VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player and streaming media server that can play almost any file type, works across multiple operating systems, and requires few system resources. It allows users to play video and audio files, discs, and streams. While it lacks flashy design features, it offers simple layout and ease of use. VLC is recommended for libraries due to its ability to support a wide variety of file formats with minimal hardware requirements.

1. VLC Media Player
in the Library
The Little Media Player
that Could…

2. What Is It?
The Details
a highly portable • Made by non-profit
free and open- organization
source media VideoLAN based
out of France
player and
streaming media • Made to provide
light, easy access
server to digital media
• Learn more @ VLC
Product Website

3. What Can It Do?
• Plays
– Plays almost any kind of media: Files, Discs,
Streams, etc.
– Recognizes most file types
– Find the full list of features here
• On
– Install on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, etc
– Portable version also available
• For
– Open Source Software
– Freely available @ www.videolan.org/vlc/

4. VLC In the Library
Why? Who?
• Great for any type of library • Can be used in any library
working with digital files by anyone, staff or patron,
• Very few technology to listen to music, watch
requirements make it ideal videos, or view streaming
for any size library with content live
even the smallest budget
• Supports most file types
– Light weight software
requiring little computer making it a great program
resources for public use: anyone with
– Compatible with most any type of file can play it
operating systems with VLC!

5. What’s the Downside?
Advantages Disadvantages
• Simple layout, easy to use • Not very flashy (recently
• Plays a HUGE variety of started offering skins to
files
• Lightweight software can design software)
run on almost any machine • Offers very detailed
– great for older, slow
computers and non- setting preferences that
Windows machines can prove confusing
• Totally free!! • Requires more memory
• Fun Feature: Can enhance than other similar
sound up to 200% of
regular volume. Great for products, but recognizes
bad speakers or laptops! more formats in return

6. Competing Products
Applications to play audio and visual digital media abound
online. Although the final product is essentially the same,
each application offers its own set of unique features.
Alternative Products
• Windows Media Player (Windows)
• iTunes/Quicktime (Mac OSX)
• Open Source Applications
– Amarock
– Banshee
– Rhythmbox
– KMPlayer

7. My Opinion
Go for It!
VLC is a long-time fan
favorite among users
online, and a time-
tested quality product.
There is very little it
can’t do and rarely
disappoints.