VLC Player is one of the world's most widely used media players, as it is available as an open-source platform and can be obtained for free. You are probably also a big fan of VLC, but the strange fact is that you need to be made aware of its great features. Yes! There are so many things hidden in the VLC platform. The article below will help you discover some of the most exciting features from this vast list.
1. Create Audio and Video Effects:
We often feel that audio and video on a media file need to be correctly synchronized, and it could look more charming. Most of you may be curious to get an idea about troubleshooting, and moreover, you may also want to add some new effects to develop custom videos. To do this, simply open the VLC media player on your system and then navigate to the Tools option. Now click on the Effects and Filters option from the drop-down menu. Select another video or sound effect (depending on what you want to adjust). This allows users to apply various impacts and see the changes side by side. It is much easier to adjust parameters like color and brightness on a VLC media player. Go to the Sync tab to perfectly sync your audio and video files. The action will be done in seconds.
2. Record your desktop:
It's good to know that VLC has an excellent screen recorder that can grab videos from your desktop while acting as a screen recording tool. To enable desktop recording on VLC, just go to the Media option and then go to Switch/Save. Now go to the Capture Device tab and then select Capture Mode. This opens a drop-down menu where you need to select the desktop to record. Adjust the frame rate for your video, make choices for codecs and finally, define your export directory for saving edited content. Click the Stop button on the screen if you want to stop recording.
3. Convert Video Files:
You will be happy to know that the VLC media player also allows users to convert their media file formats, which can be done without any additional plugins. To proceed with the conversion, go to the Media option and select Convert/Save from the menu. Now click the Add button to select your file and once it's added, select the Convert option from the drop-down menu in the bottom right corner of the screen.
4. Stream media over the network or the Internet:
VLC can also stream media over a local network and on the Internet. To start this process, hit the Media menu option in the VLC window, select stream from the drop-down menu, add your media file, and finally, hit the stream option. It is possible to use VLC as a media server so that you can manage your streaming videos on the network.
5. Play and Download YouTube Videos Safely:
While VLC cannot help you download YouTube videos directly from the Internet, it can help you download a video link to your own player. If you want to watch a video from YouTube using VLC, just go to the Files option and open the network stream. Paste your YouTube URL there, and your video will load there shortly. If you are interested in downloading this video, go to Tools and select codec information. Now copy your text from the location box visible at the bottom of the screen.
6. Rip a DVD:
You don't need to spend extra CD ripping software if you already have VLC on your device. You can develop an archive from the backup of DVDs using VLC, which can be viewed later when your disc is unavailable. To do this:
- Go to media and select the Convert/Save option.
- Click on the disc tab, and under the disc selection option, select the radio button of your inserted disc.
- Choose your desired codec type and save your file with the desired extension.
7. Subscribe to Podcasts:
Another exciting thing about VLC is that it works as a powerful podcast manager. If you want to access the podcast menu, just go to Watch and select Playlist from the available menu. Scroll down, and below you will find the podcast option. When you're ready to add a podcast, hover over the podcast option. Further, find + sign on your screen and click on it. Enter the URL of the podcast and press OK. Select your podcast to find its tracks, and soon you will be able to play them.
8. Add Watermark to Video:
It is possible to customize videos on VLC as it helps users add their personal watermarks. You don't need to download a particular watermark maker or video editor if you already have VLC. However, keep in mind that it is essential to have a recording feature on VLC to save videos with watermarks. To start the process, go to the Tools option and select Effects and Filters. Click the Video Effects tab, and then under the Overlay tab, you will find it easily.
9. Take a screenshot:
Often you want to take a snapshot for your video; use VLC to complete this task. Use the Shift+S keyboard shortcut on Windows and Linux, while OS X users can continue with the CMD+ALT+S command. The image is directly saved in the respective folder of your video clip.
10. Video Background:
Here's another exciting task to do with VLC: create a video wallpaper for your desktop. To do this, go to Tools and then select Preferences. Click the Video option available in the Output drop-down menu. Here it would be best if you chose DirectX video output. Save it and restart VLC. Will you be asked if you want to set it as wallpaper the next time you play this video? Press yes and make your desktop attractive.