Several years in development and now finally available: The VLC 3.0 version of Videolan‘s media player. The update is called “Vetinari” and comes with useful new features, here is a hopefully equally useful overview:
New VLC 3.0 features
While not much has changed visually in the interface itself, users can look forward to many new functions. According to Videolan, the 3.0 version will be the last with support for older platforms such as Windows XP and Vista – so watch out if you install it on your parents’, grandparents’ or authorities’ computers.
Network, HDR, 360° and Chromecast
With the new update, local network browsing is now possible, with support for SMB, FTP, SFTP and NTFS, among others. Furthermore, the player now also offers HDR thanks to new 12-bit codecs and extended colour spaces. 360° videos and 3D audio can also be viewed and listened to via VLC. Ambisonics audio and more than 8 audio channels are also supported. HD audio codecs can be forwarded directly to external systems. A long-awaited feature for many users is the stream option to Chromecast, even for formats that are not natively supported. Those who also want to watch videos in high resolutions and fps can use the automatically activated hardware decoding.
Hardware decoding & codecs
Since the update, hardware decoding is possible on all supported platforms, which means you can now watch 4K and 8K videos. The following hardware decoders, among others, have been added for acceleration:
- HEVC hardware decoding (Windows, Android, macOS, iOS)
- MPEG-2, VC1/VMV3 decoding (Android)
- New VA-API decoder and rendering for Linux
In addition to reworking the MP4, PS and TS containers, Videolan has also added support for the following codecs: Cineform, TDSC, Canopus HQX, SpeedHQ, Pixlet, QDMC and FMVC decoders, as well as experimental AV1 and Daala video decoders. A complete list can be found in the release notes.
Compatibility
VLC 3.0 Media Player is available for almost every platform. Supported platforms include Windows XP to 10 RS3, macOS 10.7 – 10.13, iOS 7 – 11, Android from 2.3 – 8.1, GNU/Linux, Ubuntu. Further information can be found here.
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