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When it comes to video files, nothing is ever as easy as it should be. Thankfully, VLC Media Player offers a one-stop solution for the file-format problem. The program supports playback of OGG, MP2, MP3, MP4, DivX, DVD, and a whole slew of other file types. In addition, it also can function as a streaming media server. Because of its open-source foundation, VLC Media Player evolves quickly, with new features and fixes released frequently.
Though the interface varies from platform to platform, the sparseness of the Windows version leaves plenty to be desired. The skinned mode perks things up slightly, but the program seems to suffer from unpredictable behavior when skinned. Also, the basic task of opening a file is far more confusing than it should be; the program gives you several options, including the head-scratching Quick Open File. Overall, though, VLC Media Player is a must-have application for its ability to open just about any type of video file you throw at it.
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. The most prominent additions to version 0.8.6 are probably Windows Media Video 9 and Flash Video. Other important changes are improved H.264 decoding, better Windows Unicode support, and a full-screen.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 3,440 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 87 votes
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My rating:
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"very useful media player"
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
The good products for user media player.
Cons
truly awful you and i.
Summary
if you want simple yet powerful player you need to choose this one than others.
The best choice of media player for online user.
Updated on Jul 9, 2009
Updated on Jul 9, 2009The best choice of media player for online user. -
"great product for opening difficult video files"
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
Good product
Cons
Couldn't find any
Summary
great
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"It's an all-in-one program, simple and easy to use."
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
You can open any media file format. Won't have to lookup codecs as in Windumbs Media Player. If media sound quality is vague, you can increase volume beyond Windows max as well as video quality, if too dark, increase brightness, and so on..awesome!
Cons
None! To CNET: Why do you have to make this a required field?
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"Works Great"
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
I tried several other players, updates to players I had none would help with a driver issue I had. Downloaded this one and it took off and played great.
Cons
None at all.
Summary
If you want a simple yet powerful player you need to check this one out. I loaded this onto a computer for my daughter and wanted something simple to use. This one met and exceeded my expectations.
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"Full Featured"
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
Full featured
Cons
Nothing to dislike
Summary
Surpasses costly programs
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"Very useful media player."
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
Plays just about everything.
Cons
Truly awful UI.
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"Plays dang near anything"
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
Like I said, there's not much this little player can't play. Just throw something at it and watch it work.
Cons
It used to be a little inaccessible, but the look and usability have improved.
Summary
It's come a long way. I'm very pleased with it. It works and it's free, what more could you want?
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"Great feature improvements of an already great product."
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
Fast, no-nonsense decoding with more power features than the average user could ever figure out. Not a memory hog, releases handles when it's finished.
Cons
None. It works where others won't.
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"Have had a very good run with it so far."
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
Did instal this program just lately and had no bad things happenig.
Cons
Nothing to bad to report so far
Summary
Can not tell you anything negativ about this product.
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"Installed nicely"
Version: VLC Media Player 0.9.9
Pros
Downloaded movies are easily recognized by the cone symbol.
Cons
Haven't found any cons yet.
Summary
Product works smoothly.
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