VideoLAN has rolled out a massive update to VLC, bringing a slew of new features to every platform – including Windows 10, Xbox One, and Windows phone. Codenamed "Vetinari," the update pushes VLC up to version number 3.0 and, along with a massive list of bug fixes, brings support for hardware decoding for 4K and 8K playback, HDR, and much more.
Here's a look at some of the highlights, from VideoLAN:
- VLC 3.0 "Vetinari" is a new major update of VLC.
- VLC 3.0 activates hardware decoding by default, to get 4K and 8K playback!
- It supports 10bits and HDR
- VLC supports 360 video and 3D audio, up to Ambisoncics 3rd order
- Allows audio passthrough for HD audio codecs
- Can stream to Chromecast devices, even in formats not supported natively
- Can play Blu-Ray Java menus: BD-J
- VLC supports browsing of local network drives and NAS
VLC is already the go-to media player for many due to its wide codec support and sheer flexibility. The move to version 3.0 drives home that utility even more, particularly as more people start adopting 4K displays with HDR on board.
VLC version 3.0 is available now for all major platforms. You can pick up the Windows and Xbox updates from the Microsoft Store now. And for a full account of what's new, you can check out the lengthy release notes at VideoLAN.
