News has been floating about the exclusion of Media Center from
the new version of Microsoft's Windows 8 software. Now the by default
version of playing your media files will no longer be present in the
latest Windows version. Nevertheless, you still have other option
available, VLC Media. This is one of the best media players that is
freely available for playing DVD, streaming video, converting other
media files into viewable formats and ripping DVDs and much more. Let us
find out the versatility of VLC player and how you can utilize it to
your advantage.
About VLC Player
If you think that you can only play DVDs on your VLC player then check your facts again. You can play an array of other physical video storage devices upon this player including CD, VCD and even SVCD. Any kind of video media is acceptable and supportive of VLC and this is the reason why it is the most popular medium of playing videos. If you are worried about Blu-ray encryption then you can play it too, Media->Open File.
If you are wondering if VLC can play music too then you will not be disappointed. You can play your choice of music streaming from internet or your own network, Media->Open Network Stream. If you want to save and stream media from a live channel like webcams then, Media>Open Capture Device, this will reveal options that will enable streaming and even saving the files that you are viewing.
Capture Video frames
Smartphones are not the only option to capture screen shots; even VLC has a pre-loaded functionality that enables in capturing screen shots. Go to Video->Snapshot, this will enable storing an individual captured frame. As soon as you are done your captured screenshot is stored in the by default folder of pictures.
Podcasts and Online radio
VLC is an all-in-one option when it comes to playing and streaming audio. It has options that allows you to stream and manage Podcasts, View->Playlist to reveal the playlist->Internet Option to reveal online list of music stations. If you are looking for your favorite Podcast then Click + button in Podcasts option, then add the URL for RSS and it is saved. This way you can add as many stations as you want and instantly access them via VLC.
Change how VLC looks with customizable skins
Originally VLC does not look impressive as it comes in vanilla. Nevertheless, do not be disappointed as you can still change the way it looks. There are a few easy steps that you can apply and change the look or the skin of your VLC. Go to Tools->Preferences-> Interface. Look and Feel portion->Use custom skin->Choose.vlc skin file. You will see numerous options to change the skin of VLC.
Trans-coding files made easy
It
is not always possible to play or handle media formats that are other
than ASV1 and other such file extensions. But VLC is capable of playing
it all, you just need to make relevant changes by Trans-coding the files
and it is done. In simple words VLC media has an internal feature that
is capable of converting media files. Go to Media->
Convert/Save->Add button->Select the media file you want to
convert. Now as soon as you Click Convert Option the process of media
conversion begins. As soon as you get a command prompt of saving the
converted file remember to choose from .wav, .mpg, .ogg or .mov file
extensions.
At times you might have observed that you get a codec file that refuses to play on your video player. This trouble too can be overcome by VLC. Go to Settings-> Drop down and choose the file type, for video the best option is that of MP4 and if you are attempting to access an audio then choose an MP3 format. For more information on codec you can check out the VideoLAN wiki, this will help you understand more about it so that you can choose the best option to access it.
About VLC Player
If you think that you can only play DVDs on your VLC player then check your facts again. You can play an array of other physical video storage devices upon this player including CD, VCD and even SVCD. Any kind of video media is acceptable and supportive of VLC and this is the reason why it is the most popular medium of playing videos. If you are worried about Blu-ray encryption then you can play it too, Media->Open File.
If you are wondering if VLC can play music too then you will not be disappointed. You can play your choice of music streaming from internet or your own network, Media->Open Network Stream. If you want to save and stream media from a live channel like webcams then, Media>Open Capture Device, this will reveal options that will enable streaming and even saving the files that you are viewing.
Capture Video frames
Smartphones are not the only option to capture screen shots; even VLC has a pre-loaded functionality that enables in capturing screen shots. Go to Video->Snapshot, this will enable storing an individual captured frame. As soon as you are done your captured screenshot is stored in the by default folder of pictures.
Podcasts and Online radio
VLC is an all-in-one option when it comes to playing and streaming audio. It has options that allows you to stream and manage Podcasts, View->Playlist to reveal the playlist->Internet Option to reveal online list of music stations. If you are looking for your favorite Podcast then Click + button in Podcasts option, then add the URL for RSS and it is saved. This way you can add as many stations as you want and instantly access them via VLC.
Change how VLC looks with customizable skins
Originally VLC does not look impressive as it comes in vanilla. Nevertheless, do not be disappointed as you can still change the way it looks. There are a few easy steps that you can apply and change the look or the skin of your VLC. Go to Tools->Preferences-> Interface. Look and Feel portion->Use custom skin->Choose.vlc skin file. You will see numerous options to change the skin of VLC.
Trans-coding files made easy
It
is not always possible to play or handle media formats that are other
than ASV1 and other such file extensions. But VLC is capable of playing
it all, you just need to make relevant changes by Trans-coding the files
and it is done. In simple words VLC media has an internal feature that
is capable of converting media files. Go to Media->
Convert/Save->Add button->Select the media file you want to
convert. Now as soon as you Click Convert Option the process of media
conversion begins. As soon as you get a command prompt of saving the
converted file remember to choose from .wav, .mpg, .ogg or .mov file
extensions.At times you might have observed that you get a codec file that refuses to play on your video player. This trouble too can be overcome by VLC. Go to Settings-> Drop down and choose the file type, for video the best option is that of MP4 and if you are attempting to access an audio then choose an MP3 format. For more information on codec you can check out the VideoLAN wiki, this will help you understand more about it so that you can choose the best option to access it.
She is a Technology writer who is keen on any new emerging
technology updates. She is working with Qresolve as a Technical Support
Engineer. Semeli Karen McPherson has been offering online tech support to global customers for issues related to laptops, desktops, Mac and devices including iPods, tablets, iPhones, computer support
and more. She caters to the segment of core technology and provides
viable solutions to any issues related to technology and software. Her
expertise and skills in handling key technology issues is immaculate and
quick result bearing. Through her articles and postings she aims to
provide knowledge and solutions to common technology issues that a user
faces.
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