VLC Player: The V Stands for "Versatile"

Okay, so, the V doesn't really stand for "versatile." It may as well, though. VLC Player (whose acronym actually stands for VideoLan Client -- an outdated title) comes with a rather tiny user interface. Don't let that fool you, though. This media player can do many, many things. (And, in case you haven't gotten the hint: it's free and open sourced.)

For rundowns on various features of VLC, you can check out VideoLAN's main site. In my own net browsing experiences, I've seen most VLC recommendations associated with its ability to play a multitude of various video file formats. Not only can you use it for your DVD player on your computer, you can also use it as the video player of pretty much anything.

Windows users may be familiar with launching Windows Media Player only to be told that you are lacking the appropriate "codec" for the file you are trying to play. For those who are not fans of technical territory, all you need to know about a codec is that it is something used to encode a video file, usually for the benefits of compression rates to make smaller files. Actually, that's more than you need to know. (But if NBC's classic PSA campaigns have any truth to them, that's okay.) The point: VLC won't pester you with such messages. It comes with all those nifty codecs. It's just that awesome. And considerate. (And it probably doesn't even hear "Thank you" that often. I know, I know, it's a crime.)

Mac won't find the VLC Player useless, either. Formats usually restricted to Windows platforms, such as .WMV, aren't Quicktime-friendly. But you know whom these file formats are friendly with? If you guessed VLC Player, you're right!

I've been emphasizing VLC's input and viewing capabilities for the most part. In my experiences with the program, I do think that these features are the best part about it. VLC does offer quite a bit in other departments, but I usually use other programs for these jobs. Still, those wishing to stick to one program for simplicity's sake may find VLC's multi-puprose quality worth noting.

VLC Player can also handle converting files into new formats, or even just grabbing the audio off of a video and turning it into an .MP3. Some people also use VLC for screencapping purposes. For those unfamiliar with the term, screencaps are image snapshots or 'captures' from a particular frame or frames of a video.

As with all software, VLC isn't flawless. The conversion and screencapping features I just mentioned haven't always met with the greatest success, especially when compared to other programs with similar functions. My main choice for conversions is the program SUPER, which is freeware but not open source. Two other programs good for conversions, but especially for screencapping, are VirtualDub Mod and Avidemux.

If you're really just into a good multimedia player, though, VLC Player will be perfectly apt for your needs.