The best media player (arguably) for Windows has got even better. VLC Player has been updated to v1.1.0 which brings in many useful and interesting features like extensions, new UI, GPU acceleration amongst others. For those who are unaware of VLC,
VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework, that plays most of the multimedia files, media and streaming protocols.
It is simple to use, yet very powerful and extendable.
It can handle DVDs, (S)VCDs, Audio CDs, web streams, TV cards and much more. You don’t need to keep track of a dozen codec packs you need to have installed. VLC has all codecs built-in. It comes with support for nearly all codec there is. And what is more it can even play back the file or media if it is damaged! Missing or broken pieces are no stop to VLC, it plays all the video and audio information that’s still intact.
The latest release brings in better support for HD videos. This is possible via GPU decoding on Windows Vista and 7, using DxVA2 for H.264, VC-1 and MPEG-2. It also brings in support for new codecs, like Blu-Ray subtitles, MPEG-4 lossless and VP8.
Extensions for VLC is another cool feature worth talking about. New add-ons and script framework are available so one can personalize his/her vlc player. There are 2 main types of scripts: content add-ons, integrated in the playlist and functionality extensions, like metadata searching on the web, or subtitles look-ups.
Another major but expected addition in VLC 1.1.0 is support for WebM decoding and encoding. It also promises better streaming capabilities.
Raju PP is the founder-editor of Technically Personal. He holds an Engineering degree in Electronics & Communication, and has previously worked as a Technical Specialist in Banking Software domain.
VLC is my favorite media player
. its support almost all formats.
I used win 7 codec pack, however, I found that VLC suit me the most as it has so many features for me to control video playback compared to WMP 12.The best thing is it helps me to filter out the noise of Vuvuezela by installing a plug in when I watch online Live world cup matches.