CNET Editors' note: The VLC Media Player source code is also available.
CNET Editors' review
VLC Media Player is a long-time open-source favorite, and the latest version is also the first to be out of beta development. It's not the only option for free video playback, but it's one of the best, and the feature updates in version 1 make it well worth the upgrade.
Users can now get frame-by-frame advancement, granular speed controls allowing for on-the-fly slower or faster playback, and live recording of streaming video. The toolbars are fully customizable, so you can have only the buttons you need in the interface, there's AirTunes streaming, and there's better integration in Gtk environments. Along with the improvements, VLC continues to offer robust support for a wide range of video and audio formats, including OGG, MP2, MP3, MP4, DivX, HD codecs like AES3, Raw Dirac, and even support for playing back zipped files. The default interface is still a stripped down player that belies VLC's functionality and features. Skinning can fix that quickly, but behavior can still be a bit unpredictable depending on the quality of the skin. VLC's open-source foundation and community ensures that it evolves quickly and often, with new features and fixes released frequently. Overall, VLC Media Player is a must-have application for its ability to open just about any type of video file you throw at it. Watch the CNET video review of VLC Media Player:
Publisher's Description
From VideoLAN Project:
VLC (initially VideoLAN Client) is a highly portable 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.
What's new in this version: Version 1.1.11 contains improvements in the fullscreen mode of the Win32 Mozilla plugin and fixes security issues in the real and avi demuxers.
More Popular Video Players downloads
- VLC Media Player
211,290 downloads
- GOM Media Player
195,480 downloads
- UMPlayer
152,912 downloads
- RealPlayer
95,174 downloads
- FLV and Media Player
60,685 downloads
-
All versions:
4.3 starsout of 3,156 votes
-
Current version:
4.4 starsout of 153 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"absolute worst program ive ever downloaded"
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
absolutely none
Cons
WAY too many settings that mess up other settings often gets stuck on fullscrean leaving no option but control alt delete to close.
now stuck in playlist window with movie still playing with no way to watch it except to close the program and start the movie over being extra careful not to click anything or id have to close the movie. this is retarded
program writers should quit and never make another program ever.Summary
unusable
-
"a must-have app"
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
i think this one is a must-have software in everyone's computer,free software,quite popular
Cons
nothing i want to say
Summary
one sentence,it is so good
-
"good software,should work with steelsoft tv better"
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
I like it.
it is a good software.Cons
it is a good software.
but need to input streaming url while play online tv.Summary
it is a good software.
but need to input streaming url while play online tv.
I choose steelsoft tv to play online tv. -
"NO SO GREAT MEDIA PLAYER"
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
Plays many different kinds of media, including MKV'S.
Cons
Will not play MKV'S CORRECTLY IN 1080 HD, 720 Plays just fine.
Summary
NO NEW UPDATE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE ..........
-
"very Good and Free!"
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
Plays most videos than others.
Cons
No player can play everything so vlc is no different.
Summary
Very Good to have in modern pc.
-
"Have been using VLC for about three years,recent update"
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
Excellent capability, handles most file types that I use.
Cons
Nothing much that I know of.
Summary
Intend to keep using VLC.
-
"I think each version is better"
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
plays formats easily
Cons
Too commanding
Summary
Free and always improving
-
"My favorite media player."
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
Excellent and free is the best combination.
Cons
No cons for a free media player.
Summary
Excellent and free media player. Is there a better on?
-
"THE BEST!!!!!"
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
i like this player better then realplayer, media player or even windows media player. i used this programme for everything from songs to movies.
Cons
none so far
Summary
i highly recommend this to all
-
"I also highly recommend VLC player to anybody."
Version: VLC Media Player 1.1.11
Pros
Almost excelent! To my oppinion trim TS files capability missing to 5 stars.
Cons
Just missing a trim capability, taht's all to my oppinion.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
