VLC Media Player for Linux

VLC Media Player for Linux is a free, open-source, cross-platform multimedia player that handles playback of various audio and video file types. It supports common and uncommon formats without requiring external codec installations. It provides modules for video rendering, audio playback, subtitle synchronization, and playlist management within a single interface.

VLC Media Player for Linux also includes streaming media from network sources, media transcoding, and converting files between supported formats. You can extend functionality through plugin modules and customize the interface using optional skins. The software operates as a standalone player with integrated playback, navigation, and media management controls.

Universal player

VLC Media Player for Linux has built-in decoding modules that enable playback of most video and audio formats, including common types such as MP4, AVI, MKV, MP3, and FLAC. It directly opens files without requiring separate codec installation. The player supports DVD, VCD, Blu-ray menu navigation, and streaming media from network sources using HTTP, RTP, and RTSP protocols. Subtitles can be loaded manually or automatically.

You can open streams from URLs, join multicast streams, or use it to broadcast content from your own machine. The player can transcode input media into various formats during streaming, allowing for delivery over bandwidth-limited networks. VLC’s conversion tool re-encodes video and audio files into other formats supported by its codec library, allowing content to be stored in alternate containers or compressed to meet space or compatibility requirements.

Interface customization is supported through downloadable skins, which modify window appearance and control layouts. Additional functionality can be added through plugins that expand support for new streaming protocols or add filters. Video and audio filters can apply transformations such as sharpening, color adjustments, and spatial audio effects during playback. However, it lacks media editing capabilities. Playback settings include looping, playback speed adjustments, and frame-by-frame stepping.

All formats supported

VLC Media Player for Linux combines a single application's file playback, network streaming, and media conversion. Its features include extensive codec support, subtitle synchronization, and configurable audio and video filters. It supports plugins for extended functionality and interface customization through skins. However, it lacks integrated editing tools or media library management beyond basic file browsing. It functions as a self-contained media player with modular feature support.

• Improves playback
• Codec updates