or multicast streams in IPv4 or IPv6 on a high-bandwidth network.



With a new audio core, hardware decoding and encoding, port to mobile platforms, preparation for Ultra-HD video, and special care to support more formats, 2.1 is a major upgrade for VLC 2024.

Rincewind has a new rendering pipeline for audio, with better efficiency, volume, and device management, to improve VLC audio support. It supports many new devices' inputs, formats, and metadata and improves most of the current ones, preparing for the next-gen codecs.


VLC Media Player is a highly popular and versatile media player software that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. It is a free and open-source multimedia player developed by the VideoLAN project.

Here's an overview of VLC Media Player and its key features:

Cross-Platform Compatibility: VLC is available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This makes it accessible to a wide range of users across different devices.

Format Support: The app is known for its extensive format support. It can play almost any audio or video file format you throw at it, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, MKV, MP3, FLAC, and more. It even supports the playback of incomplete or damaged media files.

Stream and Network Capabilities: It allows you to stream media over local networks or the internet. It supports various streaming protocols, including HTTP, RTSP, RTP, MMS, and more. You can also use VLC as a server to stream media to other devices.

Advanced Playback Features: VLC provides a range of playback options to enhance your viewing experience. It supports customizable playlists, playback speed adjustment, audio and video filters, subtitles, and synchronization options. You can also take screenshots or record your screen while playing media.

Video and Audio Effects: It includes a set of video and audio filters and effects. You can adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation, apply sharpening or denoising effects, and much more. It also supports audio equalizer presets for fine-tuning the sound output.

DVD and Blu-ray Support: It can play DVDs and Blu-ray discs directly from the optical drive or from ISO files. It provides basic navigation controls, such as chapter selection and menu access, making it a convenient option for movie enthusiasts.

Customizable Interface: VLC's interface is simple and intuitive, but you can customize it to suit your preferences. You can change the skin/theme, customize the toolbar layout, and even create custom skins using VLC's skin editor.

Plugin and Extension Support: VLC offers a range of plugins and extensions that extend its functionality. You can find additional features like support for webcams, integration with online streaming services, and more.

Advanced Options: It provides advanced options and settings for power users and enthusiasts. These options include network caching settings, audio output configurations, subtitle rendering options, and more, allowing you to fine-tune the player according to your needs.

Advanced formats

Input Media
UDP/RTP Unicast, UDP/RTP Multicast, HTTP / FTP, MMS, TCP/RTP Unicast, DCCP/RTP Unicast, File, DVD Video, Video CD / VCD, SVCD, Audio CD (no DTS-CD), DVB (Satellite, Digital TV, Cable TV), MPEG encoder, Video acquisition.

Input Formats
MPEG (ES, PS, TS, PVA, MP3), AVI, ASF / WMV / WMA, MP4 / MOV / 3GP, OGG / OGM / Annodex, Matroska (MKV), Real, WAV (including DTS), Raw Audio: DTS, AAC, AC3/A52, Raw DV, FLAC, FLV (Flash), MXF, Nut, Standard MIDI / SMF, Creative™ Voice.

Miscellaneous
SAP/SDP announces, Bonjour protocol, Mozilla/Firefox plugin, ActiveX plugin, SVCD Menus, Localization, CD-Text, CDDB CD info, IGMPv3, IPv6, MLDv2, CPU acceleration.

Plays all formats
DVD, Text files (MicroDVD, SubRIP, SubViewer, SSA1-5, SAMI, VPlayer), Closed captions, Vobsub, Universal Subtitle Format (USF), SVCD / CVD, DVB, OGM, CMML, Kate. ID3 tags, APEv2, Vorbis comment.

Alternatives

PotPlayer: A sleek and modern multimedia player that offers a wide range of customization options. It supports various codecs and features advanced functionalities such as 3D playback and screen recording.

KMPlayer: A comprehensive multimedia player that provides a solution for playing different types of media files. It enhances the viewing experience with its diverse set of features and functionalities.

GOM Player: A free video player that ensures smooth playback of videos in various formats. It comes with an integrated codec, offering compatibility with a wide range of video file types.

Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): A lightweight and customizable media player that resembles the classic Windows Media Player interface. It supports multiple formats and provides essential playback features.

5KPlayer: A versatile multimedia player capable of playing 4K, 5K, and even 8K videos. It supports features like AirPlay, and DLNA streaming, making it suitable for both local and online media playback.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows (7, 8, 10, 11), macOS (10.7 or later), Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, and more.
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor (multi-core recommended for HD playback).
• RAM: 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended for HD playback).
• Storage Space: Around 200 MB of free disk space for installation.
• Graphics Card: Most modern graphics cards are supported.
• Sound Card: Any compatible sound card.
• Internet Connection: Required for online media streaming and some additional features.

PROS

• Versatile Media Support
• Cross-Platform Compatibility
• Customizable Interface
• Advanced Playback Features
• Open-Source Development

CONS

• Limited Streaming Capabilities
• Complex Preferences Menu
• Occasional Playback Issues
• Outdated User Interface

Conclusion

Overall, VLC Media Player is a reliable and feature-rich media player that offers broad format support, extensive customization options, and the ability to handle various streaming and playback tasks. Its open-source nature, regular updates, and active community make it a popular choice among users worldwide.

Also Available: VLC Media Player (64-bit), VLC Media Player for Mac and VLC Media Player Portable